Western Asset Premier Bond Fund (NYSE:WEA) Short Interest Up 71.7% in December

Western Asset Premier Bond Fund (NYSE:WEA) was the target of a large growth in short interest during the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totalling 15,800 shares, a growth of 71.7% from the December 15th total of 9,200 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 32,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.5 days.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Western Asset Premier Bond Fund

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Consolidated Portfolio Review Corp grew its stake in shares of Western Asset Premier Bond Fund by 3.6% in the 3rd quarter. Consolidated Portfolio Review Corp now owns 212,530 shares of the investment management company’s stock worth $2,397,000 after buying an additional 7,326 shares in the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Western Asset Premier Bond Fund by 24.1% during the third quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 157,864 shares of the investment management company’s stock valued at $1,781,000 after buying an additional 30,613 shares during the period. Fiera Capital Corp grew its stake in shares of Western Asset Premier Bond Fund by 1.8% during the third quarter. Fiera Capital Corp now owns 152,479 shares of the investment management company’s stock valued at $1,720,000 after buying an additional 2,752 shares during the last quarter. ProVise Management Group LLC boosted its holdings in Western Asset Premier Bond Fund by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. ProVise Management Group LLC now owns 125,249 shares of the investment management company’s stock valued at $1,314,000 after acquiring an additional 3,100 shares during the period. Finally, Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. boosted its holdings in Western Asset Premier Bond Fund by 232.2% during the 4th quarter. Hennion & Walsh Asset Management Inc. now owns 104,113 shares of the investment management company’s stock valued at $1,121,000 after acquiring an additional 72,768 shares during the period.

Western Asset Premier Bond Fund Stock Performance

Shares of Western Asset Premier Bond Fund stock traded up $0.27 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $11.00. The company had a trading volume of 28,924 shares, compared to its average volume of 29,825. Western Asset Premier Bond Fund has a 52-week low of $10.40 and a 52-week high of $11.34. The company has a 50 day moving average of $10.93 and a 200 day moving average of $10.98.

Western Asset Premier Bond Fund Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 3rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 21st will be paid a $0.07 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 21st. This represents a $0.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.64%.

Western Asset Premier Bond Fund Company Profile

Western Asset Premier Bond Fund is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Western Asset Management Company. The fund is co-managed by Western Asset Management Company Limited, Western Asset Management Company Pte. Ltd., and Western Asset Management Company Ltd. It invests in the fixed income markets of the United States.