Intel (INTC) declined 7% from its recent record intraday high as institutional and retail investors cashed in gains following a strong rally. The tech giant's stock retreated after hitting $45.80 per share on December 5, 2025.
- Intel (INTC) fell 7% from its record intraday high of $45.80 on December 5, 2025.
- Trading volume reached 128 million shares, 44% above the 30-day average.
- The stock had risen 32% over the previous four weeks prior to the correction.
- Profit-taking was observed across institutional and retail investor accounts.
- The S&P 500 tech sector declined 0.9% on the same day.
- Intel is preparing to unveil its 18A process node in early 2026.
Intel (INTC) experienced a sharp correction on December 5, 2025, shedding 7% of its value after reaching a new intraday peak of $45.80. The decline followed a sustained upward trajectory that lifted the stock to its highest level since 2022, driven by investor optimism around the company's advanced process technology and renewed focus on AI-driven semiconductor growth. The sell-off was primarily attributed to widespread profit-taking across major trading desks and asset management platforms. Market participants who accumulated INTC shares during its 32% rally over the prior four weeks began liquidating positions to lock in gains, particularly after the stock traded above the $45 threshold, a psychological and technical resistance level. Volume surged to 128 million shares traded on the session—44% above average—indicating active distribution by large players. The S&P 500 tech sector index dipped 0.9% on the same day, with semiconductor peers including AMD and NVIDIA also seeing modest declines, signaling broader sector profit reallocation rather than company-specific weakness. The correction comes at a pivotal moment as Intel prepares to unveil its next-generation 18A process node in early 2026, with analysts closely watching for signs of renewed competitiveness in the global chip race.