Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc. (NYSE:JOF) Short Interest Up 50.6% in March

Key Points

• Short interest jumped 50.6% in March to 14,590 shares (up from 9,687 on March 15), equal to about 0.1% of shares and a days-to-cover ratio of 0.1 days.
• The fund declared a monthly dividend of $0.0887 payable June 30 (ex-dividend June 15), implying an annualized yield of about 9.6%.
• Several institutions have recently bought stakes (e.g., Bank of America increased its position by 144.7% to 5,138 shares), while the U.S.-listed closed-end fund — which focuses on Japanese smaller-cap equities — was trading around $11.13.

Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc. (NYSE:JOF - Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest during the month of March. As of March 31st, there was short interest totaling 14,590 shares, a growth of 50.6% from the March 15th total of 9,687 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 108,990 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.1% of the company's shares are sold short.

Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund Trading Up 1.2%

NYSE JOF traded up $0.13 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $11.13. The company had a trading volume of 97,791 shares, compared to its average volume of 116,982. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $11.41 and a 200 day moving average of $10.96. Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund has a 1-year low of $8.19 and a 1-year high of $12.76.

Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, June 30th. Shareholders of record on Monday, June 15th will be given a $0.0887 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, June 15th. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 9.6%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of JOF. Bank of America Corp DE lifted its position in Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund by 144.7% in the fourth quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 5,138 shares of the company's stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 3,038 shares during the last quarter. International Assets Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund during the fourth quarter worth about $43,000. Colonial Trust Advisors purchased a new stake in Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund during the fourth quarter worth about $104,000. Triasima Portfolio Management inc. increased its stake in Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund by 32.8% during the third quarter. Triasima Portfolio Management inc. now owns 15,800 shares of the company's stock worth $167,000 after purchasing an additional 3,900 shares during the period. Finally, CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. purchased a new stake in Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund during the third quarter worth about $215,000.

Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund Company Profile

Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc NYSE: JOF is a U.S.-listed closed-end investment company dedicated to long-term capital appreciation through exposure to Japan's smaller capitalization equities. The fund seeks to identify and invest in firms whose market valuations and growth prospects may be overlooked by broader market indices, offering investors differentiated access to Japan's domestic growth opportunities.

The portfolio typically comprises equity securities of companies traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and other recognized Japanese markets, with a focus on firms outside the large-cap segment.

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