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

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (NYSE:HIX) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totaling 169,099 shares, an increase of 113.9% from the September 30th total of 79,058 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 330,211 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.5 days.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Western Asset High Income Fund II

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Equitable Holdings Inc. bought a new stake in Western Asset High Income Fund II in the second quarter valued at about $42,000. HighTower Advisors LLC bought a new position in Western Asset High Income Fund II during the second quarter worth about $42,000. Wedbush Securities Inc. bought a new position in Western Asset High Income Fund II during the third quarter worth about $42,000. Occidental Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Western Asset High Income Fund II during the 2nd quarter worth about $50,000. Finally, Global Retirement Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Western Asset High Income Fund II during the 2nd quarter worth about $53,000.

Western Asset High Income Fund II Stock Performance

NYSE:HIX traded up $0.01 on Friday, hitting $3.50. 736,774 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 355,555. Western Asset High Income Fund II has a 52 week low of $3.34 and a 52 week high of $4.33. The company’s 50-day moving average price is $3.65 and its 200 day moving average price is $3.92.

Western Asset High Income Fund II Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 20th will be given a dividend of $0.0490 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 20th. This represents a $0.59 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 16.8%.

About Western Asset High Income Fund II

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc is a closed-end management investment company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol HIX. The fund seeks to provide a high level of current income, with capital appreciation as a secondary objective.

The fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of high-yield, below-investment-grade debt securities issued by corporate borrowers. Its holdings may include bonds and other fixed-income instruments, with the portfolio managed to pursue income opportunities across various industries and credit sectors.

HIX is managed by Western Asset Management Company, a global fixed-income investment manager and part of Franklin Templeton.