First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund (NYSEARCA:FRI) Sees Large Growth in Short Interest

First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund (NYSEARCA:FRI) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest during the month of February. As of February 27th, there was short interest totaling 9,319 shares, an increase of 55.9% from the February 12th total of 5,978 shares. Currently, 0.2% of the shares of the company are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 19,908 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days. Based on an average trading volume of 19,908 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days. Currently, 0.2% of the shares of the company are short sold.

First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund Stock Performance

Shares of NYSEARCA:FRI traded down $0.07 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $29.21. The company’s stock had a trading volume of 18,678 shares, compared to its average volume of 31,449. The stock has a market capitalization of $163.58 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.23 and a beta of 1.01. The stock’s 50 day simple moving average is $28.89 and its 200 day simple moving average is $28.18. First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund has a fifty-two week low of $23.15 and a fifty-two week high of $30.45.

Institutional Trading of First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in FRI. Arax Advisory Partners acquired a new position in shares of First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund during the fourth quarter worth approximately $27,000. MTM Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund during the 2nd quarter valued at $49,000. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund during the 2nd quarter valued at $52,000. Bank of Montreal Can bought a new stake in First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund in the 4th quarter valued at $72,000. Finally, Twin Peaks Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund in the 2nd quarter valued at $133,000.

About First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund

First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund (the Fund) seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield of an equity index called the S&P United States REIT Index (the Index). The Index measures the securitized United States real estate investment trust (REIT) market and maintains a constituency that reflects the composition of the overall REIT market. The Index contains securities selected for market representation according to geography and property type. All securities in the Index satisfy the Index’s liquidity, price and market capitalization requirements.