Technology

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

Chris Lange

Published: March 10, 2017 10:20 am

Last Updated: January 12, 2020 2:05 pm

Semiconductor trends are considered to be leading indicators of technology and broader electronics demand. In a wider sense, semiconductor and tech stocks are considered to be leading indicators for the markets in general. A strong rally in the tech sector has pushed many of these companies to new highs, but the Dow and S&P have only recently pulled back from all-time highs.

The February 28 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 89.46 million shares. The previous level was 88.17 million. Shares were last seen at $36.28, in a 52-week trading range of $29.50 to $38.45.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short decreased to 104.61 million from the previous level of 105.63 million shares. Shares recently traded at $13.60, in a 52-week range of $2.29 to $15.55. 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 jump to 15.38 million, compared to the 11.93 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $57.97, in a 52-week range of $49.67 to $71.62.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) rose to 13.21 million shares. The previous reading was 12.095 million. Shares were trading at $37.39, in a 52-week range of $19.46 to $37.48.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest decrease to 45.86 million shares from the previous reading of 49.03 million. Shares were trading at $25.15, in a 52-week range of $9.35 to $25.92.

And the short interest in Broadcom Ltd. (NASDAQ: AVGO) decreased to 4.58 million shares in the period, from the previous 5.20 million. Shares were last seen at $222.01, in a 52-week range of $139.18 to $224.98.