01-24-2026 | Intel guidance pressures markets as inflation concerns persist and major technology firms accelerate artificial intelligence development

Companies. Intel issues cautious outlook amid chip supply constraints. Intel said first quarter revenue and earnings are expected to fall below market expectations as manufacturing limits its ability to meet strong demand for data center processors used in artificial intelligence systems; Chief Executive Officer Lip-Bu Tan said SUPPLY conditions should gradually improve later in the year, though near term constraints remain visible... The Economy. United States business activity holds steady as price pressures persist. January surveys showed stable business activity and a modest improvement in consumer sentiment, signaling continued economic expansion supported by household spending; at the same time, companies reported ongoing cost pressures, keeping INFLATION risks on the agenda for the Federal Reserve ahead of upcoming interest rate decisions... Markets. Chip stocks weigh on United States equities after earnings guidance. Major United States stock indexes finished the week mixed as semiconductor shares declined sharply following Intel’s weaker outlook; the drop offset broader relief linked to easing trade tensions and reinforced the importance of company guidance in shaping short term market sentiment... Innovation. Meta advances internal development of artificial intelligence models. Meta Platforms said its Superintelligence Labs delivered its first internally developed advanced ARTIFICIAL intelligence models, marking an early milestone in its strategy to compete more directly in next generation technologies and intensifying competition among major global technology companies.