Introduction
As one of the world's biggest tech companies, Microsoft Corporation is mostly known for its Windows Operating System Software. However, it also markets personal computing devices, software, and cloud services. Its products also include business and enterprise solutions, productivity applications, and video games. Artificial intelligence, Internet-of-Things (IoT), mixed reality, and related technologies have been added to the company's focus.
If you're interested in how to buy Microsoft shares online then this article is perfect for you. It goes over the rudiments of trading on the eToro platform, tips to know before investing, and how to build your portfolio based on your risk tolerance.
77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
History of Microsoft
Microsoft was co-founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975. Their first project as a software for the personal computer Altair 8800. In 1980, Gates and Allen developed the operating system for IBM's first PC computer. From 1983-1985, Microsoft developed and launched its first Windows software product. The following year, the company raised more than $60 million in an IPO — dubbed by analysts as the "deal of the year". By the time 1990 arrived, Microsoft has grown to become the largest PC software company in the world.
Since then, the company has released several versions of the Windows Operating System Software and other products like Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, the Xbox, Microsoft Surface and more.
What is Microsoft's Stock Symbol?
The ticker symbol of Microsoft is MSFT. You can use this specific symbol to search for the company's trading page with your broker or on any page or service that provides information about Microsoft stocks. Microsoft's shares are commonly traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Microsoft's Price History
After its IPO in March 13, 1986 when Microsoft debuted on the market with a price of $21.00 per share, Microsoft reached its all-time closing price high of $343.11 on November 19, 2021.
Microsoft's Stock Split
Microsoft has undergone stock splits nine times already on the following dates:
| Date | Stock Split |
|---|---|
| September 18, 1987 | 2-for-1 stock split |
| April 12, 1990 | 2-for-1 stock split |
| June 26, 1991 | 3-for-2 stock split |
| June 12, 1992 | 3-for-1 stock split |
| May 20, 1994 | 2-for-1 stock split |
| December 6, 1996 | 2-for-1 stock split |
| February 20, 1998 | 2-for-1 stock split |
| March 26, 1999 | 2-for-1 stock split |
| February 14, 2003 | 2-for-1 stock split |
What is a stock split?
A stock split is performed by a company to divide existing shares into 2-for-1, 3-for-1 and so on, to improve stock liquidity. In the case of Microsoft, the Board of Directors decided to split the stocks to make it more accessible and affordable to a wider range of investors.
Microsoft Stock After Hours
Other than the normal trading hours from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (ET), Investors can trade during the Pre-Market hours from 4:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. ET and during the After-Hours Market from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. ET.
Microsoft Stock Chart
eToro has a charting tool that conveniently tracks Microsoft's performance. You can also use ProChart, which includes advanced features to help you with the analysis of charts. The integrated tool can be used for getting a better overview of Microsoft's price history and performance.
Microsoft Stock News
To keep up to date with what's happening within the Microsoft organization and how it will affect its stock performance, it's best to read the latest Microsoft news. You can also keep up with Microsoft's newest updates by visiting eToro's social trading network and following the updates of the best traders on their trading page. Via the platform, you could see all the current happenings related to MSFT and this could help you get a better perspective on what could possibly happen with Microsoft's stocks.
Why Microsoft Stock is Down?
Much like with other publicly traded companies, when people are confident about Microsoft’s future, their shares tend to do well. However, Microsoft’s stock prices will also be affected by factors that impact all publicly traded companies—most notably market trends and global economic conditions.
When you’re considering investing in a publicly traded company, pay attention to political issues. In some cases, political unrest can have a direct impact on stocks. While it’s impossible to predict how markets will react to political events (nothing is ever certain) research shows that when instability increases in countries where a company sources its raw materials, stock prices tend to fall.
Also keep in mind that Microsoft is highly diversified, meaning it owns several subsidiaries that operate independently. For example, Microsoft Business Solutions focuses on business products for enterprise customers; on its own, it contributes almost 40% of Microsoft’s revenue. This relative independence from its parent company means Microsoft Business Solutions isn’t directly impacted by changes within Microsoft itself—which can help explain why these stocks sometimes rise and fall at different rates.
Microsoft Stock Forecast
According to analysts and the algorithmic forecasts of investors, MSFT stocks can soar to more than $369 in the next year and still provides a "decent long-term investment" for investors. For a multi-year forecast, MSFT is seen as having a good chance of reaching the $600 level five to six years from now.
Financial Media Company Market Beat has compiled forecasts of more than 33 financial analysts who gave Microsoft a "Buy" rating with the exception of a single analyst who gave a "Hold" rating. Consensus for the next 12 months is putting MSFT to increase by almost 18% to $359 while the highest forecast is within the range of $405 to $412, while the lowest forecast came in at $290.
Tip: eToro features a "Research" section on the MSFT trading page. This offer forecasts and other helpful information with regards to your trading goals. For example, you might find out what analysts think about Microsoft shares. The platform also shares trader sentiments about the company’s performance in the stock market.
Reminder: To see the data on eToro's Research tab, you need to have a verified account with funds.
Should I Buy Microsoft Stock?
With its current 52-week range of $
By also considering other factors such as the position of Microsoft as one of the world's largest and leading technology companies and its roster of products and upcoming product launches, the sky has always been the limit for Microsoft.
Remember: To consider if a stock is a suitable long-term investment will depend on your own objectives and the research you have conducted on the stock. Lastly, you should form your own opinion of the company's prospects and likelihood of meeting analysts' expectations.
How to Trade Microsoft Stock?
By using online brokerage and CFD trading platforms such as eToro, investors can invest in MSDT stocks in a more accessible way. With eToro, you'll have the choice of trading real stocks commission-free or trade using contract for difference (CFD). Keep in mind that the availability of real stock trading and CFD trading would depend on your country and regulator.
CFD trading allows you to take a position without owning a stock. In addition to leverage trading, investors are also able to take advantage of margin trading, which allows them to access the full market for an initial investment.
Remember: Traders can speculate on both the rise and fall of Microsoft’s share price by using CFDs.
How to Buy Microsoft Stocks on eToro?
- Login or create an account with eToro if you don't have one.
eToro web-based platform - Enter "Microsoft" or "MSFT" on the search bar, look for the Microsoft result under the Markets category, and click on its corresponding "Trade" button.
Searching for Microsoft stock on eToro's platform - Enter the amount you wish to invest and set the stop-loss, leverage and take-profit according to your trading preferences.
Buying Microsoft stocks on eToro's platform - Click "Open Trade".
Executing Microsoft buy order on eToro's platform
eToro is a multi-asset platform which offers both investing in stocks and cryptoassets, as well as trading CFDs.
Please note that CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 77% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Past performance is not an indication of future results. Trading history presented is less than 5 complete years and may not suffice as basis for investment decision.
Copy Trading does not amount to investment advice. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
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