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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, and both the Dow and S&P have recently closed near all-time highs.

The September 15 short interest data have been compared with the previous report. Short interest increased in all these selected semiconductor stocks.

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) saw its short interest increase to 118.31 million shares. The previous level was 110.03 million. Shares were last seen trading at $37.47, in a 52-week trading range of $33.23 to $38.45.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short increased to 158.11 million from the previous level of 149.05 million. Shares recently traded at $12.45, in a 52-week range of $6.22 to $15.65. Note that, like Intel, AMD is one of the most shorted Nasdaq stocks.

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) saw the number of its shares short jump to 22.09 million, compared to the 21.41 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $51.13, in a 52-week range of $48.92 to $71.62.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) increased to 14.39 million shares. The previous reading was 13.13 million. Shares were trading at $45.92, in a 52-week range of $27.56 to $48.53.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest increase to 50.97 million shares from the previous reading of 48.50 million. Shares were trading at $34.18, in a 52-week range of $16.17 to $36.60.

And the short interest in Broadcom Ltd. (NASDAQ: AVGO) increased to 3.95 million shares in the period, from the previous 3.80 million. Shares were last seen at $237.27, in a 52-week range of $160.62 to $259.36.