Intel led the Nasdaq-100 in August 2025 with a 23% gain, driven by a government investment. The Trump administration acquired 9.9% of Intel for $8.9 billion, converting CHIPS Act grants into equity. Despite this, the stock remains down 34.9% over the past two years.

The Nasdaq-100 had an average month in August 2025. The index rose 0.9%, trailing the S&P 500’s 1.9% gain. Intel stood out with a 23% return, thanks to the unusual government investment. The Trump administration invested $8.9 billion for a 9.9% stake.

The government’s $8.9 billion investment in Intel didn’t grant board seats or special access. The deal included an option to buy another 5% stake through warrants. Uncertainty remains on how the government acquired the shares without dilution, raising questions on the deal’s impact.

Intel’s stock saw a slow rise after the government deal, with leaked details surfacing over weeks. Investors view the deal as less of a game-changer, with the stock up only 8.7% in July and August. A 11.6% drop in July contributed to the stock being down 34.9% in two years.

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Read more at Yahoo Finance: This Was the Top-Performing Stock in the Nasdaq-100 in August 2025