Technology

Short Sellers Can't Make Up Their Minds on Semiconductors

Chris Lange

Published: February 27, 2020 9:45 am

Last Updated: February 27, 2020 9:46 am

Semiconductor trends are considered to be leading indicators of technology and broader electronics demand. In a wider sense, semiconductor and tech stocks are seen as 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 current state of affairs with the coronavirus, semiconductors will be the deciding factor if markets want to return to record levels.

The February 14 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 rise to 47.67 million shares. The previous level was 46.61 million. Its shares were trading at $59.65 Thursday morning, in a 52-week range of $42.86 to $69.29.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short decreased to 74.62 million from the previous reading of 76.49 million. Shares recently traded at $47.49, in a 52-week range of $21.04 to $59.27.

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) saw the number of its shares short rise to 18.66 million from the 14.53 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $79.66, in a 52-week trading range of $52.71 to $96.17.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) increased to 15.22 million shares. The previous reading was 14.03 million. Shares traded at $59.81, in a 52-week range of $36.80 to $69.44.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest drop to 22.83 million shares from the previous reading of 23.73 million. Shares were trading at $52.37, in a 52-week range of $32.14 to $61.19.

And the short interest in Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO) decreased to 4.26 million shares from the previous 4.94 million. Shares were last seen at $285.88, in a 52-week range of $250.09 to $331.58.