Microsoft tightens oversight of its data center projects, including IREN and Nebius, causing related stock prices to fall.

Microsoft is increasing its oversight of some data center projects with new cloud companies such as Nebius, IREN, and Nscale, abandoning risky projects and internally discussing whether to sign new cloud service agreements. Some recent issues relate to cabling at IREN's data center in Texas, where the two parties negotiated revised timelines last week, delaying completion by several weeks or months. A Microsoft spokesperson stated that adjusting plans as needed is standard practice in managing large infrastructure projects; IREN declined to comment. IREN transitioned from cryptocurrency mining to AI in 2023. Shares of both IREN and Nebius fell approximately 20% on Thursday. (Source: Bloomberg)