Intel Up 170% in 2026: Time to Buy or Lock In Gains?

Intel has emerged as one of the biggest surprise performers of 2026, surging more than 170% year-to-date after being widely written off not long ago. The recovery reflects several tailwinds: new leadership, aggressive cost-cutting, and rising demand for chips powering AI applications. However, sceptics point out that fundamentals do not yet fully justify the elevated valuation, as Intel still trails rivals in advanced manufacturing processes. Bulls argue the company is at the beginning of a multi-year turnaround and current levels still represent an attractive entry point. Bears suggest waiting for the next quarterly report before committing new capital.