Short Sellers Focus Even More on Major Semiconductors

Technology

Published: September 13, 2017 10:15 am

Last Updated: January 12, 2020 8:14 am

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, and both the Dow and S&P have recently closed near all-time highs.

The August 31 short interest data have been compared with the previous report. Short interest increased in most of these selected semiconductor stocks.

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) saw its short interest increase to 110.03 million shares. The previous level was 100.81 million. Shares were last seen trading at $36.24, in a 52-week trading range of $33.23 to $38.45.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short increased to 149.05 million from the previous level of 147.71 million. Shares were trading at $12.34, in a 52-week range of $5.75 to $15.65. Note that, like Intel, AMD is one of the most shorted Nasdaq stocks.

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) saw the number of its shares short jump to 21.41 million, compared to the 19.16 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $51.03, in a 52-week range of $48.92 to $71.62.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) decreased to 13.13 million shares. The previous reading was 13.40 million. Shares were trading at $45.13, in a 52-week range of $27.56 to $47.86.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest decrease to 48.50 million shares from the previous reading of 54.74 million. Shares were trading at $34.41, in a 52-week range of $16.17 to $34.56.

And the short interest in Broadcom Ltd. (NASDAQ: AVGO) increased to 3.80 million shares in the period, from the previous 2.89 million. Shares were last seen at $246.30, in a 52-week range of $160.62 to $259.36.