Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. (NYSE:EMD) Sees Large Growth in Short Interest

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. (NYSE:EMD) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in February. As of February 28th, there was short interest totalling 67,200 shares, a growth of 51.7% from the February 13th total of 44,300 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 215,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.3 days. Approximately 0.2% of the shares of the stock are short sold.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Allworth Financial LP purchased a new position in shares of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund during the 4th quarter worth $38,000. Putney Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund during the fourth quarter worth about $46,000. Anfield Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund in the 4th quarter valued at about $56,000. Mission Hills Financial Advisory LLC acquired a new position in Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund in the 4th quarter valued at about $108,000. Finally, Vivaldi Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in shares of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $161,000. 33.05% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Price Performance

Shares of NYSE EMD traded up $0.04 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $9.78. The company’s stock had a trading volume of 191,116 shares, compared to its average volume of 197,874. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $9.82 and a two-hundred day moving average of $9.89. Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund has a 1-year low of $8.89 and a 1-year high of $10.33.

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 24th will be issued a $0.09 dividend. This is an increase from Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund’s previous dividend of $0.09. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, March 24th.

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Company Profile

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc is an open ended fixed-income mutual fund launched and managed by Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC. It is co-managed by Western Asset Management Company, Western Asset Management Company Limited and Western Asset Management Company Pte. Ltd. The fund invests in fixed income markets of emerging market countries across the globe.