Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM) shares are trading slightly higher on Thursday as buyers selectively rotate into large-cap software names even while risk appetite is softer across equities.

The Nasdaq is down 0.71% while the S&P 500 has shed 0.58%, and Technology is also lower by 0.27%, putting Salesforce's green tape in "bucking the tape" territory.

With the broader market leaning risk-off (only 2 of 11 sectors advancing and an advance/decline ratio near 0.2), traders are treating Salesforce as a relative-strength hold inside a weak session for growth stocks.

Energy is leading with a 1.84% gain while most cyclical groups are sliding, which often pushes some flows toward mega-cap, cash-generative software.

Shareholders Appreciation & Boosting Financials

This week, the company initiated a $25 billion accelerated share repurchase (ASR) program, which marks the largest ASR transaction in corporate history.

The buyback underscores a pivot toward returning capital amid shifting market dynamics. Robin Washington, President and Chief Operating and Financial Officer, noted the move reflects "increased conviction in the durability of our growth.

Apart ...