Intel Plunges 13% as Inflation Hits 2.8%: Top 5 Market Movers for 2026

Stocks are rebounding, but your tech portfolio might be bleeding. While inflation data gave some relief, Intel’s weak guidance sent shockwaves through the market. According to Reuters, November's Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index came in at 2.8%, matching forecasts. However, it's still notably higher than the Federal Reserve's 2% target. Despite this, the Dow rallied over 300 points as President Donald Trump canceled planned tariffs on European nations.

Intel Earnings Guidance and the Tech Pullback

The optimism didn't reach Intel. The chip giant beat Q4 expectations but issued a dismal outlook for the current quarter, causing shares to crater 13% in overnight trading. CFO David Zinsner blamed supply constraints for the soft guidance. This massive pullback follows a period where Intel surged 150% over the last year, fueled by backing from Nvidia and SoftBank. Investors are now questioning if the AI-driven semiconductor rally is losing steam.

Trump's $5B Lawsuit and TikTok’s Survival

On the legal front, Trump is suing JPMorgan Chase and its CEO Jamie Dimon for at least $5 billion. He alleges the bank's decision to close his accounts in 2021 was politically motivated 'debanking.' Meanwhile, TikTok has dodged a bullet by forming a joint venture to keep operating in the U.S. under a majority-American board. This move ensures the platform remains the dominant force it was in 2025, where it ranked as the second most-downloaded app.