John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund (NYSE:BTO) Short Interest Update

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund (NYSE:BTO) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in January. As of January 15th, there was short interest totaling 5,731 shares, an increase of 47.9% from the December 31st total of 3,876 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 57,402 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Currently, 0.0% of the shares of the stock are short sold. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 57,402 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 0.1 days.

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund Price Performance

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund stock opened at $37.68 on Friday. John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund has a fifty-two week low of $27.73 and a fifty-two week high of $38.80. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $35.76 and a two-hundred day moving average of $35.49.

John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Thursday, December 11th were given a dividend of $0.65 per share. This represents a $2.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.9%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 11th.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Blue Trust Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund during the 2nd quarter worth about $35,000. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp purchased a new position in shares of John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund during the third quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund during the fourth quarter worth approximately $43,000. Thompson Investment Management Inc. grew its stake in John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund by 149.0% in the 2nd quarter. Thompson Investment Management Inc. now owns 1,616 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $57,000 after acquiring an additional 967 shares during the period. Finally, Centaurus Financial Inc. acquired a new position in John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund in the 3rd quarter valued at $102,000. 19.55% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About John Hancock Financial Opportunities Fund

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.