Short Interest in Semiconductors Retreats, With One Big Exception

Technology

Published: May 10, 2019 8:30 am

Last Updated: January 30, 2020 8:56 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 April 30 short interest data have been compared with the previous report. Short interest in most of these selected semiconductor stocks decreased, with one major exception.

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) saw its short interest decrease to 50.53 million shares. The previous level was 52.10 million. Intel shares were trading at $46.62 Friday morning, in a 52-week range of $42.36 to $59.59.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short fell to 110.78 million from the previous reading of 112.02 million. Shares recently traded at $27.21, in a 52-week range of $11.69 to $34.14.

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) saw the number of its shares short jumped sharply to 43.22 million from the 18.45 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $83.78, in a 52-week trading range of $49.10 to $90.34.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) increased to 14.61 million shares. The previous reading was 13.57 million. Shares were trading at $40.94, in a 52-week range of $28.79 to $56.94.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest decrease to 32.50 million shares from the previous reading of 36.44 million. Shares were trading at $39.27, in a 52-week range of $28.39 to $64.66.

And the short interest in Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO) decreased to 4.76 million shares from the previous 5.05 million. Shares were last seen at $304.06, in a 52-week range of $197.46 to $323.20.