Short Interest in John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund (NYSE:BTO) Increases By 5.1%

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund (NYSE:BTO) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 15th, there was short interest totalling 20,500 shares, an increase of 5.1% from the November 30th total of 19,500 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 43,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.5 days.

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund Stock Performance

NYSE BTO opened at $35.69 on Thursday. John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund has a 12 month low of $26.11 and a 12 month high of $39.87. The company’s 50-day moving average price is $36.77 and its 200-day moving average price is $33.28.

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Thursday, December 12th were paid a $0.65 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 12th. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 7.28%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Shaker Financial Services LLC grew its stake in John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund by 46.1% in the third quarter. Shaker Financial Services LLC now owns 59,654 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $1,978,000 after purchasing an additional 18,814 shares during the last quarter. Stephens Inc. AR boosted its position in John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund by 288.4% in the third quarter. Stephens Inc. AR now owns 44,757 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $1,484,000 after buying an additional 33,233 shares during the last quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC lifted its stake in John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund by 7.8% during the 3rd quarter. Private Advisor Group LLC now owns 13,978 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $464,000 after acquiring an additional 1,015 shares during the period. International Assets Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund by 3,216.0% during the third quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC now owns 60,517 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $1,825,000 after purchasing an additional 58,692 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Gilliland Jeter Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund by 7.5% during the third quarter. Gilliland Jeter Wealth Management LLC now owns 34,570 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $1,146,000 after purchasing an additional 2,407 shares during the period. 19.55% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund Company Profile

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC. It is co-managed by John Hancock Asset Management. The fund invests in the public equity markets across the globe. It seeks to invest in the stocks of companies operating across the financial services sector.