New York, Jan 30, 2026, 10:36 EST — Regular session
- Intel shares swung nearly 5% throughout the session but closed morning trading largely unchanged
- Midweek, shares surged following reports that Apple and Nvidia might tap Intel for specific projects slated for 2028
- Investors want to see if Intel can turn interest into real orders and are searching for firm confirmation.
Intel Corp shares hovered near $48.66 at 10:36 a.m. EST Friday, after dipping briefly to $47.05. The stock traded between $47.05 and $49.56 during the session.
This step is key since Intel’s stock has become a litmus test for its recovery, especially whether Intel Foundry, the contract chipmaking arm, can attract external clients. Investors’ tolerance for missed targets is wearing thin.
A supply-chain report this week pushed the topic back into the spotlight. DigiTimes Asia said Apple and Nvidia are looking at Intel for “low volume” and “non-core” production and packaging work tied to 2028 products, while reserving most high-end output for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. The discussions reportedly focus on Intel’s 18A and upcoming 14A manufacturing processes—its next-generation tech—and advanced packaging, which connects multiple chiplets into a final processor. DIGITIMES Asia
The forecast follows a rough earnings report. Last week, Intel warned that first-quarter revenue would come in under Wall Street’s estimates and conceded it can’t satisfy demand for server processors paired 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 on the call. Reuters
Chip stocks climbed midweek, driven by fresh enthusiasm for AI-focused hardware. Louise Dudley, portfolio manager for global equities at Federated Hermes, said, “conditions are improving and they are expanding their growth plans,” pointing to solid demand across the supply chain. Reuters
Rate expectations flew under the radar but still shaped demand for high-multiple tech shares. The Federal Reserve held rates steady this week, leaving investors divided on the next move. “Whether you were bullish or bearish … you walked away feeling about the same,” said Michael James, an equity sales trader at Rosenblatt Securities. Reuters
That said, the downside is clear: talk is cheap, and 2028 feels a long way off. Intel is struggling with supply shortages and manufacturing glitches that have rattled confidence in its near-term prospects. Analysts caution that the stock’s wild swings may be getting ahead of what the company can actually deliver anytime soon. Earlier this month, TD Cowen called the rally more fueled by “the dream” than fundamentals, while Bernstein slammed Intel’s capacity planning as “woefully” off. Reuters
Nvidia has already made a big move. A regulatory filing from late last year showed it acquired a $5 billion stake in Intel through a September agreement.
Traders are zeroing in on any news that might reinforce the supply-chain story—be it a new customer deal, shifts in capex, or fresh info on Intel’s newest manufacturing nodes. Intel’s next earnings report is expected around April 23, according to earnings calendars.
