Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (NYSE:HIX) Sees Large Increase in Short Interest

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (NYSE:HIX) saw a large increase in short interest in August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totaling 550,301 shares, an increase of 56.1% from the August 15th total of 352,565 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 379,512 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.5 days.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Western Asset High Income Fund II

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. One Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Western Asset High Income Fund II during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $43,000. HighTower Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Western Asset High Income Fund II during the second quarter worth about $42,000. Equitable Holdings Inc. purchased a new stake in Western Asset High Income Fund II during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $42,000. Closed End Fund Advisors Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Western Asset High Income Fund II in the fourth quarter valued at $50,000. Finally, Global Retirement Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Western Asset High Income Fund II in the 2nd quarter valued at about $53,000.

Western Asset High Income Fund II Stock Up 0.9%

Shares of HIX traded up $0.04 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $3.79. 393,885 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 340,613. The company has a 50 day moving average of $3.91 and a 200-day moving average of $3.95. Western Asset High Income Fund II has a 1-year low of $3.74 and a 1-year high of $4.40.

Western Asset High Income Fund II Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 20th will be paid a $0.049 dividend. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 15.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 20th.

About Western Asset High Income Fund II

Western Asset High Income Fund II (NYSE: HIX) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide high current income by investing primarily in below-investment-grade debt instruments. The fund pursues a diversified portfolio of high-yield corporate bonds, senior loans, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, and emerging-market debt, aiming to generate attractive yield while managing credit and interest rate risk.

The fund may employ leverage through borrowings and the issuance of preferred shares to enhance its income potential.