Short Interest in Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. (NYSE:EMD) Expands By 51.7%

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc. (NYSE:EMD) saw a significant increase in short interest in February. As of February 28th, there was short interest totalling 67,200 shares, an increase of 51.7% from the February 13th total of 44,300 shares. Currently, 0.2% of the company’s shares are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 215,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days.

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Stock Up 0.4 %

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund stock traded up $0.04 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $9.72. 170,411 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 197,901. The firm’s 50 day moving average price is $9.82 and its 200 day moving average price is $9.89. Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund has a 52-week low of $8.89 and a 52-week high of $10.33.

Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 24th will be given a dividend of $0.09 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, March 24th. This is a positive change from Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund’s previous dividend of $0.09.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of EMD. Pathstone Holdings LLC grew its holdings in Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund by 15.6% in the fourth quarter. Pathstone Holdings LLC now owns 2,431,764 shares of the company’s stock worth $23,415,000 after purchasing an additional 327,811 shares during the period. Wells Fargo & Company MN increased its stake in Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund by 85.6% during the 4th quarter. Wells Fargo & Company MN now owns 1,461,685 shares of the company’s stock valued at $14,061,000 after purchasing an additional 674,337 shares in the last quarter. Cercano Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund in the fourth quarter worth approximately $11,364,000. Invesco Ltd. increased its position in shares of Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund by 12.3% during the fourth quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 1,074,495 shares of the company’s stock valued at $10,337,000 after acquiring an additional 117,651 shares in the last quarter. Finally, LPL Financial LLC raised its holdings in Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund by 34.7% in the 4th quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 791,328 shares of the company’s stock worth $7,613,000 after acquiring an additional 204,050 shares during the last quarter. 33.05% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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.