Microsoft shareholders voted against a proposal to allocate 1% of the company's $78 billion in cash reserves and marketable securities into Bitcoin. The initiative, introduced by the National Center for Public Policy Research during Microsoft’s annual meeting, aimed to diversify assets and hedge against inflation.

The company’s board opposed the measure, citing Bitcoin's inherent volatility and reaffirming its commitment to stable, low-risk investments.

Michael Saylor, the executive chairman of MicroStrategy and a prominent Bitcoin advocate, voiced strong support for the proposal. He claimed Microsoft missed out on $200 billion in potential capital gains over the past five years by prioritizing stock buybacks and dividends rather than embracing Bitcoin.

Despite Saylor's arguments, the board held firm, emphasizing the importance of predictable returns and risk management in its investment strategy.

Microsoft shares remained steady at $446 following the decision, while Bitcoin experienced a 4% drop in value, trading at $95,000.