A tech publication writes of the “near certainty” that a company is interested in buying Intel. But it’s not clear which one might fit the bill.

Key Takeaways The S&P 500 jumped 1% on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, heading into a three-day weekend on a high note as prospects rebounded for additional interest-rate cuts in 2025.Intel shares took off following reports that the semiconductor giant could be an acquisition target.

The S&P 500 rose 0.89 per cent to 5,990.17 points, compared to 5,937.34 points at the previous market close. The Nasdaq Composite index gained 1.30 per cent to open at 19,588.75 points at the US market open today, compared to 19,338.29 points at the previous market close.

The one-time Semiconductor giant's stock has been trading at levels that previously hadn’t been seen since 2015 as Intel has struggled to keep up with the AI chip movement. Shares of Intel are trading almost 70% below their 2021 highs, despite the company’s focus on returning chip manufacturing to the United States.

Intel’s stock price climbed as much as 9.2 percent Friday morning after a report said a company is looking to acquire the semiconductor giant whole.

Key Takeaways Shares of the chipmaker are rising today alongside broader markets, leaving them up more than 5% in January, outpacing the S&P 500.Investors may be buying into signs of change in the wake of the retirement of CEO Pat Gelsinger late last year.