Intel stock gains as TSMC stake talk sparks turnaround hope
The company is still grappling with intense competition from NVIDIA and AMD
As of April 4, 2025, Intel Corporation's (INTC) stock is trading at $22.43, marking a 2.05% gain from the previous session.
This rise is particularly notable given that broader indices such as the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average declined by 4.84% and 3.98%, respectively. Intel's outperformance relative to its peers suggests renewed investor interest, possibly sparked by company-specific catalysts.
Over the past week, Intel stock rebounded from a two-day losing streak, though it remains significantly below its 52-week high of $40.78, reflecting a nearly 45% drop from that peak. Volume analysis adds to the picture, with 241 million shares traded on April 4—more than twice the stock’s 50-day average volume of approximately 105.8 million shares. This elevated trading activity typically signifies a shift in market sentiment or the presence of new catalysts.
INTC stock price dynamics (January 2025 - April 2025). Source: TradingView.
Looking at key technical indicators, INTC is currently facing resistance at the $25 level, which has served as a ceiling for the stock multiple times in recent months. Failure to decisively break above this threshold could result in another pullback. On the downside, the $20 mark remains a critical support level that has held firm over the past quarter.
Market context and recent developments
Intel's recent price action appears to be driven by both strategic corporate developments and macroeconomic conditions. The most significant headline involves a reported deal with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), under which TSMC may acquire a 20% stake in Intel’s U.S.-based foundry operations. This potential joint venture could strengthen Intel's manufacturing capacity while also supporting Washington’s efforts to reduce reliance on overseas semiconductor production.
Another noteworthy development is the appointment of Lip-Bu Tan as Intel’s new CEO. Tan, a veteran in the semiconductor space and former chairman of Cadence Design Systems, brings deep industry expertise and is expected to accelerate Intel’s transformation, particularly in AI, advanced chip design, and global partnerships.
However, Intel’s challenges remain significant. The company is still grappling with intense competition from NVIDIA and AMD in both CPU and GPU segments. Additionally, its foundry business has reported multi-billion-dollar losses, which raises concerns about the long-term viability of Intel's efforts to become a global manufacturing powerhouse. Investors will closely watch how Tan addresses these structural weaknesses.
Price scenarios
In the near term, Intel stock is expected to trade within a range of $20 to $25 as investors digest the implications of the TSMC partnership and assess the new CEO's strategy. A confirmed breakout above the $25 resistance zone, backed by strong volume and positive earnings momentum, could push the stock toward $28–$30 in the short run. That would mark a technical reversal and potentially open the door to a broader recovery trend.
On the downside, a failure to maintain support at $20 could trigger a retreat toward $18, particularly if macro headwinds or earnings disappointments resurface. Investors should monitor key upcoming catalysts including Q1 earnings, operational updates from the foundry unit, and any official announcement regarding the TSMC joint venture. These factors will likely determine Intel’s share price trajectory over the next quarter.
Earlier this week, Intel stock fell 2.88% to $22.05, continuing its bearish trend amid broader market weakness. The intraday swing between $21.66 and $22.70 highlights ongoing volatility and investor uncertainty.
