Short Interest in Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. (NYSE:EMD) Increases By 60.1%

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. (NYSE:EMD) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest during the month of February. As of February 13th, there was short interest totaling 148,459 shares, an increase of 60.1% from the January 29th total of 92,757 shares. Approximately 0.5% of the shares of the company are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 242,142 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.6 days. Based on an average trading volume of 242,142 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.6 days. Approximately 0.5% of the shares of the company are sold short.

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Trading Up 0.5%

Shares of EMD stock traded up $0.06 during midday trading on Monday, hitting $11.10. The company had a trading volume of 191,516 shares, compared to its average volume of 243,720. The company’s 50 day simple moving average is $10.92 and its 200 day simple moving average is $10.61. Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund has a 52-week low of $8.56 and a 52-week high of $11.30.

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, May 29th. Investors of record on Thursday, May 21st will be given a $0.095 dividend. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 10.3%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, May 21st.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund

Large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Equitable Holdings Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund in the fourth quarter valued at about $118,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund during the third quarter worth about $116,000. Evolve Private Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund in the fourth quarter valued at about $124,000. HRT Financial LP purchased a new stake in Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $127,000. Finally, Level Four Advisory Services LLC increased its position in Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund by 8.9% during the 2nd quarter. Level Four Advisory Services LLC now owns 13,615 shares of the company’s stock worth $137,000 after purchasing an additional 1,115 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 33.05% of the company’s stock.

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Company Profile

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc (NYSE: EMD) is a closed-end management investment company launched in December 2004 and managed by Western Asset Management Company, a global fixed-income specialist. The fund seeks to provide a high level of current income by investing primarily in debt securities issued by sovereign, quasi-sovereign and corporate issuers in emerging markets. Its diversified approach combines top-down macroeconomic analysis with bottom-up credit research to identify attractive risk-adjusted opportunities across developing economies.

EMD’s portfolio spans a wide range of instruments, including sovereign government bonds, supranational obligations, corporate credits and other fixed-income securities.