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Over the past two years. shares of Intel Corp. INTC, -2.82% have returned 29%. Not bad, you might think — but the information technology sector of the S&P 500 SPX, -0.72% has returned 110%. Meanwhile, Intel’s arch rival Advanced Micro Devices Inc. AMD, -2.84% has seen its stock skyrocket 349%.
Intel’s underperformance reflects deep operational problems at the company that outgoing CEO Robert Swan has been trying to rectify since taking the chip maker’s top spot in June 2018. Now Intel has tapped Pat Gelsinger, the company’s former chief technology officer who left in 2011, as its new CEO starting Feb. 15.
Therese Poletti considers whether Gelsinger can return Intel to its former position as a leading technology innovator.
Read on: Intel stock surges after company moves to replace CEO Swan with VMware chief
Should you invest in a SPAC?
During 2020, special-purpose acquisition companies, or SPACs, made out like bandits by simplifying the arcane process of conventional initial public offerings of stock. But SPACs aren’t appropriate for all investors, as Robert Powell explains.
More on investing: Tesla’s new $950 stock price target at Wedbush is the highest on Wall Street, but the analyst still won’t say buy
Plus: Here’s what you really should know about the ‘First 5 Days of January’ indicator
What it means to work from anywhere
The pandemic has made it clear that many people can be effective working from home. But what about working from a new home in another country? As part of MarketWatch’s BookWatch series, Rachael Woldoff and Robert Litchfield bust the myths and describe what it takes to be a digital nomad.
MarketWatch photo illustration/iStockphoto
How to get coronavirus vaccines to the people
Getting COVID-19 vaccines into arms is a tremendous logistical challenge. Jon Swartz explains how giant technology companies are helping to get it done.
Related: CES brings new devices to help stop the spread of COVID-19
More on vaccine distribution:
Maybe traditional retail stores aren’t entirely dead
Tonya Garcia explains how Target Corp. TGT, -1.62% has made the best use of its stores during the pandemic.
Can I save for my daughter’s college costs using a retirement fund instead of a 529 plan?
The reader says she’s afraid of being left with an unused college savings account if her daughter opts not to go. CD Moriarty weighs in, and readers have their own suggestions.
View from Pier in Tybee Island, Georgia.
iStockphoto
Fun in the sun
Silvia Ascarelli helps a couple who wants to live by the ocean and where it is warm all year, with a liberal twist.
Coming soon: 2% Treasury yields
President-elect Joe Biden is seeking a new round of federal spending — to the tune of $1.9 trillion — to help pay for vaccine distribution, higher unemployment benefits and another round of direct relief payments. Jefferies chief economist Aneta Markowska, the latest winner of MarketWatch’s forecaster of the month competition, expects rising federal spending to lead to 2% yields for 10-year U.S. Treasury notes TMUBMUSD10Y, 1.090% by the end of the year.
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Will Chipotle take on fast food in a new way?
The pandemic year of 2020 was actually a good one for Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. CMG, -0.43% The company’s third-quarter sales increased 14% from the year-earlier quarter as digital sales tripled. Chipotle’s stock jumped 66% for the year. Now the company may move into a new area to try to take more business from fast-food restaurants, as Tonya Garcia explains.
Disney’s permanent changes
When life returns to normal, you might want to celebrate with a trip to Disney World, but not everything will be the same. Jacob Passy lists special guest services that Walt Disney Co. DIS, -1.15% is dropping from its theme parks — permanently.
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