Intel Corporation saw its stock climb 4.87% to close at $50.59 on Friday, reclaiming ground above the $50 level as broader U.S. equity markets advanced. The chipmaker's rebound followed two consecutive down sessions and came alongside significant gains for peers Nvidia and Broadcom, which rose 7.87% and 7.22%, respectively.
Supply and Investment Catalysts
Two primary factors drove investor interest in Intel. First, industry sources indicate both Intel and AMD have alerted customers in China to expect shortages of server central processing units, with some Intel chip deliveries potentially delayed by up to six months. The company attributed the strain to robust demand for traditional computing power amid widespread artificial intelligence adoption.
Second, Intel is poised to participate in a funding round for AI hardware specialist SambaNova Systems. According to sources, the chip giant plans to invest between $100 million and $150 million in the startup, which develops chips for AI inference tasks, offering an alternative to Nvidia's dominant graphics processing units. The total funding round is expected to exceed $350 million.
Market Context and Caution
Friday's trading saw Intel shares fluctuate between $48.83 and $51.30, with approximately 115.4 million shares changing hands. The rally occurred as the S&P 500 gained 1.97% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 2.47%.
However, analysts note shifting market sentiment. "Headlines that would have pushed shares to fresh highs during the peak of AI optimism are now being interpreted far more cautiously by investors," observed Carlota Estragues Lopez, an equity strategist at St. James's Place. The projected $600 billion surge in AI spending for 2026 has prompted questions about whether growth can justify current valuations.
Upcoming Economic Data
Attention now turns to delayed U.S. economic reports scheduled for release next week. The January Employment Situation report is set for Wednesday, February 11, followed by the Consumer Price Index for January on Friday, February 13. Both will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET. These inflation and jobs figures could significantly influence interest rate expectations and, consequently, rate-sensitive technology and semiconductor stocks.
Traders will monitor whether Intel can sustain Friday's momentum or if AI-related names face renewed pressure. Further details on China supply lead times or the final terms of the SambaNova investment could move the stock, but the immediate focus remains on the upcoming macroeconomic data.
