Intel Stock Plunges 25% Following Earnings

Why this is trending right now

Intel stock plummeted 25% in premarket trading on October 29, 2026, following an earnings report that revealed significant weakness in the company's core business. The chipmaker explicitly attributed its poor guidance to a broader slowdown in the personal computer market, triggering a sharp sell-off among investors and analysts tracking the semiconductor sector.

The last 24 hours: a timeline

By early morning on October 29, market data confirmed Intel's stock had fallen by 25% in premarket activity. By mid-morning, financial outlets including CNBC reported that the decline was directly linked to the company's weak forward-looking guidance. Throughout the day, the drop in Intel's valuation contributed to a broader decline in Nasdaq-100 futures, which fell approximately 2% as the tech sector reacted to the news.

What could happen next

The immediate impact is a re-evaluation of the semiconductor industry's short-term growth prospects. Given that Intel cited a PC market slowdown, investors are likely to scrutinize upcoming reports from other hardware manufacturers for similar signs of stagnation. The company's ability to recover will depend on its execution of current restructuring plans and its ability to regain market share in the data center and AI-focused chip segments, though analysts remain cautious until further quarterly data is released.