Technology

Big Semiconductor Stocks Have Short Sellers on the Run

Chris Lange

Published: February 28, 2019 8:25 am

Last Updated: January 31, 2020 12:09 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 February 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 53.61 million shares. The previous level was 57.58 million. Intel shares were trading at $53.24 Thursday morning, in a 52-week range of $42.36 to $57.60.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short decreased to 115.97 million from the previous reading of 119.78 million. Shares most recently traded at $23.48, in a 52-week range of $9.04 to $34.14.

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) saw the number of its shares short fall to 37.10 million from the 39.71 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $53.04, in a 52-week trading range of $48.56 to $76.50.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) decreased to 13.14 million shares. The previous reading was 13.87 million. Shares were trading at $38.78, in a 52-week range of $28.79 to $62.40.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest increase to 62.50 million shares from the previous reading of 59.68 million. Shares were trading at $41.32, in a 52-week range of $28.39 to $64.66.

And the short interest in Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO) decreased to 6.46 million shares from the previous 6.85 million. Shares were last seen at $271.49, in a 52-week range of $197.46 to $286.63.