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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 on the back of a series of strong earnings reports.

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

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) saw its short interest increase to 98.40 million shares. The previous level was 90.88 million. Shares were last seen at $36.14, in a 52-week trading range of $30.44 to $38.45.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short increased to 146.13 million from the previous level of 120.91 million. Shares recently traded at $10.87, in a 52-week range of $4.07 to $15.55. 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 23.36 million, compared to the 20.88 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $58.66, in a 52-week range of $50.84 to $71.62.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) decreased slightly to 13.08 million shares. The previous reading was 13.40 million. Shares were trading at $44.74, in a 52-week range of $22.17 to $45.74.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest increase to 46.81 million shares from the previous reading of 41.62 million. Shares were trading at $29.30, in a 52-week range of $11.50 to $29.87.

And the short interest in Broadcom Ltd. (NASDAQ: AVGO) increased to 3.58 million shares in the period, from the previous 3.39 million. Shares were last seen at $239.76, in a 52-week range of $142.27 to $241.29.