Short Sellers Raise the Stakes in Semiconductors

Technology

Published: March 25, 2020 9:42 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 just over a month ago, but considering the current state of affairs with the coronavirus, semiconductors will be the deciding factor if markets want to return to record levels.

The March 13 short interest data have been compared with the previous report. Short interest in most of these selected semiconductor stocks increased.

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) saw its short interest rise to 49.82 million shares. The previous level was 47.71 million. Its shares were trading at $52.40 Wednesday morning, in a 52-week range of $42.86 to $69.29.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short increased to 67.60 million from the previous reading of 63.43 million. Shares recently traded at $46.22, in a 52-week range of $24.55 to $59.27.

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) saw the number of its shares short rise to 19.77 million from the 19.30 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $65.46, in a 52-week trading range of $55.79 to $96.17.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) increased to 18.78 million shares. The previous reading was 16.42 million. Shares traded at $45.14, in a 52-week range of $36.64 to $69.44.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest rise to 26.91 million shares from the previous reading of 23.51 million. Shares were trading at $43.27, in a 52-week range of $31.13 to $61.19.

And the short interest in Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO) increased slightly to 4.22 million shares from the previous 4.16 million. Shares were last seen at $212.76, in a 52-week range of $155.67 to $331.58.