Technology

Big Semiconductors Have Short Sellers Running for Cover

Chris Lange

Published: January 28, 2019 9:15 am

Last Updated: January 31, 2020 1:30 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 15 short interest data have been compared with the previous report. Short interest moves in most of these selected semiconductor stocks decreased.

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) saw its short interest decrease to 61.94 million shares. The previous level was 68.44 million. Intel shares were trading at $47.04 Friday morning, in a 52-week range of $42.04 to $57.60.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short decreased to 128.91 million from the previous reading of 130.20 million. Shares most recently traded at $21.93, in a 52-week range of $9.04 to $34.14.

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) saw the number of its shares short fall to 54.56 million from the 62.60 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $51.30, in a 52-week trading range of $48.56 to $76.50.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) increased to 16.51 million shares. The previous reading was 15.40 million. Shares were trading at $39.19, in a 52-week range of $28.79 to $62.40.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest increase to 61.15 million shares from the previous reading of 54.33 million. Shares were trading at $38.96, in a 52-week range of $28.39 to $64.66.

And the short interest in Broadcom Ltd. (NASDAQ: AVGO) decreased to 8.59 million shares from the previous 9.78 million. Shares were last seen at $267.94, in a 52-week range of $197.46 to $273.85.