Microsoft and Meta Platforms drove Wall Street higher after delivering profits for the start of the year that were even bigger than analysts expected.

U.S. technology-related stocks including many involved in artificial intelligence rose sharply on Thursday following stronger-than-expected results from Microsoft and Meta Platforms, while investors awaited results from Apple and Amazon.

Meta Platforms joined artificial intelligence Goliath Microsoft in reporting better-than-expected quarterly earnings results after the closing bell on April 30. The parent company of Facebook, Instagram,