First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (NASDAQ:FTXR) Short Interest Up 4,905.7% in December

First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (NASDAQ:FTXR) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest during the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totaling 31,636 shares, an increase of 4,905.7% from the November 30th total of 632 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 21,155 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.5 days. Approximately 3.2% of the company’s stock are short sold. Approximately 3.2% of the company’s stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 21,155 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.5 days.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in FTXR. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. raised its stake in First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF by 200.0% in the second quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 1,800 shares of the company’s stock valued at $57,000 after buying an additional 1,200 shares during the last quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. increased its holdings in shares of First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF by 880.3% during the second quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 7,960 shares of the company’s stock valued at $252,000 after acquiring an additional 7,148 shares in the last quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP purchased a new position in shares of First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $256,000. Royal Bank of Canada acquired a new stake in First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $290,000. Finally, Prospera Financial Services Inc purchased a new stake in First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $487,000.

First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF Stock Up 0.3%

NASDAQ:FTXR opened at $39.68 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $39.68 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.80 and a beta of 1.31. First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF has a 52 week low of $25.47 and a 52 week high of $39.97. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $36.86 and a 200 day moving average of $34.67.

First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 12th will be issued a dividend of $0.1692 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 12th. This represents a $0.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.7%. This is a boost from First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.11.

About First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF

The First Trust Nasdaq Transportation ETF (FTXR) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Nasdaq US Smart Transportation index. The fund tracks an index composed of 30 US transportation companies. Holdings are selected by liquidity and weighted based on volatility, value and growth factors. FTXR was launched on Sep 20, 2016 and is managed by First Trust.