U.S. Stock Futures Quiet as S&P 500 Nears Record
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Dec 24 2025
0mins
Should l Buy INTC?
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.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy INTC?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on INTC
Wall Street analysts forecast INTC stock price to fall
29 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
19 Hold
5 Sell
Hold
Current: 45.460
Low
20.00
Averages
39.30
High
52.00
Current: 45.460
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.
AI Regulation Showdown in New York Congressional Race
- Ad Campaign Support: The Jobs and Democracy PAC, aligned with the Democratic Party, is launching a six-figure ad campaign to support Alex Bores in New York's 12th congressional district, where Bores is a key proponent of the RAISE Act, which mandates large AI developers to publish safety protocols and report serious misuse of their technologies.
- Competitive Primary: Bores faces a crowded field in the Democratic primary, and given the district's demographics, the winner of this primary is likely to secure the general election, making AI regulation a pivotal issue for voters.
- Bipartisan Backing: The Jobs and Democracy PAC is part of a larger bipartisan initiative led by former lawmakers Brad Carson and Chris Stewart to support candidates advocating for increased AI regulation, recently bolstered by a $20 million donation from Anthropic.
- Regulatory Debate Intensifies: Congressional discussions on AI regulation are centered around whether to temporarily ban states from implementing certain AI laws to prevent a patchwork of regulations, with proponents arguing it could slow AI development, although the proposal has failed to gain bipartisan support.
See More
India Joins U.S.-Led Pax Silica Initiative
- Strategic Entry of India: India's formal entry into the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative marks a significant victory for Washington in the global semiconductor and AI infrastructure supply chain competition, expected to enhance U.S. influence in the technology market.
- Multinational Cooperation Framework: The Pax Silica initiative includes core members such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, Israel, the UK, Australia, Qatar, and the UAE, with India's participation further solidifying this multinational cooperation framework to promote technology sharing and supply chain security.
- Diplomacy Meets Business: The U.S. State Department's launch of the AI chip
See More
Intel CFO to Speak at Morgan Stanley Conference
- Executive Speaking Engagement: Intel's CFO David Zinsner will participate in a fireside chat at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on March 4 at 8:35 a.m. PT, sharing insights on the company's business strategy, which is expected to attract attention from investors and analysts.
- Webcast Availability: The event will be accessible via live webcast and replay on Intel's Investor Relations website, ensuring broad public access and enhancing the company's transparency while promoting interaction with investors.
- Strategic Significance: By participating in such high-profile conferences, Intel not only showcases its leadership in the semiconductor industry but also emphasizes its commitment to future technological advancements, which could influence investor confidence in the company.
- Company Background: Intel designs and manufactures advanced semiconductors that connect and power the modern world, with engineers creating new technologies daily to enhance the future of computing and meet diverse customer needs.
See More
Meta's Billions for Nvidia Chips Revitalize Market Confidence
- Market Confidence Revived: Meta's commitment to invest billions in Nvidia chips not only provides a much-needed financial boost to Nvidia but also has the potential to reshape market perceptions of its technological advantages, thereby enhancing its stock performance.
- Competitive Landscape Shift: With Meta's investment, Nvidia is likely to regain investor attention, prompting a reassessment of its core position in the AI sector, especially in light of competitive threats from companies like Google.
- Product Portfolio Advantage: Meta plans to utilize not only Nvidia's GPUs but also deploy its CPUs independently, indicating the significant value of Nvidia's product portfolio in meeting Meta's growing computational demands.
- Long-Term Value Consideration: CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasizes the importance of evaluating the
See More
Nvidia Sells Arm Stake but Maintains Partnership
- Nvidia's Stake Sale: Nvidia's SEC filing on Tuesday revealed it has offloaded its stake in semiconductor firm Arm, yet this does not signify the end of their relationship, as Arm's shares rose 1.4% in premarket trading on Wednesday.
- Shareholding History: By the end of Q3, Nvidia held 1.1 million shares of Arm valued at $155.8 million, having maintained its stake since 2023 while gradually winding it down towards the end of 2024, indicating a strategic shift in its investment approach.
- Market Reaction: When Arm debuted on Nasdaq in 2023, Nvidia was part of a strategic investment group that collectively purchased $735 million in shares, and although its $40 billion acquisition bid failed due to regulatory hurdles, Nvidia retains a 20-year licensing agreement with Arm, continuing to support its technology.
- Financial Performance: Arm's recent earnings report showed a 26% year-on-year sales increase to $1.24 billion, exceeding analyst expectations, although shares fell in after-hours trading, with analysts noting high operating expenses suggest the company is preparing for long-term demand.
See More
Nvidia Sells ARM Stake, Market Reacts Positively
- Nvidia Reduces ARM Stake: Nvidia gradually reduced its stake in ARM by the end of 2024, holding 1.1 million shares valued at $155.8 million; despite the sell-off, Nvidia's 20-year licensing agreement with ARM remains intact, indicating a long-term partnership.
- ARM Earnings Beat Expectations: ARM reported a 26% year-on-year increase in sales to $1.24 billion in its latest earnings report, surpassing analyst expectations and demonstrating strong momentum in AI projects, although its stock fell in after-hours trading, reflecting cautious market sentiment regarding future guidance.
- Positive Market Reaction: Following its Nasdaq debut, ARM's market cap is approximately $135 billion, and Nvidia's stake reduction did not dampen market confidence, as ARM shares rose 1.4% in premarket trading, indicating investor recognition of its long-term growth potential.
- Morgan Stanley Optimistic: Morgan Stanley has an “overweight” rating on ARM with a price target of $135, representing a premium of over 6% from Tuesday's closing price, reflecting a positive outlook on ARM's future performance, particularly in ongoing investments in AI.
See More
AI Regulation Showdown in New York Congressional Race
- Ad Campaign Support: The Jobs and Democracy PAC, aligned with the Democratic Party, is launching a six-figure ad campaign to support Alex Bores in New York's 12th congressional district, where Bores is a key proponent of the RAISE Act, which mandates large AI developers to publish safety protocols and report serious misuse of their technologies.
- Competitive Primary: Bores faces a crowded field in the Democratic primary, and given the district's demographics, the winner of this primary is likely to secure the general election, making AI regulation a pivotal issue for voters.
- Bipartisan Backing: The Jobs and Democracy PAC is part of a larger bipartisan initiative led by former lawmakers Brad Carson and Chris Stewart to support candidates advocating for increased AI regulation, recently bolstered by a $20 million donation from Anthropic.
- Regulatory Debate Intensifies: Congressional discussions on AI regulation are centered around whether to temporarily ban states from implementing certain AI laws to prevent a patchwork of regulations, with proponents arguing it could slow AI development, although the proposal has failed to gain bipartisan support.
See More
India Joins U.S.-Led Pax Silica Initiative
- Strategic Entry of India: India's formal entry into the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative marks a significant victory for Washington in the global semiconductor and AI infrastructure supply chain competition, expected to enhance U.S. influence in the technology market.
- Multinational Cooperation Framework: The Pax Silica initiative includes core members such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Netherlands, Israel, the UK, Australia, Qatar, and the UAE, with India's participation further solidifying this multinational cooperation framework to promote technology sharing and supply chain security.
- Diplomacy Meets Business: The U.S. State Department's launch of the AI chip
See More
Intel CFO to Speak at Morgan Stanley Conference
- Executive Speaking Engagement: Intel's CFO David Zinsner will participate in a fireside chat at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on March 4 at 8:35 a.m. PT, sharing insights on the company's business strategy, which is expected to attract attention from investors and analysts.
- Webcast Availability: The event will be accessible via live webcast and replay on Intel's Investor Relations website, ensuring broad public access and enhancing the company's transparency while promoting interaction with investors.
- Strategic Significance: By participating in such high-profile conferences, Intel not only showcases its leadership in the semiconductor industry but also emphasizes its commitment to future technological advancements, which could influence investor confidence in the company.
- Company Background: Intel designs and manufactures advanced semiconductors that connect and power the modern world, with engineers creating new technologies daily to enhance the future of computing and meet diverse customer needs.
See More
Meta's Billions for Nvidia Chips Revitalize Market Confidence
- Market Confidence Revived: Meta's commitment to invest billions in Nvidia chips not only provides a much-needed financial boost to Nvidia but also has the potential to reshape market perceptions of its technological advantages, thereby enhancing its stock performance.
- Competitive Landscape Shift: With Meta's investment, Nvidia is likely to regain investor attention, prompting a reassessment of its core position in the AI sector, especially in light of competitive threats from companies like Google.
- Product Portfolio Advantage: Meta plans to utilize not only Nvidia's GPUs but also deploy its CPUs independently, indicating the significant value of Nvidia's product portfolio in meeting Meta's growing computational demands.
- Long-Term Value Consideration: CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasizes the importance of evaluating the
See More
Nvidia Sells Arm Stake but Maintains Partnership
- Nvidia's Stake Sale: Nvidia's SEC filing on Tuesday revealed it has offloaded its stake in semiconductor firm Arm, yet this does not signify the end of their relationship, as Arm's shares rose 1.4% in premarket trading on Wednesday.
- Shareholding History: By the end of Q3, Nvidia held 1.1 million shares of Arm valued at $155.8 million, having maintained its stake since 2023 while gradually winding it down towards the end of 2024, indicating a strategic shift in its investment approach.
- Market Reaction: When Arm debuted on Nasdaq in 2023, Nvidia was part of a strategic investment group that collectively purchased $735 million in shares, and although its $40 billion acquisition bid failed due to regulatory hurdles, Nvidia retains a 20-year licensing agreement with Arm, continuing to support its technology.
- Financial Performance: Arm's recent earnings report showed a 26% year-on-year sales increase to $1.24 billion, exceeding analyst expectations, although shares fell in after-hours trading, with analysts noting high operating expenses suggest the company is preparing for long-term demand.
See More
Nvidia Sells ARM Stake, Market Reacts Positively
- Nvidia Reduces ARM Stake: Nvidia gradually reduced its stake in ARM by the end of 2024, holding 1.1 million shares valued at $155.8 million; despite the sell-off, Nvidia's 20-year licensing agreement with ARM remains intact, indicating a long-term partnership.
- ARM Earnings Beat Expectations: ARM reported a 26% year-on-year increase in sales to $1.24 billion in its latest earnings report, surpassing analyst expectations and demonstrating strong momentum in AI projects, although its stock fell in after-hours trading, reflecting cautious market sentiment regarding future guidance.
- Positive Market Reaction: Following its Nasdaq debut, ARM's market cap is approximately $135 billion, and Nvidia's stake reduction did not dampen market confidence, as ARM shares rose 1.4% in premarket trading, indicating investor recognition of its long-term growth potential.
- Morgan Stanley Optimistic: Morgan Stanley has an “overweight” rating on ARM with a price target of $135, representing a premium of over 6% from Tuesday's closing price, reflecting a positive outlook on ARM's future performance, particularly in ongoing investments in AI.
See More
