$INTC has staged a major comeback in 2026, with shares surging as investors grow more optimistic about the company’s turnaround efforts and positioning in the AI semiconductor race. The rally has been driven by improving sentiment around Intel’s foundry business, new chip launches, and broader demand for AI and data center infrastructure. Analysts say the market is starting to price in the possibility that Intel could regain competitiveness against rivals like Nvidia and AMD if its long-term manufacturing and AI strategies continue gaining traction.