Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), designs and manufactures microprocessors and related technologies, closed Wednesday at $48.78, up 11.04%. The stock moved higher after reports of prospective Nvidia and Apple foundry deals and insider buying. Investors are watching whether these partnerships can offset earlier concerns about Intel’s 2026 outlook.
Trading volume reached 200 million shares, about 107% above its three-month average of 96 million shares. Intel IPO'd in 1980 and has grown 14,885% since going public.
How the markets moved today
S&P 500 (SNPINDEX:^GSPC) slipped 0.01% to 6,978, while the Nasdaq Composite (NASDAQINDEX:^IXIC) rose 0.17% to 23,857. Within semiconductors, industry peers Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD) closed at $252.74 (up 0.28%) and Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) finished at $191.52 (up 1.59%), trailing Intel’s sharper rebound.
What this means for investors
Intel’s market move today can be mostly attributed to a pre-market report suggesting that Nvidia and Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) may shift some of their 2028 chip production to Intel. While the highest-end chips will still be manufactured by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE:TSM), any business shifting to Intel is good news for its foundry ambitions. Other news about Intel’s CEO buying stock and a high price target from an analyst likely added to the stock’s great day.
Despite today’s good news, it’s worth remembering that Intel’s shares have still not recovered from their double-digit fall after last week’s Q4 2025 earnings report that showed a $300 million GAAP loss and ongoing supply constraints.
Where to invest $1,000 right now
When our analyst team has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, Stock Advisor’s total average return is 950%* — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 197% for the S&P 500.
They just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now, available when you join Stock Advisor.
*Stock Advisor returns as of January 28, 2026.
Jeff Santoro has positions in Apple and Nvidia. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Advanced Micro Devices, Apple, Intel, Nvidia, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
