Technology

Short Sellers Can't Make Up Their Minds on Major Semiconductors

Chris Lange

Published: February 10, 2017 10:40 am

Last Updated: January 12, 2020 2:57 pm

Semiconductor trends are considered to be leading indicators of technology and broader electronics demand. In a broader sense, semiconductor and tech stocks are considered to be leading indicators for the markets in general. A strong rally in the tech sector largely pushed many of these companies to new highs, as the Dow and S&P are both hitting all-time highs.

The January 31 short interest data have been compared with the previous report. Short interest moves were mixed in these selected semiconductor stocks.

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) saw its short interest increase to 79.26 million shares. The previous level was 76.05 million. Shares were last seen at $35.46, in a 52-week trading range of $28.14 to $38.45.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short increased to 99.90 million from the previous level of 88.62 million shares. Shares recently traded at $13.42, in a 52-week range of $1.82 to $14.27. Note that like Intel and Micron, AMD is one of the most shorted Nasdaq stocks.

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) saw the number of its shares short fall to 12.47 million, compared to the 13.76 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $52.88, in a 52-week range of $43.08 to $71.62.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) dropped to 12.10 million shares. The previous reading was 13.54 million. Shares were trading at $35.41, in a 52-week range of $15.50 to $35.85.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest decrease to 49.78 million shares from the previous reading of 59.55 million. Shares were trading at $24.45, in a 52-week range of $9.35 to $25.31.

And the short interest in Broadcom Ltd. (NASDAQ: AVGO) increased to 5.42 million shares in the period, from the previous 3.76 million. Shares were last seen at $205.34, in a 52-week range of $115.73 to $208.75.