Tech Stock Roundup: MicroStrategy and Palantir Join Nasdaq 100; Microsoft Says No to Bitcoin

Key Takeaways

• The Australian government is expanding its News Media Bargaining Code to include platforms like TikTok.
• After notable growth this year, MicroStrategy and Palantis will join the Nasdaq 100.
• Microsoft stock rose after its board refused to add Bitcoin (BTC) to its balance sheet.

Last week, major developments in the tech and financial sectors made headlines. In Australia, a new initiative builds on the 2021 News Media Bargaining Code, aiming to ensure fairer revenue-sharing agreements between tech giants like Google, Meta, and news publishers.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., MicroStrategy and Palantir joined the Nasdaq 100 , signaling the growing prominence of Bitcoin, AI, and data analytics in the financial environment.

Conversely, Microsoft shareholders rejected a proposal to add Bitcoin to the company’s balance sheet, opting for a more cautious approach toward cryptocurrency.

Australia Targets Big Techs

The Australian government is set to introduce new rules requiring companies like Google, Meta, and ByteDance to pay news outlets for using their content. The “news bargaining initiative” will affect platforms generating over $250 million in revenue in Australia.

Building on the 2021 News Media Bargaining Code, the initiative aims to create financial incentives for platforms to share revenue with publishers. The reforms expand the framework to include platforms like TikTok, which has become a major news source for younger Australians.

The changes aim to ensure fairer deals for smaller publishers, who were previously left behind. Since the original code, Australian media outlets have secured substantial revenue deals, which are vital for surviving in a declining print market.

Tech giants Google and Meta have opposed the new framework, arguing that news publishers already benefit from exposure on their platforms. Google expressed concern that the changes could undermine existing deals with Australian publishers.

Meta closed last week down by 0.6% to $620.35, while Google’s parent Alphabet ended on a more positive note, gaining 8.4% to $191.38 per share.

MicroStrategy Joins Nasdaq 100

MicroStrategy, Palantir, and Axon Enterprise have joined the Nasdaq 100, while Illumina, Moderna, and Super Micro Computer will be removed.

MicroStrategy’s inclusion is notable, as it owes much of its success to its Bitcoin holdings, now at 423,650 BTC.

With Bitcoin’s recent rally and institutional interest, MicroStrategy’s rise marks Bitcoin’s growing presence in mainstream finance. MSTR stock has increased by 547% since the beginning of 2024 and may grow further as Bitcoin’s price keeps increasing.

Palantir, known for its AI-driven data analytics, also enters the Nasdaq 100 after stabilizing and gaining traction with government contracts. As Palantir stock rises, its position in the Nasdaq 100 signals its growing influence in the tech space.

Super Micro Computer will leave the Nasdaq 100 as it faces a February deadline to file its delayed annual report or risk delisting.

The stock has been volatile, with concerns over accounting issues and missed disclosures. While it was down earlier in the year, it has recovered nearly 30% as of Friday. However, it is still below its 2024 highs.

Microsoft Avoids Bitcoin Bet

Microsoft shareholders rejected a proposal to add Bitcoin to the company’s balance sheet, disappointing hopes in the crypto community.

The proposal, pushed by the National Center for Public Policy Research, suggested allocating 1% of Microsoft’s $78 billion cash to Bitcoin as an inflation hedge. However, the board opposed it, citing Bitcoin’s volatility and preferring secure investment strategies.

Microsoft joined 91 other publicly traded companies, like MicroStrategy and Tesla, that have added Bitcoin to their treasuries, seeing it as a long-term store of value.

Despite the rejection, Bitcoin advocates like MicroStrategy’s Michael Saylor remain optimistic , predicting that Microsoft may eventually see the value of Bitcoin in the future.

Bitcoin’s volatility remains a divisive issue for institutional investors. But its history of strong returns, especially after halving cycles, continues to attract long-term investors. MicroStrategy’s example demonstrates how Bitcoin’s value can recover and grow over time despite temporary setbacks.

Microsoft’s decision reflects ongoing caution toward cryptocurrencies, highlighting the tension between traditional finance and Bitcoin’s disruptive potential.

MSFT stock gained 0.8% last week.