NEW YORK, Jan 8, 2026, 21:19 (EST) — Markets closed for the day. Trading ended with all major indexes settled.
- Qualcomm shares rose 0.9% on Thursday after Volkswagen outlined plans to use Qualcomm chips in its next software platform from 2027.
- A separate report this week flagged talks with Samsung Electronics on making Qualcomm chips using a two-nanometre process.
- Investors now look to Friday’s U.S. jobs report and Qualcomm’s Feb. 4 earnings date for the next read-through.
Qualcomm shares closed Thursday 0.9% higher at $181.87 after Volkswagen announced it had signed a letter of intent naming Qualcomm as the main technology supplier for its next software platform. The stock fluctuated between $176.51 and $184.29 during the session.
The Volkswagen partnership gives a clearer timeline for Qualcomm’s automotive plans, but revenue is still years off. Investors want chipmakers to ensure steady demand outside of smartphones. Auto projects typically have longer lifecycles once set up.
The move to “software-defined vehicles,” where central computers manage cars via over-the-air updates and advanced chips, is pushing automakers to redesign their electronics. This is increasing the need for silicon in dashboards and driver-assistance systems and changing the supplier landscape.
Volkswagen said Qualcomm will supply “system-on-chips” for infotainment beginning in 2027 under a zonal software-defined vehicle architecture developed with Rivian. Procurement executive Karsten Schnake said the company aims for “long-term access to the semiconductors” it sees as essential. Qualcomm’s Nakul Duggal said the Snapdragon Digital Chassis will support next-generation infotainment and driver-assistance systems. Volkswagen Group
Qualcomm is negotiating with Samsung Electronics for contract manufacturing using a two-nanometre process, the Korea Economic Daily told Reuters on Wednesday. The chipmaker has completed design work aimed at near-term commercialization. Samsung declined to comment on clients. Foundry chief Jun Young-hyun said last week that recent supply deals have positioned the business for significant progress.
Chip stocks showed mixed results on Thursday. Qualcomm gained slightly, while some leading competitors declined, as investors focused on individual company news rather than a broad sector trend.
Traders brace for a major macroeconomic update before Friday’s open as the U.S. Labor Department schedules its monthly employment report for 8:30 a.m. ET. The data often shifts interest rate expectations and influences investor sentiment on growth stocks.
Qualcomm is set to report earnings on Feb. 4, drawing investor focus. Market participants will look for updates on the timing and scale of automotive projects, manufacturing partner progress, and demand for standard handsets.
Risks exist on both sides. The letter of intent could be altered, and Volkswagen’s program won’t begin until 2027. In the near term, results depend on the smartphone cycle. Qualcomm has also warned about the long-term impact of Apple shifting to in-house modems.
Market participants await Friday’s payrolls report, expected to influence trading. Qualcomm’s earnings and comments on Feb. 4 are also in focus. Traders watch if the stock can hold above Thursday’s $180 level and approach the day’s high near $184.
