Microsoft stock vs Alphabet stock: Why 2026 is the real AI monetization test
NEW YORK, Jan 2, 2026, 10:49 ET Microsoft shares were down about 1.6% at $475.69 in late-morning trade on Friday, while Alphabet rose about 0.7% to $315.20. Microsoft’s market value stood near $3.85 trillion versus roughly $2.94 trillion for Alphabet, with Microsoft trading at about 37 times earnings compared with Alphabet at roughly 24 times. The moves come as investors start 2026 still leaning into big technology names after an AI-led rally in 2025. The S&P 500 gained 16.39% last year and Alphabet jumped 65%, helping make the communication services sector the index’s best performer, Reuters reported. Reuters U.S. stocks