New York, Jan 25, 2026, 06:31 ET — Market closed
Advanced Micro Devices shares climbed 2.3% on Friday, closing at $259.68. The chipmaker remains in focus as traders prepare for Monday’s open following a turbulent week for AI-related stocks.
The coming week poses a crucial challenge for markets: the Federal Reserve’s decision on Wednesday, paired with a flood of U.S. earnings reports aiming to reveal if heavy AI investments are paying off. “Earnings are the driver,” said Chris Galipeau, senior market strategist at Franklin Templeton. (Reuters)
On Friday, the S&P 500 held steady while the Nasdaq inched up, but all three major U.S. indexes wrapped the week lower. Investors grappled with high valuations, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and another setback from Intel. “Going into results, we’re going to be in a ‘show-me’ period,” said Julian McManus, portfolio manager at Janus Henderson. (Reuters)
Intel took the brunt of the fallout. The chipmaker warned investors it’s having trouble keeping up with AI-fueled demand for its data-center processors due to supply bottlenecks, and it projected revenue and earnings that fell short of expectations. (Reuters)
AMD’s next big event is just around the corner. The chipmaker plans to release its fiscal fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 earnings on Tuesday, Feb. 3, after the market closes. A conference call will follow at 5:00 p.m. EST. (Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.)
Investors are watching closely for solid data on data-center growth and AI chip demand, along with any clues about supply and pricing in the server processor segment—a market that can shift rapidly if major clients alter their orders.
The risk is straightforward. Chip stocks are priced for robust growth, so any slip in guidance tends to hit harder than usual. Rate expectations can shift quickly if the Fed signals less eagerness to cut.
Policy noise remains a factor. A fresh burst of trade threats or shifts in U.S.-China tech regulations could dampen enthusiasm for the sector, even if company earnings stay strong.
