Technology

Short Sellers Run for Cover From Semiconductor Stocks

Chris Lange

Published: February 12, 2018 9:55 am

Last Updated: January 12, 2020 3:30 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 pushed many of these companies to new highs, but with the return of volatility semiconductors will have to rally again if markets want to return to record levels.

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

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) saw its short interest decrease to 104.77 million shares. The previous level was 106.38 million. Note that, like AMD, Intel is one of the most shorted Nasdaq stocks. Shares were last seen trading at $44.90, in a 52-week range of $33.23 to $50.85.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short decreased to 164.59 million from the previous level of 175.83 million. Shares recently traded at $11.65, in a 52-week range of $9.70 to $15.65.

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) saw the number of its shares short increase to 18.25 million, compared to the 17.30 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $65.00, in a 52-week trading range of $48.92 to $69.28.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) increased slightly to 11.88 million shares. The previous reading was 11.82 million. Shares were trading at $49.05, in a 52-week range of $34.58 to $60.89.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest decrease to 58.59 million shares from the previous reading of 65.84 million. Shares were trading at $41.35, in a 52-week range of $22.64 to $49.89.

And the short interest in Broadcom Ltd. (NASDAQ: AVGO) decreased to 3.94 million shares in the period from the previous 4.08 million. Shares were last seen at $239.70, in a 52-week range of $202.61 to $285.68.