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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 has pushed many of these companies to new highs, as the Dow and S&P are both hitting all-time highs.

The February 15 short interest data have been compared with the previous report. Short interest moves were mostly down in these selected semiconductor stocks.

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) saw its short interest increase to 88.17 million shares. The previous level was 79.26 million. Shares were last seen at $36.28, in a 52-week trading range of $29.50 to $38.45.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short increased to 105.63 million from the previous level of 99.90 million shares. Shares recently traded at $15.35, in a 52-week range of $2.12 to $15.48. Note that like Intel and Micron, AMD is one of the most shorted Nasdaq stocks.

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) saw the number of its shares short fall to 11.93 million, compared to the 12.47 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $56.33, in a 52-week range of $49.67 to $71.62.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) dropped ever so slightly to 12.095 million shares. The previous reading was 12.104 million. Shares were trading at $36.25, in a 52-week range of $18.76 to $36.82.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest decrease slightly to 49.03 million shares from the previous reading of 49.78 million. Shares were trading at $23.87, in a 52-week range of $9.35 to $25.31.

And the short interest in Broadcom Ltd. (NASDAQ: AVGO) decreased to 5.20 million shares in the period, from the previous 5.42 million. Shares were last seen at $213.19, in a 52-week range of $134.30 to $215.96.