Technology

Are Short Sellers Betting Against a Rally in Semiconductors?

Chris Lange

Published: March 27, 2018 10:20 am

Last Updated: January 12, 2020 2:01 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 March 15 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 104.19 million shares. The previous level was 98.82 million. Note that, like AMD, Intel is one of the most shorted Nasdaq stocks. Intel shares were last seen trading at $52.80, in a 52-week range of $33.23 to $53.78.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short increased to 174.08 million from the previous level of 159.55 million. Shares recently traded at $10.50, in a 52-week range of $9.70 to $15.65.

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) saw the number of its shares short shrink to 15.10 million from the 18.87 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $56.85, in a 52-week trading range of $48.92 to $69.28.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) decreased to 14.65 million shares. The previous reading was 16.06 million. Shares were trading at $57.55, in a 52-week range of $37.41 to $62.40.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest increase to 65.91 million shares from the previous reading of 62.47 million. Shares were trading at $54.60, in a 52-week range of $26.36 to $63.42.

And the short interest in Broadcom Ltd. (NASDAQ: AVGO) retreated to 3.92 million shares in the period from the previous 4.02 million. Shares were last seen at $251.85, in a 52-week range of $208.44 to $285.68.