Technology

Is Semiconductor Short Interest Signalling an End to the Rally?

Chris Lange

Published: September 26, 2018 8:40 am

Last Updated: January 11, 2020 5:19 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 September 14 short interest data have been compared with the previous report. Short interest in most of these selected semiconductor stocks increased.

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) saw its short interest decrease slightly to 71.52 million shares. The previous level was 71.63 million. Intel shares were last seen trading at $45.91, in a 52-week range of $37.10 to $57.60.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short increased to 151.90 million from the previous reading of 146.58 million. Shares recently traded at $32.57, in a 52-week range of $9.04 to $34.14.

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) saw the number of its shares short jump massively to 136.84 million from the 29.89 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $72.74, in a 52-week trading range of $48.56 to $76.50.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) rose to 16.16 million shares. The previous reading was 14.39 million. Shares were trading at $38.58, in a 52-week range of $37.39 to $62.40.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest increase to 57.87 million shares from the previous reading of 55.62 million. Shares were trading at $44.64, in a 52-week range of $35.92 to $64.66.

And the short interest in Broadcom Ltd. (NASDAQ: AVGO) increased to 8.89 million shares from the previous 7.62 million. Shares were last seen trading at $247.65, in a 52-week range of $197.46 to $285.68.