📉 Intel: Option Bomb After $100 Collapse? The Sincerity on the Eve of Earnings - 2026.07.21

Intel (INTC) chart has been a real rollercoaster recently. 🎢 After the psychological $100 support line broke, it fell to $95, but yesterday's (July 20) closing price was $97, marking a 2.11% rebound. Although trading volume decreased to 77.37 million shares compared to the previous day, the emergence of a rebound signal from the downtrend is noteworthy. But this isn't the end. This week is when Intel's 'real potential' will be revealed. 🥕

📊 On the Eve of Earnings, the Options Market Goes Crazy

Ahead of Intel's earnings announcement this week, options trading volume surged abnormally ^[1]. Market participants are actively adjusting positions anticipating volatility following the earnings report. The results to be announced on July 23 local time (early morning of July 24 Korean time) are highlighted as key indicators determining AI investment capacity and memory semiconductor demand outlook ^[9]. As a core issue alongside Alphabet and Tesla for Big Tech earnings, the stock could swing significantly depending on the outcome, so careful positioning is essential. ^[2]

💡 Restructuring and AI Cooperation: A Double-Edged Sword

Intel plans further workforce reductions to improve efficiency in its Data Center Group (DCAI) ^[3], signaling urgency in cost structure improvement. Conversely, there are positive moves in the AI semiconductor business, with deepened cooperation with Google in AI chip design ^[4]. Strengthening relationships with major technical partners can bolster Intel's AI semiconductor competitiveness. Additionally, Intel emphasizes the importance of 'memory bandwidth' in AI performance evaluations, asserting technological superiority ^[5].

🏭 Foundry and Securities Firm Perspectives

News also emerges from the foundry business. ASML CEO evaluated that Intel achieved a 'very important milestone' through $400 million worth of chipmaking equipment ^[6], interpreted as a positive signal for advanced process development. Securities firms maintain optimistic views on Intel; Morgan Stanley raised its price target as the stock showed an upward trend ^[7], while KeyBanc Securities also displays optimism toward semiconductor companies like Intel and AMD ahead of earnings ^[8].

🎯 Carrot's Chart Analysis

Currently, Intel fluctuates within a $95–$100 box range. The key question is whether it will retest the $100 resistance or threaten the $95 support again. With expected increased volatility due to surging options volume, it is better to clearly confirm support and resistance levels rather than entering blindly. Carrot believes that since expanded volatility before earnings is inevitable, managing positions based on chart support ($95) and resistance ($100) lines is safer.

No full buy, no full sell—act only when support breaks. Trust numbers and charts, don't get swept by emotions! ✨

📰 Reference News (8)

1

Huge, Unusual Intel Options Volume Today Ahead of Earnings This Week - Barchart.com

Barchart.com · 2026.07.20

📰 View original

2

What to Expect in Markets This Week: Alphabet, Tesla and Intel Headline Big Tech Earnings Reports - Investopedia

Investopedia · 2026.07.19

📰 View original

6

Intel Has Reached ‘Very Important Milestone’ With Its $400 Million Chipmaking Machine, ASML CEO Says - Yahoo Finance

Yahoo Finance · 2026.07.20

📰 View original

📺 Reference Videos (1)

9

YouTube

"Sell Samsung-nics, Hold?"…Focus on Alphabet and Intel Earnings This Week [Issue Money] / KBS 2026.07.20.

▶KBS News·2026.07.20