Intel is actively seeking investment from Apple and exploring opportunities for a deeper collaboration to rejuvenate its market presence. These early-stage discussions could reshape Intel's future. Concurrently, Fermi Inc., a data center real estate investment trust co-founded by former Energy Secretary Rick Perry, has commenced its initial public offering roadshow, aiming to secure capital for advanced artificial intelligence infrastructure. Meanwhile, the European Union's passenger car market has seen significant shifts, with BYD overtaking Tesla in sales for the second consecutive month, while Volkswagen maintains its dominant position.
Intel, a prominent semiconductor manufacturer, is reportedly in preliminary talks with Apple regarding a potential investment and a more integrated partnership. This strategic move is part of Intel's broader efforts to revitalize its business, following a period where Apple transitioned away from using Intel's microprocessors in its Mac computers. The shift began in 2020 and was completed by 2023. Intel's CEO has recently secured substantial investments from various entities, including a $2 billion injection from Japan's SoftBank, a 10% stake from the U.S. government, and a $5 billion investment from Nvidia. These collaborations are crucial for Intel as it endeavors to innovate and compete in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.
In parallel, Fermi Inc., a data center REIT, has launched its IPO roadshow. Co-founded by former U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry and Toby Neugebauer, co-founder of Quantum Energy, Fermi aims to raise capital by offering 25 million shares, priced between $18 and $22 each. The company specializes in developing electric grids designed to provide highly redundant, gigawatt-scale power, which is essential for supporting next-generation artificial intelligence technologies. Fermi plans to list its shares on both the Nasdaq Global Select Market and the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol FRMI. The registration statement for its securities has been filed with the SEC, awaiting effectiveness, and the underwriters have a 30-day option to purchase an additional 3.75 million shares.
The European Union's passenger car market experienced a 5.3% year-over-year increase in August 2025, reaching 677,786 units, marking the second consecutive month of growth. This surge was primarily driven by strong performances in Spain (17.2%), Germany (5.0%), and France (2.2%), despite a 2.7% decline in Italy. Notably, Chinese automaker BYD surpassed Tesla in sales within the region for the second consecutive month, achieving a remarkable 201.3% year-over-year sales increase and capturing 1.3% of the EU market. In contrast, Tesla's sales fell by 36.6%, reducing its market share to 1.2%. Despite these shifts, Volkswagen maintained its leadership position in the market, with a 6.3% year-over-year rise in sales and a market share of 28.1% in August.
The financial markets are also abuzz with several other key developments. Qualcomm has introduced new Snapdragon chips for mobile and PC devices at its recent summit. Lithium Americas saw a significant 95% surge following reports of a potential U.S. government stake, though the clock is ticking on this development. Delta Airlines is reportedly replacing engine units on its A320 fleet to address toxic fume leaks. Upcoming investor events include Pure Storage's PureAccelerate NYC event, Okta's Investor Meeting, Klaviyo's Investor Day, and Malibu Boats' Investor Day. Market indicators show Dow, S&P, and Nasdaq futures in positive territory, while crude oil is down, and Bitcoin and Gold are experiencing slight fluctuations. European markets, including the FTSE 100 and DAX, are showing slight declines.