Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (NYSE:HIX) Sees Significant Increase in Short Interest

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (NYSE:HIX) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 187,365 shares, a growth of 41.8% from the December 31st total of 132,093 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 293,122 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.6 days. Based on an average daily volume of 293,122 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.6 days.

Western Asset High Income Fund II Price Performance

HIX opened at $4.24 on Tuesday. Western Asset High Income Fund II has a 12 month low of $3.65 and a 12 month high of $4.42. The company has a 50 day moving average of $4.17 and a 200 day moving average of $4.24.

Western Asset High Income Fund II Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 27th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 20th will be given a $0.049 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 20th. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 13.9%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HIX. Comerica Bank increased its holdings in shares of Western Asset High Income Fund II by 134.1% in the first quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 9,369 shares of the closed-end fund’s stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 5,367 shares during the period. Merit Financial Group LLC bought a new position in Western Asset High Income Fund II in the 3rd quarter worth about $45,000. Ashton Thomas Securities LLC bought a new stake in shares of Western Asset High Income Fund II during the 4th quarter valued at about $46,000. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Western Asset High Income Fund II by 288.4% during the 2nd quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 11,531 shares of the closed-end fund’s stock valued at $49,000 after acquiring an additional 8,562 shares during the last quarter. Finally, SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Western Asset High Income Fund II during the third quarter worth about $56,000.

About Western Asset High Income Fund II

Western Asset High Income Fund II (NYSE: HIX) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide high current income by investing primarily in below-investment-grade debt instruments. The fund pursues a diversified portfolio of high-yield corporate bonds, senior loans, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, and emerging-market debt, aiming to generate attractive yield while managing credit and interest rate risk.

The fund may employ leverage through borrowings and the issuance of preferred shares to enhance its income potential.