Short Sellers Can’t Make Up Their Minds on Major Semiconductors

October 10, 2019 by Chris Lange

Semiconductor trends are considered to be leading indicators of technology and broader electronics demand. In a wider sense, semiconductor and tech stocks are seen as 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 continue hitting new record levels.

The September 30 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 50.32 million shares. The previous level was 48.18 million. Its shares were trading at $50.48 Thursday 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 152.74 million from the previous reading of 126.17 million. Shares recently traded at $28.46, in a 52-week range of $16.03 to $35.55.

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) saw the number of its shares short drop to 17.96 million from the 19.67 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $74.35, in a 52-week trading range of $49.10 to $90.34.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) decreased to 17.48 million shares. The previous reading was 18.26 million. Shares traded at $50.84, in a 52-week range of $28.79 to $52.62.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest fall to 29.51 million shares from the previous reading of 32.38 million. Shares were trading at $42.88, in a 52-week range of $28.39 to $51.39.

And the short interest in Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO) increased to 5.77 million shares from the previous 4.77 million. Shares were last seen at $273.15, in a 52-week range of $208.23 to $323.20.