Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Inc. (NYSE:HIO) Sees Large Increase in Short Interest

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Inc. (NYSE:HIO) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest during the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totalling 857,500 shares, a growth of 724.5% from the December 15th total of 104,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 450,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.9 days.

Institutional Trading of Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund

Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Evergreen Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund by 5.9% in the 2nd quarter. Evergreen Capital Management LLC now owns 541,972 shares of the closed-end fund’s stock worth $2,084,000 after buying an additional 30,005 shares during the last quarter. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC boosted its stake in Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund by 2.2% in the second quarter. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC now owns 262,557 shares of the closed-end fund’s stock valued at $1,000,000 after acquiring an additional 5,682 shares during the last quarter. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $59,000. Capital Investment Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund by 4.2% during the 3rd quarter. Capital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 3,410,702 shares of the closed-end fund’s stock worth $13,813,000 after purchasing an additional 136,419 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $40,000.

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Stock Performance

Shares of Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund stock traded up $0.01 on Tuesday, hitting $3.93. The company had a trading volume of 288,201 shares, compared to its average volume of 523,573. Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund has a 1 year low of $3.69 and a 1 year high of $4.07. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $3.96 and a 200-day moving average of $3.95.

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 3rd. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 24th will be paid a dividend of $0.0355 per share. This represents a $0.43 annualized dividend and a yield of 10.84%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 24th.

About Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Inc is a closed ended fixed-income mutual fund launched and managed by Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC. It is co-managed by Western Asset Management Company and Western Asset Management Company Limited. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of the United States.