Technology

Are Major Semiconductor Shorts Signaling Another Rally?

Chris Lange

Published: August 27, 2018 7:20 am

Last Updated: January 11, 2020 6:47 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 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 August 15 short interest data have been compared with the previous report. Short interest in most of these selected semiconductor stocks decreased.

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) saw its short interest decrease to 80.13 million shares. The previous level was 83.30 million. Intel shares were last seen trading at $47.66, in a 52-week range of $34.46 to $57.60.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short decreased to 146.33 million from the previous reading of 167.92 million. Shares recently traded at $23.98, in a 52-week range of $9.04 to $24.00.

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) saw the number of its shares short fall to 15.90 million from the 16.03 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $67.15, in a 52-week trading range of $48.56 to $69.28.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) fell to 13.41 million shares. The previous reading was 14.50 million. Shares were trading at $42.73, in a 52-week range of $42.52 to $62.40.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest increase to 51.72 million shares from the previous reading of 49.31 million. Shares were trading at $50.70, in a 52-week range of $30.42 to $64.66.

And the short interest in Broadcom Ltd. (NASDAQ: AVGO) shrank to 9.02 million shares from the previous 10.83 million. Shares were last seen trading at $209.00, in a 52-week range of $197.46 to $285.68.