US semiconductor manufacturing: SoftBank boosts stake in Intel
Japanese technology company SoftBank Group plans to acquire a $2 billion stake in computer chip manufacturer Intel to strengthen its presence in U.S. semiconductor production. The investment, announced on August 19, 2025, follows SoftBank's recent focus on U.S. tech investments, including a $500 billion AI project with Trump, Sam Altman, and Larry Ellison. Intel's stock dropped 3.7% after the news, as it faces challenges including a workforce reduction to 75,000 by year-end and competition from rivals like Nvidia.