Intel Shares Drop 16% on Weak Forecast, TikTok Avoids US Ban

Intel's Financial Woes

• 📉 Intel shares experienced a significant drop of 16% following a disappointing forecast from its CEO.
• ⚠️ The chipmaker is facing manufacturing problems, contributing to first-quarter projections for revenue and earnings falling short of Wall Street's expectations.

TikTok's US Operations Deal

• 🤝 TikTok and its parent company, Bytedance, have successfully negotiated a deal to transfer parts of its U.S. operations to American investors, thereby avoiding a nationwide ban.
• 💼 The agreement establishes a U.S. entity with Oracle, Silver Lake Management, and MGM as managing investors, with TikTok's CEO securing a board seat.

Texas Grid Prepared for Winter Storm

• ⚡ The Texas electric grid is bracing for a major winter storm, anticipated to be one of the most challenging tests since the 2021 freeze.
• 📊 ERCOT projects a peak demand of approximately 83 gigawatts on Monday, with an expected supply capacity of about 93 gigawatts.
• 🛠️ CenterPoint Energy has mobilized over 3000 utility workers to address potential power outages.