Microsoft's long shadow, Tesla earnings, Adani allegations - What's moving markets

By Geoffrey Smith

Investing.com -- Stocks are set to open lower after Microsoft reported slowing demand even for the fastest-growing parts of its empire. It's another big day for earnings, with Tesla headlining later on, and Boeing, NextEra Energy and Abbott due before the open. Germany departs from eight decades of pacifism, agreeing to ship its modern battle tanks to the world's hottest war zone. And short-sellers Hindenburg Research goes after India's richest man Gautam Adani, wiping nearly $10 billion off his group's value. Here's what you need to know in financial markets on Wednesday, 25th January.

1. As Microsoft goes, so goes the U.S.

Microsofts (NASDAQ:MSFT) earnings reinforced the impression that 2023 is going to be a tough year for business. The software giant, whose broad reach across the business and consumer segments of the economy makes it a decent proxy for the rest of USA Inc., said its revenue grew at the slowest rate in six years in the three months through December, the mid-point of its fiscal year.