S&P 500 Dips as Microsoft Leads Tech Selloff

Microsoft is a global technology leader that develops, licenses, and supports a broad range of software, services, devices, and solutions. Founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Microsoft initially gained prominence through its MS-DOS operating system and later Windows, which became the dominant PC operating system worldwide. Over time, the company expanded into cloud computing, productivity software, gaming, and AI, evolving from a software vendor into a comprehensive technology ecosystem[2][4]. Today, Microsoft’s core business revolves around its cloud platform, Azure, which supports enterprise digital transformation and AI innovation. In fiscal year 2025, Microsoft reported a strong financial performance with revenue reaching $76.4 billion, an 18% increase year-over-year, driven largely by a 27% growth in Microsoft Cloud revenue to $46.7 billion. Operating income rose 23%, and net income increased 24%, underscoring robust profitability. The company’s strategic focus on cloud and AI is central to its growth, with Azure surpassing $75 billion in revenue, reflecting broad adoption across industries[3][5]. Microsoft also leads in cybersecurity solutions, with Microsoft Sentinel recognized as a leader in Gartner’s 2025 Magic Quadrant for Security Information and Event Management (SIEM). This AI-powered cloud service enhances threat detection and response, reflecting Microsoft’s commitment to innovation in security and hybrid cloud environments[6]. The company employs over 220,000 people worldwide and continues to drive digital transformation both internally and for its customers. Its vision embraces the integration of AI and human intelligence, pioneering the “Frontier Firm” model—organizations that blend AI agents with human judgment to scale rapidly and innovate continuously[1][4]. With a diversified portfolio including Office 365, LinkedIn, Xbox, and Surface devices, Microsoft remains a dominant force in technology, shaping the future of work, security, and AI-enabled business transformation[2][3][6].

## Overview of Meta Platforms **Meta Platforms, Inc.**, formerly known as Facebook, Inc., is a leading American multinational technology company headquartered in Menlo Park, California. Founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, the company has evolved into a global social networking phenomenon, with a strategic shift towards artificial intelligence (AI) and the metaverse in recent years. ### History and Evolution Meta Platforms began as "TheFacebook" in 2004 and rebranded to Facebook, Inc. in 2005. In 2021, it transitioned to Meta Platforms, Inc., signaling a focus on building the metaverse—a digital ecosystem integrating virtual and augmented reality technologies. This rebranding reflects Meta's ambition to expand beyond social media into new tech frontiers[1][2]. ### Key Activities and Achievements - **Core Business**: Meta operates a "Family of Apps" including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, which collectively serve billions of users worldwide. The company's primary revenue source is digital advertising, with around 97.8% of its revenue coming from this sector as of 2023[2][5]. - **AI and Metaverse Investments**: Meta is aggressively investing in AI, with significant capital expenditures planned for AI infrastructure and talent acquisition. It has also acquired startups like Rivos to enhance internal semiconductor development[1]. - **Reality Labs**: This division focuses on developing VR/AR hardware and software, such as Quest headsets and Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses, despite currently incurring losses[1]. ### Current Status As of September 2025, Meta holds a market capitalization of approximately $1.84 trillion to $1.87 trillion, positioning it as a major player in the global technology landscape[1]. The company recently announced a multibillion-dollar investment in AI startup Scale AI, further solidifying its commitment to AI advancements[2]. ### Notable Aspects - **Market Influence**: Meta is part of the

IBM (International Business Machines Corporation), nicknamed "Big Blue," is a leading American multinational technology company headquartered in Armonk, New York, operating in over 175 countries. Founded in 1911 as the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR), it was renamed IBM in 1924 and became a pioneer in computing technology, notably dominating the computer industry during the 1960s and 1970s with its IBM System/360 mainframe series. This system was revolutionary as the first to cover a full range of applications from small to large-scale computing[2]. IBM is renowned for its extensive industrial research organization, the largest globally, with 19 research facilities worldwide, and it held the record for the most U.S. patents annually for 29 consecutive years (1993–2021)[2]. Its mission focuses on making the world work better through innovation, business ethics, environmental responsibility, and responsible technology, impacting societies globally[3]. Today, IBM leads in hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, integrating software, consulting, infrastructure, and financing services. Its software segment, including automation and Red Hat, is the most profitable, driving growth alongside consulting and infrastructure services that focus on hybrid cloud platforms and AI deployment[1][4]. IBM's AI business alone is valued at over $9.5 billion, reflecting its strategic emphasis on AI-driven transformation[1]. Financially robust, IBM reported Q3 FY 2025 revenue of $16.3 billion, a 9% year-over-year increase, with expanding margins and a raised full-year outlook. The company is also innovating in AI-enabled mainframes and hybrid cloud strategies, supporting enterprise-scale AI adoption[1][7]. Notably, IBM is committed to environmental sustainability, targeting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and remains a significant contributor to technological advancement while facing scrutiny regarding some geopolitical involvements[2][3]. In summary, IBM is a historic yet forward-looking

**Nasdaq** (National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations) is a premier American stock exchange, recognized as the second-largest globally by market capitalization and the first fully electronic stock market. Founded in 1971 and headquartered in New York City, Nasdaq revolutionized trading by introducing an automated, transparent, and efficient platform, setting a technological benchmark for global financial markets[1]. Nasdaq operates as both a stock exchange and a technology company through its parent, Nasdaq, Inc., which also owns multiple other U.S. and Nordic exchanges. It hosts over 4,000 listed companies, including prominent technology giants, foreign firms primarily from China and Israel, and a broad range of industries. Its indices, notably the Nasdaq Composite and Nasdaq-100, are key barometers of technology sector performance and innovation trends[1]. Historically, Nasdaq's achievements include pioneering electronic trading systems, leading market innovations such as the Advanced Computerized Execution System (ACES), and continuously enhancing market accessibility and liquidity. Its fully electronic model has driven high trading volumes, making it the most active U.S. stock market by volume. Nasdaq also plans to expand trading hours to 24 hours a day, five days a week, pending regulatory approval as of early 2025[1]. In recent years, Nasdaq has demonstrated robust financial growth; Q1 2025 earnings showed a 12.5% revenue increase year-over-year to $1.2 billion, with its solutions business growing 11%, reflecting strong demand for market technology and data services. The annual recurring revenue reached $2.8 billion, indicating solid future revenue visibility[2]. Nasdaq continues to benefit from megatrends such as artificial intelligence commercialization, semiconductor industry leadership, and cloud infrastructure expansion, which dominate the growth narrative on its platform[5]. Overall, Nasdaq remains a cutting-edge financial market hub that blends technology innovation with capital market leadership, serving as a vital engine for global busines

Dow Inc. is a leading global materials science company headquartered in Midland, Michigan, with a rich history spanning over 125 years. It specializes in providing innovative material solutions across multiple sectors including packaging, infrastructure, mobility, and consumer applications. Operating through three main segments—Packaging & Specialty Plastics, Industrial Intermediates & Infrastructure, and Performance Materials & Coatings—Dow offers a broad portfolio of products such as ethylene, propylene, polyethylene, and specialty chemicals that serve diverse markets worldwide[1][2][4]. With manufacturing sites in 30 countries and approximately 36,000 employees, Dow reported sales of about $43 billion in 2024, underscoring its significant global presence and economic impact[2]. Despite a recent net income loss reported in the trailing twelve months, the company maintains a strong market capitalization of $15.42 billion and a dividend yield of 6.44%, reflecting ongoing shareholder value[1]. Dow is widely recognized for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. As part of its 2025 sustainability goals, the company aims to generate $1 billion in net present value through projects that enhance nature and promote a circular economy—where waste is minimized by redesigning products and services[3]. Dow has earned ten Edison Awards in 2025, highlighting its leadership in breakthrough sustainable chemistry innovations[4]. The company’s ambition extends beyond business success to being the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive, and sustainable materials science company globally. Dow emphasizes transparent governance, ethical standards, and collaboration with partners to solve complex materials science challenges that contribute to a sustainable future[4][5]. Overall, Dow stands out as a pillar of innovation in materials science, balancing commercial performance with strong environmental and social commitments, making it a key player in both business and technology landscapes.