Vanguard Utilities ETF (NYSEARCA:VPU) Sees Large Increase in Short Interest

Vanguard Utilities ETF (NYSEARCA:VPU) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 174,231 shares, an increase of 105.1% from the November 30th total of 84,964 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 212,467 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.8 days. Currently, 0.4% of the company’s shares are sold short. Currently, 0.4% of the company’s shares are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 212,467 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.8 days.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Vanguard Utilities ETF

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Safe Harbor Fiduciary LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Vanguard Utilities ETF during the 1st quarter worth $25,000. Global Wealth Strategies & Associates acquired a new stake in Vanguard Utilities ETF during the third quarter worth about $31,000. Farmers & Merchants Trust Co of Chambersburg PA purchased a new position in shares of Vanguard Utilities ETF in the 2nd quarter worth about $33,000. Maseco LLP purchased a new position in shares of Vanguard Utilities ETF in the 2nd quarter worth about $34,000. Finally, Imprint Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Vanguard Utilities ETF during the 3rd quarter worth about $38,000.

Vanguard Utilities ETF Stock Up 0.5%

Shares of VPU stock traded up $1.00 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $186.51. 72,404 shares of the company’s stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 191,070. The stock has a market cap of $7.62 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.60 and a beta of 0.61. Vanguard Utilities ETF has a fifty-two week low of $154.00 and a fifty-two week high of $203.15. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $191.22 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $186.45.

About Vanguard Utilities ETF

Vanguard Utilities ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded class of shares issued by Vanguard Utilities Index Fund. The Fund tracks the performance of Morgan Stanley Capital International United States Investable Market Utilities Index, an index made up of stocks of large, medium-size and small United States companies in the utilities sector, as classified under the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS). This GICS sector is made up of those companies considered electric, gas, or water utilities, or companies that operate as independent producers and/or distributors of power.