Templeton Emerging Markets Fund (NYSE:EMF) Short Interest Up 65.9% in July

Key Points

• Short interest in the Templeton Emerging Markets Fund increased by 65.9% in July, rising to 20,400 shares from 12,300 shares in June.
• Institutional investors own 49.86% of the company's stock, with significant increases in stakes from several firms, including Bank of America Corp DE, which grew its share by 33.9%.
• The fund recently announced a quarterly dividend of $0.22, reflecting an annualized dividend yield of 5.9%.

Templeton Emerging Markets Fund (NYSE:EMF - Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in the month of July. As of July 15th, there was short interest totaling 20,400 shares, agrowthof65.9% from the June 30th total of 12,300 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 20,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.0 days. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 20,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.0 days.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in EMF. Hilltop National Bank bought a new position in Templeton Emerging Markets Fund during the second quarter valued at approximately $38,000. AQR Capital Management LLC bought a new position in Templeton Emerging Markets Fund during the first quarter valued at approximately $140,000. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in Templeton Emerging Markets Fund during the first quarter valued at approximately $174,000. LPL Financial LLC bought a new position in Templeton Emerging Markets Fund during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $278,000. Finally, CSS LLC IL bought a new position in Templeton Emerging Markets Fund during the fourth quarter valued at approximately $299,000. Institutional investors own 49.86% of the company's stock.

Templeton Emerging Markets Fund Price Performance

EMF traded up $0.05 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $15.10. The company's stock had a trading volume of 9,510 shares, compared to its average volume of 33,669. Templeton Emerging Markets Fund has a 1 year low of $11.14 and a 1 year high of $15.13. The stock's 50-day moving average is $14.52 and its 200-day moving average is $13.38.

Templeton Emerging Markets Fund Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, June 30th. Stockholders of record on Monday, June 16th were paid a $0.22 dividend. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.8%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, June 16th.

About Templeton Emerging Markets Fund

Templeton Emerging Markets Fund is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched by Franklin Resources Inc The fund is managed by Templeton Asset Management Ltd. It invests in the public equity markets of emerging market countries across the globe. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors.