Microsoft stock slips after Fed jitters as analysts keep upside targets

Published on 09/16/2026 at 15:03 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS

Microsoft stock fell 1.64 percent on September 15, 2026, as rising bond yields weighed on mega-cap tech. Analysts still see upside, with Barclays setting a USD 512.00 target and average expectations near USD 571.41.

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Microsoft Corporation (ISIN US5949181045) stock closed at USD 497.12 on Nasdaq on September 15, 2026, down 1.64 percent from the prior close of USD 505.41 as investors reacted to surging bond yields ahead of the next Federal Reserve rate decision.

Fed worries pressure Microsoft stock

As Upstox reported on September 16, 2026, Microsoft shares fell 1.64 percent as the US 10-year Treasury yield climbed to a 19-year high, putting broad pressure on growth stocks.

According to Seoul Economic Daily on September 16, 2026, Microsoft was among the large-cap technology names losing ground as the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.78 percent, underscoring how macro factors rather than company-specific issues are steering the stock near term.

Analysts keep buy ratings and higher targets

Despite the latest pullback, analysts continue to see upside in Microsoft stock. Barclays analyst Raimo Lenschow maintained a Buy rating on Microsoft and set a price target of USD 512.00, as reported by The Globe and Mail on September 16, 2026.

The same analyst overview notes that the current average price target on Microsoft stands at USD 571.41, implying about 15.0 percent upside from the September 15, 2026 closing level of USD 505.41 referenced in that report, while Wells Fargo also maintains a Buy rating with a USD 700.00 target.

Valuation signals and Azure growth backdrop

According to GuruFocus on September 16, 2026, Microsoft shares at USD 497.12 are roughly 15.0 percent below the platform's GF Value estimate of USD 584.75, suggesting room for appreciation if the company delivers on growth expectations.

In the background, Microsoft has highlighted the strength of its cloud business. As Mitrade reported on September 16, 2026, the company disclosed that Azure has topped USD 100 billion in annual sales for the first time, providing a substantial long-term growth engine even as the stock has gained only about 3 percent year to date.

Stock level and market metrics

Per Nasdaq price data for September 15, 2026, Microsoft stock traded as low as USD 495.54 and last traded at USD 497.12, compared with a prior close of USD 505.41, on volume of about 17,369,438 shares versus an average of approximately 35,550,715 shares, indicating lighter activity on the down day.