New York, Jan 30, 2026, 10:36 EST — Regular session
- Intel shares saw about a 5% swing during the session but ended up mostly flat in morning trading
- Shares jumped midweek after reports surfaced that Apple and Nvidia are considering Intel for certain projects in 2028
- Investors are waiting to see if Intel can convert interest into actual orders and are looking for any clear confirmation.
Intel Corp shares edged slightly, holding at $48.66 by 10:36 a.m. EST on Friday. Earlier, the stock dipped to $47.05 before bouncing back, fluctuating within a $47.05 to $49.56 range.
This move is crucial as Intel’s stock now serves as a gauge for its turnaround efforts, particularly if Intel Foundry, its contract chipmaking division, can secure outside customers. Investors are running low on patience for any missed targets.
A supply-chain report this week brought the question back into focus. DigiTimes Asia reported that Apple and Nvidia are considering Intel for “low volume” and “non-core” production and packaging work related to 2028 products, while they plan to keep the bulk of high-end output at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. The talks reportedly revolve around Intel’s 18A and upcoming 14A manufacturing processes—its next-gen production tech—and advanced packaging, the stage that links multiple chiplets into a finished processor. (DIGITIMES Asia)
That outlook comes on the heels of a tough earnings update. Last week, Intel projected first-quarter revenue below Wall Street’s expectations and admitted it can’t keep up with demand for server processors used with Nvidia’s AI chips in data centers. “In the short term, I’m disappointed that we are not able to fully meet the demand in our markets,” CEO Lip-Bu Tan said during the call. (Reuters)
Chip stocks rallied midweek, fueled by renewed interest in AI-related hardware. Louise Dudley, portfolio manager for global equities at Federated Hermes, noted that “conditions are improving and they are expanding their growth plans,” highlighting strong demand throughout the supply chain. (Reuters)
Rate expectations didn’t grab headlines but continue to influence demand for high-multiple tech stocks. The Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged this week, leaving investors nearly split on direction. “Whether you were bullish or bearish … you walked away feeling about the same,” noted Michael James, an equity sales trader at Rosenblatt Securities. (Reuters)
Still, the downside case is straightforward: talk is cheap, and 2028 feels far away. Intel is grappling with supply shortages and manufacturing hiccups that have shaken confidence in its near-term outlook. Analysts warn the stock’s sharp moves risk outpacing what the company can realistically deliver soon. Earlier this month, TD Cowen called the rally driven more by “the dream” than fundamentals, while Bernstein labeled Intel’s capacity planning as “woefully” off. (Reuters)
Nvidia has already put money on the table. A regulatory filing from late last year revealed it took a $5 billion stake in Intel as part of a September deal. (Reuters)
Traders are focused on any developments that could solidify the supply-chain narrative—whether that’s a customer win, a change in capital expenditure, or more details on Intel’s latest manufacturing nodes. Intel’s next earnings report is due around April 23, based on earnings calendars. (Yahoo)
