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

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

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) saw its short interest increase to 56.75 million shares. The previous level was 50.53 million. Intel shares were trading at $44.57 Monday morning, in a 52-week range of $42.36 to $59.59.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short rose to 114.85 million from the previous reading of 110.78 million. Shares recently traded at $26.44, in a 52-week range of $13.26 to $34.14.

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) saw the number of its shares short drop to 41.50 million from the 43.22 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $66.21, in a 52-week trading range of $49.10 to $90.34.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) decreased slightly to 14.24 million shares. The previous reading was 14.61 million. Shares were trading at $39.50, in a 52-week range of $28.79 to $53.23.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest grow to 37.67 million shares from the previous reading of 32.50 million. Shares were trading at $34.00, in a 52-week range of $28.39 to $64.66.

And the short interest in Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO) increased to 4.83 million shares from the previous 4.76 million. Shares were last seen at $255.94, in a 52-week range of $197.46 to $323.20.