Meta, Microsoft, and Snap laid off 17,000 people in a week, and their stock prices collectively rose.

AIMPACT News, April 27 (UTC+8). In 2026, the three major tech companies in Silicon Valley announced a combined layoff of about 17,000 employees. Snap laid off 1,000 people, accounting for 16% of its total workforce. Meta laid off 8,000 people, accounting for 10%, and the layoffs will take effect on May 20. Microsoft is offering voluntary buyout plans to about 7% of its U.S. employees, involving approximately 8,750 people. Of note is that after the layoff news was released, the companies’ stock prices all rose across the board, with Snap’s stock price up by 11%. Meanwhile, the tech giants are substantially increasing investment in AI infrastructure: Meta plans to invest between $115 billion and $135 billion in AI infrastructure in 2026, and Microsoft’s AI spending in 2025 will reach $88 billion. Public opinion believes that technology companies are cutting labor costs through layoffs and redirecting resources toward the AI field, and this trend has sparked widespread discussion about AI’s impact on employment.