NEW YORK, March 7, 2026, 14:59 EST – Meta Platforms’ stock closed last week at $644.86, marking a decline of 2.4% from the previous close. This drop followed announcements that the company will permit competing AI chatbots to integrate with WhatsApp in Europe for a year, a strategic move aimed at mitigating interim antitrust measures. The ongoing review by the European Union is still unresolved, leaving investors bracing for another regulatory checkpoint as markets prepare to reopen on Monday, March 9.
Meta’s significant spending on artificial intelligence has drawn attention in recent months. In January, the company forecasted capital expenditures between $115 billion and $135 billion for 2026, while total expenses are projected to range from $162 billion to $169 billion. Notably, fourth-quarter advertising revenue surged by 24%. However, John Belton of Gabelli Funds cautioned that these revenue gains are still primarily linked to Meta’s core business activities.
Following a quieter period after CFO Susan Li’s remarks at Morgan Stanley’s tech conference on March 4, investors are now focusing on external catalysts expected in the coming week. The U.S. consumer price index (CPI) data will be released on Wednesday, March 11, followed by personal income and outlays data on Friday, March 13, which includes the closely watched PCE price index—a key inflation metric for the Federal Reserve.
This week, the supply chain landscape has provided some support for a bullish outlook. Marvell Technology reported robust demand for AI hardware from industry giants such as Alphabet, Meta, Microsoft, and Amazon. President Chris Koopmans indicated that demand is “still growing massively,” highlighting significant orders for ASICs—application-specific integrated circuits—and fast interconnects that link AI servers.
Meta has been proactive in securing its chip supply. Last month, AMD announced plans to supply Meta with AI chips worth up to $60 billion over the next five years. Hargreaves Lansdown analyst Matt Britzman noted that this arrangement could signal Meta’s intention to diversify its supplier base rather than rely on a single source. Reports from The Information also indicate that Meta entered into a multibillion-dollar rental agreement for Google’s AI chips in February.
Regulatory challenges continue to loom. Indonesia is set to implement restrictions on social media usage for users under 16 starting March 28, while Karnataka, an Indian state, has already made headlines by blocking access for this age group. These developments pose ongoing challenges for Meta, which commands significant market share across Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp in these regions, serving as a stark reminder that regulatory scrutiny is unlikely to wane.
As the week unfolds, the broader market trends remain uncertain. U.S. stocks experienced a downturn on Friday, oil prices soared by 12%, and labor data appeared softer than expected. Michael Arone of State Street warned that if oil prices surpass $100 a barrel, it could further unsettle market conditions. Additionally, Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack noted that rising energy costs could complicate the outlook for potential interest rate cuts.
As Meta’s shares enter the week of March 9, they remain subject to broader market influences. Investors are closely monitoring developments in the Middle East, fluctuations in oil prices, and Wednesday’s inflation data, all of which could be as significant as any updates from Meta itself.
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