Tech titans Meta and Microsoft have reported strong first-quarter earnings, offering relief to investors grappling with ongoing market volatility linked to President Donald Trump’s escalating trade conflict.

Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, posted a net profit of $16.64 billion, or $6.43 per share, for the January–March period — marking a 35% increase from the same quarter last year. 

The company’s revenue climbed 16% to $42.31 billion, beating analyst projections of around $41.4 billion.

Microsoft also exceeded expectations, with quarterly net earnings reaching $25.8 billion, or $3.46 per share — up 18% year-on-year. Revenue rose 13% to $70.1 billion.

Both firms credited artificial intelligence as a key driver of their performance. Meta has integrated AI tools into its advertising operations, while Microsoft saw continued momentum in its cloud services division.

The upbeat results come as investors remain cautious, with the broader tech sector still reeling from sharp declines. Since Trump’s return to office in January, the combined market value of leading US tech firms has fallen by 24%, or $4.2 trillion.

Despite economic headwinds — including a 0.3% GDP contraction in Q1 — Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the company remains “well-positioned” to manage ongoing uncertainty. 

Meta also launched its standalone AI app, MetaAI, and plans up to $72 billion in capital expenditure this year.

Source: Al Jazeera 

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