Intel shares dropped after reports that Nvidia paused tests of Intel’s advanced chipmaking process, raising concerns about Intel’s competitiveness and impacting tech stocks. The episode also covered major tech and media news, including legal challenges to H-1B visa fees, potential media mergers, ETF trends, Tesla’s struggles, and notable moves in cybersecurity and autonomous vehicles.
Certainly! Here’s a five-paragraph summary of the Bloomberg Tech episode from December 24, 2025:
Intel shares fell after reports emerged that Nvidia had halted production tests using Intel’s advanced chipmaking process, known as the 18A process. This development raised concerns about Intel’s ability to compete with global leaders like TSMC, despite recent investments from Nvidia and a significant U.S. government stake aimed at revitalizing domestic chip manufacturing. The news weighed on both Intel and Nvidia stocks, contributing to underperformance in the Nasdaq 100, even as the broader market remained relatively stable with low volatility.
The episode also covered a major legal development: a federal judge allowed the Trump administration to proceed with a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications. This move puts pressure on U.S. tech companies that rely on hiring skilled foreign workers. While large tech firms may be able to absorb the cost, public sector employers and hospitals could struggle, as there are no carve-outs for them. Multiple lawsuits are ongoing, and the issue may eventually reach the Supreme Court, leaving uncertainty for employers and visa applicants.
In the media sector, the show discussed the potential sale of Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount, with Larry Ellison offering a $40 billion personal guarantee for a Skydance-Paramount bid. The consolidation of media assets is seen as both an opportunity and a concern, particularly regarding the use of vast content libraries for AI model training. The conversation highlighted the growing intersection of media, data, and artificial intelligence, and the regulatory scrutiny such mega-deals are likely to attract.
The episode also examined trends in the ETF market, noting that actively managed ETFs have outperformed passive funds in 2025, with particular interest in leveraged single-stock ETFs and thematic funds focused on AI and quantum computing. Sylvia Jablonski of Defiance ETFs discussed the importance of innovation and due diligence in launching new products, as well as the potential for future growth in both equity and fixed income ETFs tied to emerging technology themes.
Finally, Tesla’s recent challenges were addressed, including a federal probe into Model 3 door handles and ongoing issues with declining sales and profitability. While Tesla’s energy division is booming, the company faces stiff competition in autonomous vehicles, particularly from Waymo, which has a significant lead in robotaxi deployments. The episode concluded with news of ServiceNow’s largest-ever acquisition in cybersecurity, updates on Bitcoin’s performance, and Waymo’s response to a recent software issue during a San Francisco power outage.