Short Interest in Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Inc. (NYSE:HIO) Declines By 64.1%

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Inc. (NYSE:HIO) saw a large decrease in short interest during the month of October. As of October 15th, there was short interest totalling 83,300 shares, a decrease of 64.1% from the September 30th total of 232,300 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 374,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.2 days.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of HIO. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund in the 3rd quarter valued at about $40,000. Litman Gregory Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund in the 3rd quarter valued at about $57,000. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new position in Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund in the 2nd quarter valued at about $59,000. Cetera Advisors LLC bought a new position in Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund in the 1st quarter valued at about $63,000. Finally, Raymond James Trust N.A. raised its holdings in Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund by 23.0% in the 2nd quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 18,003 shares of the closed-end fund’s stock valued at $69,000 after acquiring an additional 3,361 shares during the period.

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Stock Performance

Shares of HIO stock remained flat at $3.98 on Friday. 532,245 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 368,598. The stock’s 50 day moving average price is $3.99 and its 200-day moving average price is $3.87. Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund has a 12 month low of $3.52 and a 12 month high of $4.07.

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 2nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 21st will be issued a $0.0355 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 21st. This represents a $0.43 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 10.70%.

About Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund

Western Asset High Income Opportunity Fund Inc is a closed ended fixed-income mutual fund launched and managed by Legg Mason Partners Fund Advisor, LLC. It is co-managed by Western Asset Management Company and Western Asset Management Company Limited. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of the United States.