Short Interest in Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Inc. (NYSE:HIO) Rises By 127.1%

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Inc. (NYSE:HIO) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest during the month of July. As of July 15th, there was short interest totaling 219,943 shares, an increase of 127.1% from the June 30th total of 96,833 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 289,382 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.8 days.

Institutional Trading of Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in HIO. Laurel Oak Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund during the 4th quarter worth approximately $40,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its position in Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund by 84.7% in the 3rd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 10,900 shares of the closed-end fund’s stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 5,000 shares during the last quarter. One Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund in the fourth quarter worth $43,000. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund by 807.2% during the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 11,721 shares of the closed-end fund’s stock worth $47,000 after purchasing an additional 10,429 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Citadel Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund during the third quarter worth $47,000.

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Trading Up 0.1%

HIO stock traded up $0.01 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $3.52. 73,938 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 366,045. Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund has a one year low of $3.49 and a one year high of $4.05. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $3.62 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $3.68.

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, August 31st. Investors of record on Monday, August 24th will be paid a dividend of $0.0355 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 24th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 12.1%.

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Company Profile

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Inc (NYSE: HIO) is a diversified closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide high current income and capital appreciation by investing primarily in high-yield and other fixed-income securities. The Fund’s portfolio is actively managed by Western Asset Management Company, an affiliate of Franklin Templeton, and may include below-investment-grade corporate debt, emerging-market sovereign and corporate bonds, bank loans, mortgage- and asset-backed securities.