Several breaking news stories will affect stock prices as trading begins today. The following companies should see some movement: Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) and McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD).

Here is a more detailed look at the news that will affect each company as the day’s trading continues.

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)

Trading at $26.44 on Monday, Microsoft is doing well despite having lost its dynamic leader Bill Gates. Gates gave up his golf career at the same time saying, “It takes up too much time to get any good at it.” Now he finds himself busy reading and managing the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL)

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) shares hit $275 recently, up 30% already this year, and this due in part to strong demand for its iPad tablet computer and customer enthusiasm for the upcoming iPhone 4. Analysts say Apple stock could reach $325.00 within one year.

McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD)

The company is the world’s largest chain of hamburger fast food restaurants, with almost 47 million customers every day. And competitors like Burger King are struggling to keep up, suffering a 4% drop in revenues in the US and Canada for the first quarter of 2010. In the wake of the financial crisis, customers simply want cheap food.

We could possibly see more movement as the day’s trading progresses for Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL) and McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) in trading today.