Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) closed at $48.72 on Wednesday, a gain of 3.02%. Trading volume reached 147 million shares, significantly above its three-month average of 91.7 million shares.
The stock's performance reflected ongoing interest in Intel's artificial intelligence server and foundry operations. Investors are monitoring how sustained AI data center demand will affect the company's 2026 capacity and margin outlook.
On the same day, the S&P 500 declined 0.51% to 6,928, and the Nasdaq Composite fell 1.00% to 23,472. Semiconductor peers Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD) and Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) showed mixed results as the market evaluates AI growth expectations against supply constraints and competitive shifts.
Intel shares have increased more than 30% this year. This rise is partly attributed to server chip shortages. The company's server central processing unit capacity for 2026 is already nearly sold out, and Intel could raise chip prices.
Investors are advised not to assume the stock's upward trend will continue without interruption. Factors like AI demand and support for domestic foundry manufacturing have fueled optimism about Intel's business.
However, these positive factors may already be reflected in the current stock price. An economic downturn or a decrease in demand for AI infrastructure could lead to a correction following the strong performance.