Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. (NYSE:EMD) Short Interest Update

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. (NYSE:EMD) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in the month of January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totalling 17,700 shares, a decline of 77.0% from the December 31st total of 76,900 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 204,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Pathstone Holdings LLC lifted its position in Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund by 6.4% during the 3rd quarter. Pathstone Holdings LLC now owns 2,103,953 shares of the company’s stock worth $21,419,000 after buying an additional 125,714 shares in the last quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $4,833,000. Advisors Asset Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund by 36.1% during the 3rd quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 403,477 shares of the company’s stock worth $4,107,000 after purchasing an additional 106,948 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its holdings in shares of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund by 5.7% in the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 286,130 shares of the company’s stock valued at $2,664,000 after buying an additional 15,473 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ariadne Wealth Management LP bought a new position in shares of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund in the second quarter valued at $1,022,000. 33.05% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Stock Performance

EMD stock traded down $0.02 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $9.78. 190,312 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 176,128. Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund has a 1-year low of $8.89 and a 1-year high of $10.33. The firm’s 50 day simple moving average is $9.84 and its 200 day simple moving average is $9.87.

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 3rd. Stockholders of record on Monday, January 27th will be issued a $0.0875 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 24th. This represents a dividend yield of 10.66%.

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.