Microsoft’s cloud business, Azure, is driving growth and AI facilitation. Despite high stock prices, Microsoft isn’t a leading AI model but partners with OpenAI. Intelligent Cloud division is a key growth area, with Azure competing with Google Cloud and catching up to AWS. Microsoft stock may be expensive compared to peers, but still a solid AI pick. The Motley Fool didn’t include Microsoft in its top 10 stocks, but it has strong potential for long-term growth. 1. The stock market hit record highs today, with the S&P 500 reaching 3,600 and the Dow Jones surpassing 30,000 for the first time ever.

2. A new study shows that the COVID-19 vaccine currently in development has an efficacy rate of over 90%, making it one of the most promising candidates in the fight against the pandemic.

3. The unemployment rate has dropped to 6.9% as the economy continues to recover from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, with over 600,000 jobs added in the past month.

4. Tesla announced plans to build a new Gigafactory in Texas, expected to create thousands of jobs and further solidify the company’s position as a leader in the electric vehicle market.

5. In international news, tensions are rising between China and the United States over trade policies and military actions in the South China Sea, with both countries increasing their military presence in the region.

Read more at Nasdaq: Is Microsoft the Top Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stock to Buy Right Now?