Technology

Semiconductor Short Sellers Can't Make Up Their Minds

Chris Lange

Published: January 11, 2019 9:45 am

Last Updated: January 31, 2020 2:11 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 December 31 short interest data have been compared with the previous report. Short interest moves in these selected semiconductor stocks were mixed.

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) saw its short interest increase to 68.44 million shares. The previous level was 65.08 million. Intel shares were trading at $48.56 Friday morning, in a 52-week range of $42.04 to $57.60.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short increased to 130.20 million from the previous reading of 114.55 million. Shares recently traded at $19.74, in a 52-week range of $9.04 to $34.14.

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) saw the number of its shares short fall to 62.60 million from the 74.21 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $56.80, in a 52-week trading range of $48.56 to $76.50.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) decreased to 15.40 million shares. The previous reading was 18.00 million. Shares were trading at $34.76, in a 52-week range of $28.79 to $62.40.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest increase to 54.33 million shares from the previous reading of 49.83 million. Shares were trading at $35.91, in a 52-week range of $28.39 to $64.66.

And the short interest in Broadcom Ltd. (NASDAQ: AVGO) decreased to 9.78 million shares from the previous 10.08 million. Shares were last seen at $249.52, in a 52-week range of $197.46 to $273.85.