U.S. Stock Futures Quiet as S&P 500 Nears Record
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 24 2025
0mins
Stock index futures were quiet in early pre-market trading ahead of a similarly muted holiday shortened session. U.S. stock markets closed at 1 pm ET and bond markets close at 2 pm ET.The S&P 500 index managed to hold near a record following the thin holiday trading as investors parsed labor market data for additional clues on the Federal Reserve's interest rate path. The move in the benchmark index follows four-straight sessions of gains. The Dow also gained, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 Index closed little changed.Initial jobless claims fell to 214,000 for the week ended December 20, which was below expectations, and continuing jobless claims rose 38,000 to 1.92M in the latest survey.On the commodities front, gold prices climbed to another record, above $4,500 an ounce, while silver and platinum prices also hit records and copper heads for a 40% annual gain.Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with this market wrap Fly By.STOCK NEWS:Intelshares slid afterthat Nvidiarecently tested out whether it would manufacture its chips using Intel's 18A production process, but stopped moving forwardSanofiagreed toof Dynavax Technologiesfor $15.50 per share in cash, reflecting a total equity value of $2.2BBPreached ana 65% shareholding in Castrol to Stonepeak, at an enterprise value of $10.1B, resulting in total net proceeds of $6BWALL STREET CALLS:NorthcoastCostcoto Buy with a $1,100 price targetRaymond JamesKB Hometo Market Perform following the company's "disappointing" Q4 reportComstock Inc.to Market Perform at Noble CapitalSpire Globalto Neutral from Buy at Alliance Global3. AROUND THE WEB:Ares Managementis open to buying a private equity firm in an attempt to bolster its leveraged buyout business,Bitcoin mining companies like Core Scientific, Cipher Mining, Iren, and CleanSparkhave transitioned to artificial intelligence data centers,Hondawill acquire LG Energy Solution's facilities and other assets from their joint battery plant in Ohio for approximately $2.9B,A federal judge has blocked a Texas law requiring companies that run mobile app stores, like Appleand Google, to verify ages of users,4. MOVERS:Agios Pharmaceuticalsincreased after thein anemia patientsEdgewise Therapeuticsgained afterfrom its Phase 2 EDG-7500 trialUiPathclosed higher after beingin the S&P 400 at the open on January 1, 2026Tesla (TSLA) fell afterthe NHTSA has opened a probe into the Model 3 vehicle over door release controlsBrandywine Realtyclosed lower after being picked toon the S&P 600INDEXES:The Dow rose 288.75, or 0.60%, to 48,731.16, the Nasdaq gained 51.46, or 0.22%, to 23,613.31, and the S&P 500 advanced 22.26, or 0.32%, to 6,932.05.
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Analyst Views on INTC
Wall Street analysts forecast INTC stock price to fall
29 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
19 Hold
5 Sell
Hold
Current: 44.130
Low
20.00
Averages
39.30
High
52.00
Current: 44.130
Low
20.00
Averages
39.30
High
52.00
About INTC
Intel Corporation is a global designer and manufacturer of semiconductor products. The Company operates through three segments: Intel Products, Intel Foundry, and All Other. Its Intel Products segment includes Client Computing Group (CCG), Data Center and AI (DCAI), Network and Edge (NEX). The CCG is bringing together the operating system, system architecture, hardware, and software application integration to enable PC experiences. DCAI delivers workload-optimized solutions to cloud service providers and enterprises, along with silicon devices for communications service providers, network and edge, and HPC customers. NEX helps networks and edge compute systems from fixed-function hardware to general-purpose compute, acceleration, and networking devices running cloud native software on programmable hardware. The Intel Foundry segment comprises technology development, manufacturing and foundry services. All Other segments include Altera, Mobileye, Other.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Intel to Report Q1 Financial Results on April 23, 2026
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- Conference Call Timing: Following the earnings release, Intel will hold a conference call at 2 p.m. PT that day to discuss the results, enhancing investor interaction and potentially boosting market confidence.
- Webcast Availability: Investors can access a live webcast of the earnings conference call on Intel's Investor Relations website, ensuring broad dissemination of information and further enhancing company transparency and investor engagement.
- Company Background: Intel focuses on designing and manufacturing advanced semiconductors that drive modern computing, emphasizing its ongoing efforts in technological innovation and market leadership.
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- Funding Strategy: Intel plans to finance the buyback with cash on hand and approximately $6.5 billion in new debt, a strategy that not only optimizes its capital structure but could also strengthen the company's credit rating in 2027 and beyond.
- Technological Production Capacity: The Fab 34 facility produces chips using Intel 4 and Intel 3 process technologies, including processors for AI-enabled systems, indicating the company's ongoing investment and innovation in high-growth sectors.
- Improved Financial Position: CFO David Zinsner noted that the company's balance sheet and business strategy have significantly improved since the original partnership was formed, indicating Intel's gradual recovery of its leadership position in the competitive semiconductor market.
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- Funding and Impact: The repurchase will be financed through Intel's cash reserves and approximately $6.5 billion in new debt, with management expecting a positive impact on earnings per share by 2027, thereby enhancing the company's profitability.
- AI Strategic Positioning: The Fab 34 facility is set to play a central role in Intel's AI-driven growth strategy, particularly in producing chips for AI-enabled personal computers and high-performance data center servers, catering to the increasing market demand.
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See More
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- Historical Performance: Since its IPO in 1980, Intel's stock has appreciated by 14,655%, reflecting its long-term competitiveness and market position in the semiconductor industry, even as the market reassesses AI chip demand.
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See More
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- Volume Spike: Trading volume reached 128.9 million shares, nearly 22% above the three-month average of 106.1 million shares, indicating strong investor interest and enthusiasm regarding Intel's buyback deal, further propelling the stock price upward.
- Strategic Implications: The buyback restores Intel's full ownership of the Fab 34 facility, marking a strategic shift in the company's AI investment approach, which is expected to provide robust support for future manufacturing capabilities and market competitiveness.
- Investor Confidence Boost: Investors generally believe that Intel's long-term potential in AI investments will help drive its stock price higher, reflecting a significant improvement in the company over the past two years and showcasing optimistic market expectations for its future development.
See More
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- Earnings Report Schedule: Intel has announced that it will release its Q1 financial results on April 23, 2026, after market close, reflecting the company's commitment to transparency and timely information for investors.
- Conference Call Timing: Following the earnings release, Intel will hold a conference call at 2 p.m. PT that day to discuss the results, enhancing investor interaction and potentially boosting market confidence.
- Webcast Availability: Investors can access a live webcast of the earnings conference call on Intel's Investor Relations website, ensuring broad dissemination of information and further enhancing company transparency and investor engagement.
- Company Background: Intel focuses on designing and manufacturing advanced semiconductors that drive modern computing, emphasizing its ongoing efforts in technological innovation and market leadership.
See More
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- Share Buyback Agreement: Intel has reached a deal to repurchase Apollo's 49% equity interest in the Fab 34 joint venture for $14.2 billion, which will provide the company with stronger capital support during its manufacturing expansion and is expected to enhance future profitability.
- Funding Strategy: Intel plans to finance the buyback with cash on hand and approximately $6.5 billion in new debt, a strategy that not only optimizes its capital structure but could also strengthen the company's credit rating in 2027 and beyond.
- Technological Production Capacity: The Fab 34 facility produces chips using Intel 4 and Intel 3 process technologies, including processors for AI-enabled systems, indicating the company's ongoing investment and innovation in high-growth sectors.
- Improved Financial Position: CFO David Zinsner noted that the company's balance sheet and business strategy have significantly improved since the original partnership was formed, indicating Intel's gradual recovery of its leadership position in the competitive semiconductor market.
See More
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- Deal Details: Intel is reacquiring a 49% stake in its Fab 34 facility in Ireland for $14.2 billion, having previously sold it to Apollo Global Management for $11.2 billion in 2024, indicating a significant improvement in the company's financial and competitive position.
- Funding and Impact: The repurchase will be financed through Intel's cash reserves and approximately $6.5 billion in new debt, with management expecting a positive impact on earnings per share by 2027, thereby enhancing the company's profitability.
- AI Strategic Positioning: The Fab 34 facility is set to play a central role in Intel's AI-driven growth strategy, particularly in producing chips for AI-enabled personal computers and high-performance data center servers, catering to the increasing market demand.
- Market Competition Landscape: While Intel's outlook in the CPU market is optimistic, it faces fierce competition from Nvidia, AMD, and Arm Holdings, all of which are ramping up their CPU offerings to capture market share in this lucrative segment.
See More
US Stocks Close Higher Amid Optimism Over Middle East Conflict Resolution
- Market Rally: The S&P 500 rose by 0.72%, the Dow Jones increased by 0.48%, and the Nasdaq 100 climbed by 1.18%, reflecting growing investor optimism regarding a potential resolution to the Middle East conflict, which has bolstered market confidence.
- Strong Economic Data: The US ADP employment change for March increased by 62,000, surpassing expectations of 40,000, while February retail sales rose by 0.6% month-over-month, indicating robust economic recovery that could influence Federal Reserve policy decisions.
- Interest Rate Expectations: Despite positive economic indicators, hawkish comments from St. Louis Fed President raised concerns about inflation and employment, leading to a mere 1% chance of a 25 basis point rate hike at the upcoming April FOMC meeting, reflecting cautious market sentiment.
- Divergent Stock Performances: Target Hospitality surged over 36% after securing a multi-year contract worth over $550 million, while Nike fell more than 15% due to revenue forecasts indicating a decline, highlighting the market's varied outlook on different companies' futures.
See More
Intel Buys Back Apollo's Stake for $14.2 Billion
- Stock Surge: Intel's shares closed at $48.03 on Wednesday, up 8.84%, primarily driven by the announcement of a $14.2 billion buyback of Apollo Global Management's 49% stake in its Fab 34 plant in Ireland, thereby restoring full control and enhancing its manufacturing base for AI-related products.
- Volume Spike: Trading volume reached 128.9 million shares, nearly 22% above the three-month average of 106.1 million shares, indicating strong investor interest and confidence in Intel's future AI investment prospects.
- Historical Performance: Since its IPO in 1980, Intel's stock has appreciated by 14,655%, reflecting its long-term competitiveness and market position in the semiconductor industry, even as the market reassesses AI chip demand.
- Market Reaction: Investors are generally optimistic about the deal, believing it will provide Intel with a longer runway for growth in AI investments, although the analyst team noted that Intel was not included in the current list of top investment stocks, suggesting a cautious outlook on its future performance.
See More
Intel's Stock Rises After $14.2 Billion Stake Buyback from Apollo
- Stock Surge: Intel (INTC) closed at $48.03 on Wednesday, up 8.84%, primarily driven by the announcement of a $14.2 billion buyback of Apollo Global Management's 49% stake in its Fab 34 plant in Ireland, enhancing market confidence in its future AI-related products.
- Volume Spike: Trading volume reached 128.9 million shares, nearly 22% above the three-month average of 106.1 million shares, indicating strong investor interest and enthusiasm regarding Intel's buyback deal, further propelling the stock price upward.
- Strategic Implications: The buyback restores Intel's full ownership of the Fab 34 facility, marking a strategic shift in the company's AI investment approach, which is expected to provide robust support for future manufacturing capabilities and market competitiveness.
- Investor Confidence Boost: Investors generally believe that Intel's long-term potential in AI investments will help drive its stock price higher, reflecting a significant improvement in the company over the past two years and showcasing optimistic market expectations for its future development.
See More
