24/7 Wall St.

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 pushed many of these companies to new highs, but with the return of volatility, semiconductors will have to rally again if markets want to return to record levels.

The February 28 short interest data have been compared with the previous report. Short interest moves in these selected semiconductor stocks were mixed.

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) saw its short interest increase to 53.95 million shares. The previous level was 53.61 million. Intel shares were trading at $53.35 Tuesday morning, in a 52-week range of $42.36 to $57.60.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short grow to 118.85 million from the previous reading of 115.97 million. Shares recently traded at $22.96, in a 52-week range of $9.04 to $34.14.

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) saw the number of its shares short fall to 35.04 million from the 37.10 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $54.35, in a 52-week trading range of $48.56 to $76.50.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) increased to 13.96 million shares. The previous reading was 13.14 million. Shares were trading at $38.51, in a 52-week range of $28.79 to $62.24.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest decrease to 50.89 million shares from the previous reading of 62.50 million. Shares were trading at $39.03, in a 52-week range of $28.39 to $64.66.

And the short interest in Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO) dropped to 5.58 million shares from the previous 6.46 million. Shares were last seen at $269.06, in a 52-week range of $197.46 to $286.63.