• Microsoft's stock rose 54% throughout 2023, boosting investor confidence in its growth potential.
• For long-term investors, if Microsoft's stock price goes above the $430 resistance level, it would signal a new phase of growth.

Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) has been performing well, especially in the last few months. By May, its stock rose by over 6%, boosting investor confidence in its potential for more growth. Throughout 2023, the stock has climbed by 54%, with a 14% increase from the start of the year to March.

However, after hitting a high of $430, the stock experienced a sell-off due to what investors saw as overvaluation, leading to a nearly 10% drop between March and April.

Currently, Microsoft's stock is in a consolidation phase, fluctuating between support at $388 and resistance at $430. This phase has seen a 7% recovery so far, offering the potential for growth.

The unpredictable behavior of consolidation phases indicates that although the stock might recover further, there's also a chance it could drop, possibly falling below the current support level.

For long-term investors focused on portfolio health, it's important to grasp the current market dynamics. The stock is displaying a bullish trend, suggesting it could rise further.

However, for clear evidence of this trend continuing, it's crucial to observe if it surpasses the $430 level, the current all-time high. A breakout would indicate that buyers are back in control with enough momentum to push prices higher.

Such a move would not only end the current stagnation but also mark a new phase in the stock's performance, potentially leading to significant growth in Microsoft's market value.

After the closing bell on Friday, May 10, the stock closed at $414,74, trading up by 0.55%.

This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga's reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.