Short Interest in BlackRock Science and Technology Trust (NYSE:BST) Expands By 185.2%

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust (NYSE:BST) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 7,700 shares, an increase of 185.2% from the December 31st total of 2,700 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 109,700 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days.

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust Stock Performance

Shares of BlackRock Science and Technology Trust stock traded up $0.43 on Thursday, reaching $37.75. 123,191 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 127,447. BlackRock Science and Technology Trust has a one year low of $31.38 and a one year high of $39.59. The firm’s 50 day moving average is $37.22 and its 200-day moving average is $36.08.

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $3.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.95%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, January 15th.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. International Assets Investment Management LLC grew its position in BlackRock Science and Technology Trust by 3,329.8% during the 3rd quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 551,411 shares of the company’s stock worth $195,420,000 after acquiring an additional 535,334 shares during the last quarter. Claro Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of BlackRock Science and Technology Trust by 1,008.1% during the third quarter. Claro Advisors LLC now owns 154,416 shares of the company’s stock worth $5,473,000 after acquiring an additional 140,481 shares in the last quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC lifted its stake in BlackRock Science and Technology Trust by 100.8% during the 3rd quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC now owns 141,218 shares of the company’s stock valued at $5,005,000 after acquiring an additional 70,885 shares in the last quarter. David J Yvars Group purchased a new stake in BlackRock Science and Technology Trust in the 3rd quarter valued at about $820,000. Finally, Shaker Financial Services LLC grew its position in BlackRock Science and Technology Trust by 77.8% during the third quarter. Shaker Financial Services LLC now owns 46,823 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,659,000 after buying an additional 20,491 shares during the period.

About BlackRock Science and Technology Trust

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc The fund is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. It invests directly and indirectly through derivative such as options in public equity markets of countries across the globe. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across the science and technology sector.