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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 October 31 short interest data have been compared with the previous report. Short interest was mixed in these selected semiconductor stocks.

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) saw its short interest increase to 134.92 million shares. The previous level was 131.85 million. Shares were last seen trading at $45.50, in a 52-week trading range of $33.23 to $47.30.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short increased to 154.97 million from the previous level of 148.60 million. Shares recently traded at $11.28, 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 drop to 21.76 million, compared to the 23.23 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $64.35, in a 52-week range of $48.92 to $70.24.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) decreased to 10.71 million shares. The previous reading was 15.29 million. Shares were trading at $55.51, in a 52-week range of $28.10 to $57.34.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest decrease to 52.81 million shares from the previous reading of 54.71 million. Shares were trading at $43.88, in a 52-week range of $16.75 to $45.33.

And the short interest in Broadcom Ltd. (NASDAQ: AVGO) decreased to 3.24 million shares in the period, from the previous 3.87 million. Shares were last seen at $265.52, in a 52-week range of $160.62 to $281.80.