Short Interest in John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund (NYSE:BTO) Increases By 312.1%

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund (NYSE:BTO) saw a large growth in short interest during the month of January. As of January 30th, there was short interest totaling 23,617 shares, a growth of 312.1% from the January 15th total of 5,731 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 70,677 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days. Currently, 0.1% of the company’s shares are sold short. Currently, 0.1% of the company’s shares are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 70,677 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.3 days.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp acquired a new stake in John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund during the third quarter worth about $36,000. Blue Trust Inc. bought a new stake in shares of John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund during the 2nd quarter worth $35,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund in the fourth quarter worth about $43,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund during the 4th quarter worth approximately $57,000. Finally, Centaurus Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund in the third quarter valued at $102,000. 19.55% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund Price Performance

BTO stock traded up $0.11 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $38.56. The company had a trading volume of 29,585 shares, compared to its average volume of 62,119. John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund has a fifty-two week low of $27.73 and a fifty-two week high of $39.85. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $36.62 and a 200 day simple moving average of $35.67.

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, December 11th were given a $0.65 dividend. This represents a $2.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 11th.

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund Company Profile

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund (NYSE: BTO) is a closed-end management investment company sponsored by John Hancock Investment Management, a division of Manulife Investment Management. Since its inception in August 2004, the fund has sought to deliver total return through a combination of current income and capital appreciation. As a publicly traded fund, it offers investors access to a diversified portfolio of financial services companies that might otherwise require direct equity investments or specialized mandates.

The fund primarily invests in common stocks, preferred stocks and convertible securities issued by companies in the banking, insurance, brokerage and specialty finance sectors.