S&P 500 Today: Boeing Soars on Bullish Forecast; Intel’s Rally Powers Ahead

Two industrial titans are driving the action in the old-guard index.

Boeing Gets a Lift

A fresh dose of analyst optimism sent shares climbing. The narrative shifted from turbulence to clear skies, at least for a trading session, proving that on Wall Street, a revised forecast can be more powerful than a fixed wing.

Intel Extends Its Run

The chipmaker's rally added another leg, continuing its recent momentum. It's a reminder that in the tech sector, perception of a turnaround can fuel gains long before the actual financial statements do—a classic case of buying the rumor, with the hope of eventually selling the news.

While traditional markets chase incremental gains on corporate guidance, the digital asset space operates on a different clock—one measured in blockchain confirmations, not quarterly reports. Today's moves are a stark reminder of the divergent philosophies at play: one world waits for permission, the other builds it.

Key Takeaways

• An aerospace giant got a lift on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, as an executive provided an optimistic forecast for deliveries and free cash flow, while a major chipmaker extended its rally.
• Boeing shares took off after the plane maker's chief financial officer offered a bright outlook for 2026.
• Intel stock added to its recent string of gains amid speculation about new business from Apple.
  

Shares of an aircraft manufacturer skyrocketed as a top executive said deliveries and free cash flow WOULD trend higher in 2026, while a large semiconductor player extended its hot streak.

Major U.S. equities indexes moved higher Tuesday, recovering from a sell-off in the prior session. The S&P 500 advanced 0.3%, the Dow added 0.4%, and the Nasdaq gained 0.6%. In another bright sign for risk assets, the price of Bitcoin (BTCUSD) clawed back some of its recent losses. See here for Investopedia's full coverage of today's top market stories. 

Boeing (BA) shares soared 10.2%, notching the top performance in the S&P 500, after Chief Financial Officer Jay Malave provided an optimistic outlook for the aircraft manufacturer heading into 2026. Speaking at an industry conference, the executive touted Boeing's progress on its recovery plans and said the company expects to increase deliveries of its 737 and 787 jets next year. The plane Maker also anticipates strong free cash flow growth in 2026.  

Intel (INTC) shares jumped 8.7%, adding to gains posted late last week amid speculation that Apple (AAPL) could be poised to become a new Intel customer. A potential deal with the iPhone maker would come on top of a string of high-profile agreements for Intel this year, including a partnership with AI darling Nvidia (NVDA).

Stifel upgraded Teradyne (TER) stock to "buy" from "hold," and shares of the technology testing solutions provider gained 5.7%. Analysts pointed to a shift in Teradyne's focus toward high-growth markets, with AI applications expected to account for a more substantial portion of the firm's semiconductor test revenue as the business expands beyond its traditional smartphone and consumer markets.

Companies in the paper and packaging business came under pressure Tuesday. The industry has faced concerns about sluggish consumer spending, elevated costs, and excess supply. Packaging Corporation of America (PKG) shares sank 5.3%. In its most recent earnings report released in October, Packaging Corp. posted lower-than-expected profit. Shares of competitors International Paper (IP) and Smurfit WestRock (SW) each fell 3.4% on Tuesday.

AutoZone (AZO) shares slipped 3.1% following cautious commentary about the auto parts retailer from analysts at Morgan Stanley. The investment bank noted that AutoZone could face cost headwinds related to tariffs and increases in selling, general, and administrative expenses, although analysts still believe the company is positioned to benefit from positive industry trends.