Group 1: Market Overview - US stocks experienced a significant decline, particularly in the tech sector, with the Nasdaq Composite falling approximately 1.8% due to a tech-driven selloff and a notable drop of over 10% in Microsoft shares [1] - The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average also saw losses of 0.7% and 0.2%, respectively, following a lackluster performance the previous day [1] Group 2: Company-Specific Developments - Microsoft reported higher-than-expected capital spending and a slowdown in cloud sales growth, leading to a deeper decline in its stock price [2] - Meta's shares rose over 7% following a strong quarterly revenue outlook, with plans to invest up to $135 billion in data center expansion to enhance its AI capabilities [2] - Tesla's stock fell more than 1.5% as the company shifted focus from electric vehicles to robotics, despite beating quarterly earnings expectations; however, it reported its first annual revenue decline [3] Group 3: Commodities and Economic Factors - Gold prices surged, briefly exceeding $5,500 per ounce, while crude oil futures climbed, with Brent crude surpassing $70 per barrel amid rising US-Iran tensions [4] - The Federal Reserve's recent decision to keep interest rates unchanged is influencing market expectations, with projections for two quarter-point rate cuts by year-end [5]
Stock market today: S&P 500, Nasdaq sink as Microsoft's post-earnings plunge drags tech down