Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. (NYSE:EMD) Sees Significant Increase in Short Interest

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. (NYSE:EMD) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest during the month of March. As of March 31st, there was short interest totalling 76,900 shares, a growth of 183.8% from the March 15th total of 27,100 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 225,800 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.3 days. Approximately 0.3% of the company’s shares are sold short.

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Stock Performance

Shares of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund stock traded up $0.11 during trading on Thursday, hitting $9.11. The company’s stock had a trading volume of 235,814 shares, compared to its average volume of 200,340. Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund has a 52 week low of $8.56 and a 52 week high of $10.33. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $9.63 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $9.80.

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, April 1st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 25th were given a dividend of $0.09 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, March 24th. This represents a dividend yield of 10.92%.

Institutional Trading of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Cercano Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund in the 4th quarter valued at $11,364,000. Wells Fargo & Company MN boosted its position in Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund by 85.6% during the fourth quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 1,461,685 shares of the company’s stock valued at $14,061,000 after acquiring an additional 674,337 shares during the last quarter. Pathstone Holdings LLC grew its holdings in Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund by 15.6% during the 4th quarter. Pathstone Holdings LLC now owns 2,431,764 shares of the company’s stock worth $23,415,000 after acquiring an additional 327,811 shares during the period. Raymond James Financial Inc. bought a new position in shares of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund in the 4th quarter worth about $3,122,000. Finally, LPL Financial LLC lifted its stake in shares of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund by 34.7% in the 4th quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 791,328 shares of the company’s stock valued at $7,613,000 after purchasing an additional 204,050 shares during the period. 33.05% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

About Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc is an open ended fixed-income mutual fund launched and managed by Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC. It is co-managed by Western Asset Management Company, Western Asset Management Company Limited and Western Asset Management Company Pte. Ltd. The fund invests in fixed income markets of emerging market countries across the globe.