Big Tech keeps $750 billion AI push as core businesses slow
Why it matters: Alphabet, Amazon, Microsoft and Meta kept huge 2026 spending plans even as ad, retail and cloud growth disappointed investors.
America’s biggest tech companies are sticking with roughly $750 billion in 2026 AI spending even as the businesses funding that buildout show signs of slowing. Alphabet posted its weakest search and ad growth in five quarters but kept a capital spending outlook of as much as $205 billion. Amazon reported slower growth in e-commerce and advertising, then reiterated plans for about $220 billion in capital expenditures. Microsoft and Meta Platforms also maintained spending guidance despite results that fell short of investor hopes. The earnings cycle exposed rising pressure on Big Tech to prove that costly AI products can deliver returns before they erode margins in search, retail and other legacy businesses.