These 8 names are the most widely held stocks in the world By Investing.com
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Aug 20 2024
0mins
Should l Buy MSFT?
Source: Investing.com
Top Global Stocks: Bank of America identified the eight most widely held individual stocks globally, with TSMC leading at 94%, followed by Microsoft (87%) and Samsung Electronics (85%).
Investment Trends: In July, long-only funds increased their equity exposure by $10.1 billion, particularly favoring the Industrials sector, while reallocating from bonds to equities, reflecting optimism about the global economic cycle.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy MSFT?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on MSFT
Wall Street analysts forecast MSFT stock price to rise
34 Analyst Rating
32 Buy
2 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 405.200
Low
500.00
Averages
631.36
High
678.00
Current: 405.200
Low
500.00
Averages
631.36
High
678.00
About MSFT
Microsoft Corporation is a technology company that develops and supports software, services, devices, and solutions. Its Productivity and Business Processes segment consists of products and services in its portfolio of productivity, communication, and information services, spanning a variety of devices and platforms. It comprises Microsoft 365 Commercial products and cloud services; Microsoft 365 Consumer products and cloud services; LinkedIn, and Dynamics products and cloud services. The Intelligent Cloud segment consists of its public, private, and hybrid server products and cloud services. It comprises server products and cloud services, including Azure, and enterprise and partner services, including Enterprise Support Services. Its More Personal Computing segment primarily comprises Windows and Devices, including Windows OEM licensing; Gaming, including Xbox hardware and Xbox content; Search and news advertising, comprising Bing and Copilot, Microsoft News, and Microsoft Edge.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Microsoft's Long-Term Potential in Quantum Computing
- Significant Cloud Growth: In Q2 of fiscal 2026, Microsoft reported a 16.7% year-over-year revenue increase to $81.3 billion, with cloud services contributing $51.5 billion, up 26%, indicating strong market demand and sustained growth potential.
- Increased Quantum Investment: Microsoft is heavily investing in its quantum computing ecosystem, introducing the Majorana 1 quantum processor aimed at enhancing computational stability and reducing errors, laying the groundwork for future commercialization.
- Data Center Expansion: The company added nearly 1 gigawatt of data center capacity in Q2 to address the challenge of Azure service demand exceeding supply, demonstrating its ongoing investment and strategic positioning in cloud infrastructure.
- Rapid AI Application Adoption: Microsoft’s Copilot user base surged over 160% year-over-year to 15 million paid users, showcasing its ability to successfully leverage AI in enterprise workflows, further driving revenue growth.
See More
Software Stocks Rally Amid Market Turmoil
- Software Stock Recovery: The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) surged nearly 8% this week, indicating signs of recovery in the software sector despite broader market turmoil due to U.S.-Iran war fears.
- Microsoft's Strong Performance: Microsoft shares rose nearly 5% this week, making it the best performer among the Magnificent Seven, as investors viewed the recent market selloff as a buying opportunity, reflecting renewed confidence in large-cap tech stocks.
- Improved Market Sentiment: Although software stocks fell in January and February due to AI concerns, analysts believe the selloff may have been overly pessimistic, with the software sector's fundamentals remaining solid and a potential re-rating on the horizon.
- Investor Confidence Rebuilding: Deutsche Bank strategists noted that the information technology sector's valuations have returned to levels seen during the 2022 selloff, indicating a recovery in market risk appetite for software stocks, although growth potential may be limited.
See More
AI Spending War Enters New Phase with Power Focus
- CapEx Growth Expectations: Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management forecasts that next year's capital expenditures for major tech firms will significantly exceed market expectations, projecting a 65% increase, which will elevate overall industry investment levels.
- Impact of White House Agreement: The Trump administration announced a voluntary agreement with major tech companies aimed at preventing AI data centers from raising electricity costs for U.S. consumers, mandating firms to build or buy their own power, thereby increasing the demand for power infrastructure investment.
- Structural Shift in Industry: Munster highlighted that tech companies are willing to pay for power, marking a structural shift in the AI arms race from silicon to power, which will lead to prolonged higher capital expenditures.
- Rising Power Demand: The U.S. added a record 10 gigawatts of new data center capacity in 2025, with electricity demand rising 2.8% year-over-year, the fastest growth rate in nearly 20 years, providing strong support for future capital expenditures.
See More
Synopsys Shares Undervalued Amid Market Turmoil, Leading EDA Position
- Market Share Advantage: Synopsys holds a 41% share in the electronic design automation (EDA) market, and despite a more than 32% drop in stock price due to the software sector sell-off, its strong contract backlog and undervaluation maintain its competitive edge.
- AI-Driven Growth: CEO Ghazi stated that AI will transform the engineering software industry, with clients like Nvidia and Tesla increasing demand for complex chip designs, positioning Synopsys to benefit from the multitrillion-dollar AI infrastructure buildout.
- Upgraded Financial Outlook: Synopsys raised its full-year earnings guidance to a range of $14.38 to $14.46 per share, indicating robust financial health amid subdued demand from consumer, automotive, and industrial markets, while still capitalizing on AI growth opportunities.
- Repurchase Plan Boosts Confidence: The board approved a stock repurchase program of up to $2 billion, reflecting confidence in its value, while Nvidia's increased stake further solidifies market optimism surrounding Synopsys.
See More
OpenAI and Anthropic's Intensifying Competition
- Government and Corporate Relations: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated at the Morgan Stanley conference that the government should be more powerful than private companies, emphasizing the responsibility of businesses in the democratic process, which could impact corporate-government collaborations.
- Anthropic's Challenges: Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei criticized Altman's relationship with the Trump administration, noting that the company has not given 'dictator-style praise' to Trump, which may affect its reputation and partnership opportunities in the industry.
- Tensions with the Department of Defense: The Defense Secretary labeled Anthropic as a 'Supply-Chain Risk to National Security' and directed all federal agencies to cease using its technology, potentially leading to a decline in its market share.
- Rapid Growth of OpenAI: OpenAI recently announced a $110 billion funding round at a $730 billion valuation, with an annual revenue run rate of $25 billion, showcasing its ability to expand rapidly in a highly competitive market.
See More
China Abandons 5% GDP Growth Target
- China's Economic Target Shift: China has set its 2026 GDP growth target at 4.5%-5%, marking the lowest target since 1991, which reflects the reality of slowing economic growth and may lead to decreased investor confidence in the Chinese market.
- Historical Context Analysis: Historically, China's economy grew as high as 12%, but as economic cycles change, market optimism about China has waned, indicating that the country's supercycle is over, prompting investors to reassess risks.
- Market Money Flows: Currently, portfolios are heavily concentrated in the 'Magnificent Seven' stocks, with early trading showing neutral money flows in Apple and Google, indicating a cautious market sentiment towards these tech stocks.
- Cryptocurrency Legislation Hurdles: Bitcoin staged a significant rally on hopes of favorable legislation, but faces roadblocks as banks refuse to back a White House proposal, necessitating cautious responses from investors to market volatility.
See More
Microsoft's Long-Term Potential in Quantum Computing
- Significant Cloud Growth: In Q2 of fiscal 2026, Microsoft reported a 16.7% year-over-year revenue increase to $81.3 billion, with cloud services contributing $51.5 billion, up 26%, indicating strong market demand and sustained growth potential.
- Increased Quantum Investment: Microsoft is heavily investing in its quantum computing ecosystem, introducing the Majorana 1 quantum processor aimed at enhancing computational stability and reducing errors, laying the groundwork for future commercialization.
- Data Center Expansion: The company added nearly 1 gigawatt of data center capacity in Q2 to address the challenge of Azure service demand exceeding supply, demonstrating its ongoing investment and strategic positioning in cloud infrastructure.
- Rapid AI Application Adoption: Microsoft’s Copilot user base surged over 160% year-over-year to 15 million paid users, showcasing its ability to successfully leverage AI in enterprise workflows, further driving revenue growth.
See More
Software Stocks Rally Amid Market Turmoil
- Software Stock Recovery: The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) surged nearly 8% this week, indicating signs of recovery in the software sector despite broader market turmoil due to U.S.-Iran war fears.
- Microsoft's Strong Performance: Microsoft shares rose nearly 5% this week, making it the best performer among the Magnificent Seven, as investors viewed the recent market selloff as a buying opportunity, reflecting renewed confidence in large-cap tech stocks.
- Improved Market Sentiment: Although software stocks fell in January and February due to AI concerns, analysts believe the selloff may have been overly pessimistic, with the software sector's fundamentals remaining solid and a potential re-rating on the horizon.
- Investor Confidence Rebuilding: Deutsche Bank strategists noted that the information technology sector's valuations have returned to levels seen during the 2022 selloff, indicating a recovery in market risk appetite for software stocks, although growth potential may be limited.
See More
AI Spending War Enters New Phase with Power Focus
- CapEx Growth Expectations: Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management forecasts that next year's capital expenditures for major tech firms will significantly exceed market expectations, projecting a 65% increase, which will elevate overall industry investment levels.
- Impact of White House Agreement: The Trump administration announced a voluntary agreement with major tech companies aimed at preventing AI data centers from raising electricity costs for U.S. consumers, mandating firms to build or buy their own power, thereby increasing the demand for power infrastructure investment.
- Structural Shift in Industry: Munster highlighted that tech companies are willing to pay for power, marking a structural shift in the AI arms race from silicon to power, which will lead to prolonged higher capital expenditures.
- Rising Power Demand: The U.S. added a record 10 gigawatts of new data center capacity in 2025, with electricity demand rising 2.8% year-over-year, the fastest growth rate in nearly 20 years, providing strong support for future capital expenditures.
See More
Synopsys Shares Undervalued Amid Market Turmoil, Leading EDA Position
- Market Share Advantage: Synopsys holds a 41% share in the electronic design automation (EDA) market, and despite a more than 32% drop in stock price due to the software sector sell-off, its strong contract backlog and undervaluation maintain its competitive edge.
- AI-Driven Growth: CEO Ghazi stated that AI will transform the engineering software industry, with clients like Nvidia and Tesla increasing demand for complex chip designs, positioning Synopsys to benefit from the multitrillion-dollar AI infrastructure buildout.
- Upgraded Financial Outlook: Synopsys raised its full-year earnings guidance to a range of $14.38 to $14.46 per share, indicating robust financial health amid subdued demand from consumer, automotive, and industrial markets, while still capitalizing on AI growth opportunities.
- Repurchase Plan Boosts Confidence: The board approved a stock repurchase program of up to $2 billion, reflecting confidence in its value, while Nvidia's increased stake further solidifies market optimism surrounding Synopsys.
See More
OpenAI and Anthropic's Intensifying Competition
- Government and Corporate Relations: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated at the Morgan Stanley conference that the government should be more powerful than private companies, emphasizing the responsibility of businesses in the democratic process, which could impact corporate-government collaborations.
- Anthropic's Challenges: Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei criticized Altman's relationship with the Trump administration, noting that the company has not given 'dictator-style praise' to Trump, which may affect its reputation and partnership opportunities in the industry.
- Tensions with the Department of Defense: The Defense Secretary labeled Anthropic as a 'Supply-Chain Risk to National Security' and directed all federal agencies to cease using its technology, potentially leading to a decline in its market share.
- Rapid Growth of OpenAI: OpenAI recently announced a $110 billion funding round at a $730 billion valuation, with an annual revenue run rate of $25 billion, showcasing its ability to expand rapidly in a highly competitive market.
See More
China Abandons 5% GDP Growth Target
- China's Economic Target Shift: China has set its 2026 GDP growth target at 4.5%-5%, marking the lowest target since 1991, which reflects the reality of slowing economic growth and may lead to decreased investor confidence in the Chinese market.
- Historical Context Analysis: Historically, China's economy grew as high as 12%, but as economic cycles change, market optimism about China has waned, indicating that the country's supercycle is over, prompting investors to reassess risks.
- Market Money Flows: Currently, portfolios are heavily concentrated in the 'Magnificent Seven' stocks, with early trading showing neutral money flows in Apple and Google, indicating a cautious market sentiment towards these tech stocks.
- Cryptocurrency Legislation Hurdles: Bitcoin staged a significant rally on hopes of favorable legislation, but faces roadblocks as banks refuse to back a White House proposal, necessitating cautious responses from investors to market volatility.
See More
