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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 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 be the deciding factor if markets want to continue hitting new record levels.

The November 15 short interest data have been compared with the previous report. Short interest in most of these selected semiconductor stocks increased, with one major exception.

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ: INTC) saw its short interest grow slightly to 56.87 million shares. The previous level was 56.71 million. Its shares were trading at $58.90 Wednesday morning, in a 52-week range of $42.86 to $59.59.

The number of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ: AMD) shares short decreased to 118.83 million from the previous reading of 143.25 million. Shares recently traded at $38.99, in a 52-week range of $16.03 to $41.79.

Qualcomm Inc. (NASDAQ: QCOM) saw the number of its shares short drop slightly to 18.03 million from the 18.12 million reported in the previous period. Shares were changing hands at $84.63, in a 52-week trading range of $49.10 to $94.11.

Short interest in Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT) increased to 18.97 million shares. The previous reading was 18.56 million. Shares traded at $57.57, in a 52-week range of $28.79 to $63.07.

Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) saw its short interest rise to 36.54 million shares from the previous reading of 34.75 million. Shares were trading at $46.72, in a 52-week range of $28.39 to $51.39.

And the short interest in Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO) increased to 6.30 million shares from the previous 5.72 million. Shares were last seen at $316.27, in a 52-week range of $217.61 to $325.67.