John Hancock Investors Trust (NYSE:JHI) Short Interest Up 26.8% in August

Key Points

• John Hancock Investors Trust (NYSE:JHI) experienced a significant increase in short interest, rising 26.8% to a total of 9,000 shares as of August 31st.
• The Trust announced a quarterly dividend of $0.3158, effective September 30th, representing an 8.9% yield and an increase from the previous dividend of $0.30.
• Institutional investors hold 27.01% of John Hancock Investors Trust, with several firms increasing their stakes during the first quarter of the year.

John Hancock Investors Trust (NYSE:JHI - Get Free Report) saw a significant increase in short interest in the month of August. As of August 31st, there was short interest totaling 9,000 shares, an increase of 26.8% from the August 15th total of 7,100 shares. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 17,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.5 days. Based on an average trading volume of 17,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.5 days. Currently, 0.1% of the shares of the stock are sold short.

John Hancock Investors Trust Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:JHI traded down $0.03 during trading on Monday, reaching $14.19. The stock had a trading volume of 6,045 shares, compared to its average volume of 28,001. John Hancock Investors Trust has a 52 week low of $11.61 and a 52 week high of $14.51. The business's 50-day moving average price is $14.10 and its 200 day moving average price is $13.64.

John Hancock Investors Trust Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 12th will be paid a $0.3158 dividend. This represents a $1.26 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 8.9%. This is a boost from John Hancock Investors Trust's previous quarterly dividend of $0.30. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 12th.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Shaker Financial Services LLC boosted its holdings in John Hancock Investors Trust by 39.3% in the first quarter. Shaker Financial Services LLC now owns 146,399 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $1,987,000 after acquiring an additional 41,285 shares during the last quarter. 1607 Capital Partners LLC lifted its position in John Hancock Investors Trust by 2.9% during the 1st quarter. 1607 Capital Partners LLC now owns 552,045 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $7,491,000 after purchasing an additional 15,500 shares during the period. Sit Investment Associates Inc. lifted its position in John Hancock Investors Trust by 3.1% during the 1st quarter. Sit Investment Associates Inc. now owns 337,050 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $4,574,000 after purchasing an additional 10,086 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. boosted its stake in shares of John Hancock Investors Trust by 63.3% in the 2nd quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 21,231 shares of the financial services provider's stock valued at $294,000 after purchasing an additional 8,228 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Osaic Holdings Inc. grew its position in shares of John Hancock Investors Trust by 10.0% during the 2nd quarter. Osaic Holdings Inc. now owns 82,180 shares of the financial services provider's stock worth $1,137,000 after buying an additional 7,480 shares during the period. 27.01% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About John Hancock Investors Trust

John Hancock Investors Trust is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by John Hancock Investment Management LLC. It is co-managed by John Hancock Asset Management. It invests in the fixed income markets across the globe. The fund primarily invests in a diversified portfolio of corporate and government bonds, debt securities.