Emerging
Jun 18, 20261
71%
Kroger Falls on Downbeat Forecast; Intel Surges on Apple Deal

Intel and Apple surged on news of a domestic semiconductor partnership announced by President Trump, while Smith & Wesson gained on solid quarterly earnings. Kroger fell sharply after forecasting flat adjusted EPS growth for the second quarter, marking its worst day since October 2022.
Quick Facts
Who
Intel
What
Intel surged in premarket trading
When
June 18, 2026
Where
United States (domestic semiconductor manufacturing)
- Intel surged in premarket trading
- Intel and Apple announced partnership to design and produce semiconductors domestically
- Smith & Wesson reported earnings and sales
- Kroger shares fell on downbeat guidance
- Kroger CFO provided second quarter EPS forecast
Stock markets reflected mixed sentiment on June 18, 2026, with major moves across technology and retail sectors. Intel surged in premarket trading following an announcement that the chipmaker will collaborate with Apple to design and produce semiconductors domestically, a partnership unveiled by President Trump. The announcement also supported Apple share movements as the tech giants position themselves for domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
In other market action, Smith & Wesson shares rose after the firearms manufacturer reported earnings of 36 cents per share on a comparable basis for the latest quarter, alongside quarterly sales of $178.4 million. The company's results supported investor sentiment in the defense and firearms sector.
Retail stocks faced headwinds as Kroger shares experienced their steepest single-day decline since October 2022. The grocery chain's stock fell following guidance from CFO David Kennerley that adjusted earnings per share for the second quarter are expected to remain flat compared to the prior year, signaling a slowdown in profitability growth despite continued revenue operations.
Topics
Why This Matters
This market movement signals critical shifts in U.S. semiconductor strategy and retail profitability trends. The Intel-Apple partnership represents a structural shift toward domestic chip manufacturing with potential implications for supply chain resilience and tech sector valuations. Conversely, Kroger's flat EPS guidance despite ongoing revenue suggests margin compression in retail, affecting both consumer discretionary spending and grocery sector outlook. Investors should monitor these developments as indicators of broader economic momentum and sector-specific headwinds.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireStock Movers episode featuring market commentary on Intel-Apple partnership and Kroger guidance