Microsoft stock rises as Wall Street refocuses on AI deals and next week’s earnings
NEW YORK, Jan 22, 2026, 16:06 ET — After-hours Microsoft shares climbed late Thursday, outpacing several megacap rivals as investors digested new deal news and braced for the company’s earnings report next week. The move is significant as Microsoft approaches earnings with its cloud and AI story closely scrutinized. Traders have been focusing on contract wins and partnerships as key…