NEW YORK, Jan 2, 2026, 10:35 ET — Regular session
- Intel shares rose about 6% in early Nasdaq trading, outpacing the broader market.
- Focus is shifting to CES next week, where Intel plans to launch its Core Ultra Series 3 “Panther Lake” PC chips.
- U.S. jobs and inflation data later in January are in view for their impact on rate-cut bets and tech valuations.
Intel shares climbed on Friday, gaining about 6.3% to $39.22 in morning trade.
The move puts the chipmaker back in focus heading into next week’s CES technology conference, a key showcase for PC chips and “AI PCs” — computers designed to run more AI features on the device rather than relying only on the cloud. 1
It also comes as traders start 2026 recalibrating expectations for U.S. interest rates, which can swing valuations for growth stocks. “The market is looking for direction,” said Matthew Maley, chief market strategist at Miller Tabak. 2
By 10:20 a.m. ET, Intel was up $2.32 from the prior close of $36.90, after trading as high as $39.86 and as low as $37.41.
Broader risk appetite improved on the first trading day of 2026, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq up about 1% at the open, Reuters reported. 3
Intel has pitched CES as a launch moment for its latest Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processors, code-named Panther Lake, and scheduled a livestreamed event on Monday, Jan. 5 at 3:00 p.m. PT led by client-computing chief Jim Johnson. 1
PCGamer said Panther Lake is Intel’s first chip built on its “18A” manufacturing process — a process node, or a shorthand for the generation of manufacturing technology used to make chips. 4
The CES cycle also draws in rivals and partners that set the tone for demand. PCGamer flagged expected updates across the PC ecosystem from AMD, Nvidia and Qualcomm, keeping competition for next-generation laptops and AI-capable devices in focus. 4
For Intel, investors will be looking for signs that big PC makers are adopting the new chips broadly, and for early read-throughs on pricing and performance claims as devices hit show floors and launch windows tighten into January. 1
Macro catalysts sit close behind. Reuters reported the U.S. jobs report on Jan. 9 and consumer price index data on Jan. 13 are among the early tests for expectations that the Federal Reserve will keep easing after rate cuts late last year. 2
Fed funds futures suggest little chance of a cut at the late-January meeting but close to a 50% probability of a quarter-point reduction in March, Reuters reported — a setup that can lift sentiment toward rate-sensitive tech. 2
Intel’s next earnings report is also on investors’ radar, with Nasdaq’s earnings calendar estimating a Jan. 29 report date. Traders typically watch guidance on PC demand, data-center trends and manufacturing execution for the next leg in the stock. 5
