Microsoft regains top spot from Apple as world’s most valuable company

Microsoft has moved ahead of Apple to become the most valuable listed company in the world after it ended Friday with a market value of more than $851bn (£667bn). 

It is the first time Microsoft has held the top spot in 15 years and rounds off a disappointing November for Apple. The iPhone maker's value was $847bn at the market's close. 

Microsoft's share price rose to $110.89, gaining 0.6 per cent during Friday's session, while Apple's fell further by 0.5 per cent to $178.60.

Apple's shares have plunged in recent weeks and fallen by almost 25 per cent since October with the tech industry toiling. 

Microsoft's cloud services unit has driven the firm's growth in recent years and sells to other businesses, while Apple are reliant on consumer spending and there is some concern for investors of a decreasing demand for new smart phones. 

It is the first time Microsoft has moved ahead of Apple as the most valuable technology firm since 2010.

The iPhone maker had become the first company to be worth a trillion dollars in the summer but its value has fallen substantially since.