Why Intel stock is rising today: today, Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC) is experiencing a notable uptick in its stock price, capturing the attention of investors and market analysts alike.

Source: tradingview

Optimism on New CEO boosts Intel’s stock price

One of the primary catalysts for Intel stock price increase today is the growing optimism surrounding its new Chief Executive Officer, Lip-Bu Tan, who officially assumed the role on March 18, 2025 (tomorrow, as of this writing). Reports circulating today, including from Reuters, indicate that Tan is wasting no time in outlining an ambitious overhaul of Intel’s operations. His plans reportedly include a revamp of chip design and manufacturing processes, a renewed focus on artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives, and further cost-cutting measures to streamline the company’s finances.

Tan, a seasoned semiconductor industry veteran, brings a strong track record from his tenure as CEO of Cadence Design Systems and his extensive experience in the tech ecosystem. Investors appear encouraged by his proactive approach, viewing it as a potential turning point for Intel, which has struggled to regain its footing in recent years. The promise of a “reboot” under Tan’s leadership has injected fresh confidence into the stock, driving today’s gains.
 

Strategic Overhaul: Addressing Intel’s Competitive Challenges

Intel has faced mounting challenges in recent years, losing ground to competitors like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Nvidia in both manufacturing prowess and AI chip innovation. Today’s stock rise reflects investor belief that Tan’s strategic vision could help Intel reclaim its competitive edge. His reported plans to overhaul chip design and manufacturing signal a shift toward greater efficiency and innovation—areas where Intel has lagged behind rivals.

Additionally, Tan’s emphasis on restarting AI efforts is particularly significant. The AI chip market has exploded in recent years, with Nvidia dominating the space through its cutting-edge GPUs. Intel, once a leader in PC and server chips, has struggled to establish a strong presence in AI, making Tan’s focus on this high-growth sector a welcome development for shareholders. This strategic pivot, combined with cost-cutting to improve profitability, appears to be a key driver of today’s bullish sentiment.
 

Market Reaction to Leadership increased Intel’s Stock Price

The announcement of Lip-Bu Tan as CEO was first made on March 12, 2025, sparking a surge in Intel’s stock price the following day. Today’s continued rise suggests that the market is still digesting and reacting positively to this leadership transition. Analysts have praised Tan’s appointment, with firms like Stifel and Deutsche Bank highlighting his expertise and potential to steer Intel through its current challenges.

This sustained positive momentum indicates that investors are not viewing Tan’s appointment as a one-off boost but rather as the beginning of a broader recovery narrative for Intel. Today’s stock price increase builds on that earlier enthusiasm, amplified by fresh details about Tan’s plans emerging in the news.
 

Speculation Around Intel’s Foundry Business Heats Up

Another factor contributing to Intel’s stock rise today is ongoing speculation about the future of its foundry business. Earlier this month, reports surfaced that TSMC had approached Nvidia, AMD, Broadcom, and potentially Qualcomm about a consortium to take over Intel’s manufacturing operations. While such a deal would face significant regulatory hurdles and operational complexities, the idea of Intel offloading or partnering on its foundry business has intrigued investors.

By streamlining or divesting this segment, Intel could focus more heavily on chip design—an area where Tan’s expertise could shine—while leveraging partnerships to bolster manufacturing capacity. This speculative optimism appears to be fueling some of today’s gains.

Moreover, cooler-than-expected inflation data from February, reported last week, has eased some pressure on the Federal Reserve to tighten monetary policy, providing a more favorable environment for growth stocks like Intel. This macroeconomic backdrop could be amplifying the positive sentiment around Intel-specific developments today.
 

Challenges Ahead: Is Intel Stock Expected to Go Up?

Despite today’s surge, Intel’s path forward remains fraught with challenges. The company’s stock is still down significantly over the past year, reflecting struggles with declining PC demand, delays in its Ohio manufacturing campus (now pushed to 2030), and fierce competition in AI and data center markets. Tan inherits a company at a crossroads, and while his vision has sparked excitement, execution will be critical.

Investors are also mindful of external risks, such as President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war and tariff policies, which have rattled markets in recent weeks. These policies could raise costs for Intel’s U.S.-based manufacturing efforts and disrupt global supply chains, tempering long-term optimism even as the stock rises today.
 

Conclusion: A Stock Fueled by Hope and Transformation

Intel’s stock price is rising today, due to a confluence of factors: excitement over new CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s transformative vision, speculation about the foundry business, a recovering tech sector, and favorable market sentiment. While challenges remain, the market is signaling hope that Intel can turn the page on its recent struggles. Whether this surge marks the start of a sustained recovery or a fleeting rally will depend on Tan’s ability to deliver results in the months ahead. For now, investors are riding the wave of optimism, pushing Intel’s stock higher on this pivotal day.

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Past performance is not indicative of any future results. This information is provided for informative purposes only and should not be construed to be investment advice.