Intel Rallies on Rumored Apple Investment and Chip Price Hikes

Intel shares surged 6.4% Thursday, extending a month-long rally fueled by strategic investments and improving end-market demand. The latest catalyst? Rumors of Apple potentially investing in Intel's foundry business, as reported by Bloomberg. Such a move would bolster Intel's balance sheet while signaling confidence in its 14A node technology.

Market observers note the strategic logic: Apple relies heavily on advanced silicon for its A-series and M-series chips. With TSMC nearing monopoly status in foundry services, Intel could offer Apple both supply chain diversification and political goodwill—aligning with U.S. government priorities for domestic semiconductor production.

Separately, Intel's reported price increases for PC chips contributed to the bullish sentiment. The stock has become a proxy for bets on U.S. semiconductor sovereignty, attracting capital from both private investors and federal initiatives.