Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Inc. (NYSE:HIO) Short Interest Up 724.5% in January

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

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Price Performance

Shares of NYSE HIO traded up $0.02 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $3.94. The company’s stock had a trading volume of 525,407 shares, compared to its average volume of 533,359. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $3.95 and a 200-day moving average price of $3.95. Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund has a 12-month low of $3.69 and a 12-month high of $4.07.

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 3rd. Shareholders of record on Monday, January 27th will be given a $0.0355 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 24th. This represents a yield of 10.81%. This is a boost from Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund’s previous dividend of $0.03.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in HIO. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund during the 4th quarter worth approximately $82,000. Choreo LLC bought a new position in Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund during the fourth quarter valued at $58,000. Fourpath Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund in the fourth quarter worth $61,000. Park Avenue Securities LLC raised its stake in shares of Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund by 32.1% in the fourth quarter. Park Avenue Securities LLC now owns 16,247 shares of the closed-end fund’s stock valued at $64,000 after buying an additional 3,951 shares during the period. Finally, Capital Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund by 3.1% during the 4th quarter. Capital Investment Advisors LLC now owns 3,516,137 shares of the closed-end fund’s stock valued at $13,818,000 after buying an additional 105,435 shares during the last quarter.

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Company Profile

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.