Introduction to Qualcomm’s Stock Performance
Qualcomm, a major supplier of smartphone processors and modem chips, ended the last U.S. trading session of 2025 on a low note. The stock closed down 1.5% at $171.05, tracking a broader year-end drop in U.S. stocks. This decline was largely due to thin trading ahead of the New Year holiday, where small orders can significantly move prices.
Factors Influencing the Stock Price
The stock’s fall was also attributed to profit-taking, where traders sell to lock in gains when liquidity is low. Giuseppe Sette, co-founder and president of Reflexivity, noted that it’s normal for bull markets to experience moments of cost. Qualcomm lagged behind some of its large semiconductor peers, including Nvidia, Broadcom, and Intel, which also saw drops in their stock prices.
Trading Volume and Stock Performance
The stock traded between $170.88 and $173.94 in the last session of 2025, with a trading volume of about 4.5 million shares. This volume is well below its 50-day average of 10.5 million shares. Qualcomm finished the year about 17% below its 52-week high of $205.95, set on October 27.
Market Trends and Outlook
The holiday-shortened week ended without the usual "Santa Claus rally," a seasonal stretch of gains expected over the last five trading days of December and the first two of January. Tech stocks, including Qualcomm, were among the main drags on the market. Investors are now looking to 2026, wondering how the Federal Reserve’s rate path will shape risk appetite after a strong year for major U.S. indexes.
Upcoming Events and Milestones
The next major macro milestone is the Fed’s January 27-28 meeting, which will provide insight into the central bank’s rate path. For Qualcomm, the next scheduled company catalyst is its Q1 fiscal 2026 earnings conference call on February 4. The company’s last outlook put fiscal first-quarter sales and adjusted earnings per share at a midpoint of $12.2 billion and $3.40.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Qualcomm’s stock performance in the last trading session of 2025 was influenced by thin trading, profit-taking, and a broader market decline. As investors look to 2026, they will be watching whether Qualcomm’s stock can hold the $170 area and whether chip stocks can regain footing once trading begins in earnest. The upcoming Fed meeting and Qualcomm’s earnings call will provide important insights into the company’s and the market’s future performance.
