Microsoft Shares Rise to Sixth in Trading Volume as Edge Push Drives Market Activity

On August 12, 2025, Microsoft (MSFT) rose 1.43% with a trading volume of $9.86 billion, ranking sixth in market activity. The stock’s upward movement was driven by Microsoft’s intensified efforts to shift users from Google Chrome to its Edge browser, a strategy involving in-browser prompts and taskbar alerts. These measures, part of a broader campaign to elevate Edge’s market share, have sparked debate over user autonomy and marketing tactics, despite the company’s emphasis on enhanced security and user experience.

Microsoft’s Edge promotion includes notifications for Chrome users, urging them to adopt Edge as a “more secure alternative.” The latest Canary version of Edge features flags encouraging users to pin the browser to their taskbar if Chrome usage exceeds 90%. While the company frames this as a security initiative, critics argue it risks appearing intrusive, particularly amid ongoing controversies over Windows 10’s security support discontinuation and associated lawsuits.

Amid these developments, Microsoft’s gaming division has provided a stabilizing factor. Continued support for titles like Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5 reassures gamers following recent layoffs at Turn 10 Studios. This update counters concerns about potential disruptions, aligning with the company’s broader commitment to its Xbox brand’s 25th anniversary. Analysts remain cautiously optimistic, with a “Strong Buy” consensus and a 12-month price target of $623.34, reflecting confidence in Microsoft’s long-term growth trajectory despite short-term challenges.

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