Intel ($INTCB ) is finally catching a serious bid — shares jumped +10.46% to $100.36 — after CNBC’s Jim Cramer called it “finally flying” and said it’s still his favorite way to play the AI trade 🤖📈

Why this move matters 💡

Intel’s AI narrative hasn’t been as clean or hyped as some of the faster-growing chip names, so a pop like this stands out. Investors are basically revisiting the “turnaround + AI + domestic manufacturing” storyline 🇺🇸🔧

The broader backdrop helped too: AI + data-center stocks rallied again, and CNBC mentioned reports that the Trump administration may consider new bans on Chinese robots and power inverters 🏭⚡️. In that kind of environment, Intel starts looking more strategically important as a “made-in-America” tech play.

What happens next 👀

Now Intel has to earn the rally.

People are going to be watching for:

Real data-center demand updates 🖥️

Foundry customer traction (who’s actually signing up?) 🏗️

Manufacturing progress and competitiveness 🔩

Margins + AI product momentum on the next earnings call 💰

If Intel can show AI hype is turning into actual revenue growth, this turnaround story could get a lot more real — and a lot more durable 🚀