Microsoft Shares Surge on AI Cloud Growth

Microsoft shares soared after reporting its fastest cloud growth since 2022, providing evidence that its AI investments are yielding returns.

The rally lifted chip stocks and helped Wall Street rebound, with the Nasdaq jumping 2.8 percent.

The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average also posted strong gains as oil prices retreated.

The surge fueled debate over whether the AI boom represents genuine value creation or financial excess.