Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (NYSE:HIX) Shares Shorted: Short Interest Up 113.9% in October

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (NYSE:HIX) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest during 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 short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days.

Western Asset High Income Fund II Stock Performance

HIX stock traded up $0.01 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $3.50. The stock had a trading volume of 736,774 shares, compared to its average volume of 355,555. Western Asset High Income Fund II has a 1-year low of $3.34 and a 1-year high of $4.33. The company has a fifty day moving average of $3.65 and a 200 day moving average of $3.92.

Western Asset High Income Fund II Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 30th. Investors of record on Friday, November 20th will be issued a $0.0490 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 20th. This represents a $0.59 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 16.8%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Western Asset High Income Fund II

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. HighTower Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Western Asset High Income Fund II in the second quarter worth approximately $42,000. Equitable Holdings Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Western Asset High Income Fund II during the 2nd quarter worth $42,000. Wedbush Securities Inc. bought a new position in shares of Western Asset High Income Fund II during the 3rd quarter valued at $42,000. Global Retirement Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Western Asset High Income Fund II during the 2nd quarter valued at $53,000. Finally, Occidental Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Western Asset High Income Fund II during the 2nd quarter valued at $50,000.

Western Asset High Income Fund II Company Profile

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.