NEW YORK, Jan 10, 2026, 05:30 EST — Market closed
- Intel shares jumped 10.7% on Friday to $45.55
- The stock logged its highest close since March 2024 and ended the week up about 15.7%
- Next catalysts include U.S. CPI on Jan. 13 and Intel earnings on Jan. 22
Intel (INTC.O) shares surged nearly 11% on Friday, closing at $45.55 after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had a “great meeting” with Chief Executive Lip-Bu Tan. Trading was heavy, with about 187 million shares changing hands. Reuters
The move capped a sharp week for Intel, with the stock up about 15.7% and at its highest close since March 2024, as traders latched onto CES chip headlines and fresh political attention. Some analysts, though, questioned how much of the push was institutional money versus retail momentum.
That matters now because Intel is due to report fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results on Thursday, Jan. 22, after the market close, with a conference call set for 2 p.m. PT. Investors want clearer evidence the turnaround is showing up in margins, spending discipline and demand, not just buzz.
At CES in Las Vegas earlier this week, Intel launched its Panther Lake laptop chips, the first high-volume product built on its new 18A manufacturing process, as it tries to claw back share lost to Advanced Micro Devices. Reuters has reported the company has struggled with “yield” — the share of usable chips from each silicon wafer — though executives have said it is improving. Reuters
Intel has pitched its Core Ultra Series 3 lineup as an “AI PC” platform, meaning more artificial-intelligence work can run on the device instead of being sent to remote data centers. Jim Johnson, a senior vice president and general manager in Intel’s client computing group, said the company is “laser-focused on improving power efficiency,” and Intel said systems will be available globally starting Jan. 27. Intel Corporation
The jump in Intel came as chip stocks broadly rallied, pushing the Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index to a record and helping lift the S&P 500 to a record close on Friday. “Investors are getting granular and picking the winners and losers,” said Zachary Hill, head of portfolio management at Horizon Investments. Reuters
Technically, Intel is now well above its 50-day moving average of about $38.21 and its 200-day average near $27.86, according to Yahoo Finance data. MarketScreener put near-term resistance around $47.47, with support near $41.11.
Macro risks sit close by, too. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is set to release the December consumer price index on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 8:30 a.m. ET, while the Federal Reserve’s next policy meeting runs Jan. 27-28.
But Intel’s rebound still hinges on execution: turning its new process into dependable volume, landing outside customers for its foundry business and keeping a lid on cash burn. Intel has also warned the U.S. government’s 9.9% stake could hurt international sales and complicate future grant decisions.
For Intel watchers, the next test is the Jan. 22 results and what Tan says about the 18A ramp, customer demand and 2026 spending. After that, traders will look to early Core Ultra Series 3 laptop availability starting Jan. 27 for a read on whether orders match the stock’s new tempo.
