Short Interest in Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (NYSE:HIX) Rises By 94.3%

Posted by Geri Gentry on Aug 16th, 2026

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (NYSE:HIX – Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest in July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totaling 482,007 shares, a growth of 94.3% from the July 15th total of 248,069 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 361,662 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.3 days.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Western Asset High Income Fund II

A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. purchased a new position in Western Asset High Income Fund II during the second quarter worth $56,000. Arax Advisory Partners acquired a new stake in shares of Western Asset High Income Fund II during the fourth quarter valued at $37,000. Comerica Bank increased its position in Western Asset High Income Fund II by 134.1% during the 1st quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 9,369 shares of the closed-end fund’s stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 5,367 shares in the last quarter. Williams Jones Wealth Management LLC. purchased a new position in Western Asset High Income Fund II in the 4th quarter valued at about $42,000. Finally, One Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Western Asset High Income Fund II during the 4th quarter worth about $43,000.

Western Asset High Income Fund II Stock Performance

HIX traded down $0.03 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $3.94. 214,551 shares of the company’s stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 341,060. Western Asset High Income Fund II has a 1-year low of $3.75 and a 1-year high of $4.40. The business’s 50-day moving average price is $3.94 and its 200 day moving average price is $4.01.

Western Asset High Income Fund II Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 30th. Investors of record on Friday, November 20th will be given a dividend of $0.049 per share. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 14.9%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 20th.

Western Asset High Income Fund II Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Western Asset High Income Fund II (NYSE: HIX) is a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide high current income by investing primarily in below-investment-grade debt instruments. The fund pursues a diversified portfolio of high-yield corporate bonds, senior loans, mortgage- and asset-backed securities, and emerging-market debt, aiming to generate attractive yield while managing credit and interest rate risk.

The fund may employ leverage through borrowings and the issuance of preferred shares to enhance its income potential.