Big Tech Outperforms Despite Trade War Disruptions

Technology heavyweights Meta and Microsoft posted strong quarterly earnings in the midst of market turmoil caused by President Trump’s trade battles. Meta’s net profit soared by 35%, buoyed by digital ad demand and expansions into AI products. Microsoft similarly beat forecasts, with robust cloud service revenue offsetting softer hardware sales. The results helped lift the Nasdaq index, providing a bright spot against a backdrop of uncertain trade policy. Executives from both firms noted that while tariffs raise supply chain costs, the shift to digital platforms remains a powerful driver. The tech sector appears somewhat insulated from the immediate turbulence impacting manufacturing or agriculture, thanks to global user bases and intangible offerings.