Short Interest in BlackRock Income Trust, Inc. (NYSE:BKT) Expands By 165.3%

BlackRock Income Trust, Inc. (NYSE:BKT) saw a large growth in short interest during the month of February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 118,600 shares, a growth of 165.3% from the January 31st total of 44,700 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 69,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.7 days.

BlackRock Income Trust Price Performance

Shares of BKT traded up $0.04 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $11.79. 59,459 shares of the company’s stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 64,338. BlackRock Income Trust has a fifty-two week low of $11.06 and a fifty-two week high of $12.67. The business’s 50 day moving average is $11.60 and its two-hundred day moving average is $11.97.

BlackRock Income Trust Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 14th will be given a dividend of $0.0882 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 14th. This represents a $1.06 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 8.98%.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On BlackRock Income Trust

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. BDF Gestion purchased a new position in BlackRock Income Trust in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $67,000. Comerica Bank increased its position in shares of BlackRock Income Trust by 16.5% in the fourth quarter. Comerica Bank now owns 8,123 shares of the company’s stock valued at $94,000 after buying an additional 1,150 shares in the last quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of BlackRock Income Trust by 19.3% in the 4th quarter. Concurrent Investment Advisors LLC now owns 13,641 shares of the company’s stock worth $157,000 after buying an additional 2,206 shares in the last quarter. World Investment Advisors purchased a new stake in shares of BlackRock Income Trust in the 4th quarter worth about $170,000. Finally, Commonwealth Equity Services LLC grew its stake in BlackRock Income Trust by 5.9% in the 4th quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 17,497 shares of the company’s stock valued at $202,000 after acquiring an additional 978 shares during the last quarter. 39.43% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About BlackRock Income Trust

BlackRock Income Trust, Inc is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc The fund is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of the United States. The fund invests in securities of companies that operate across diversified sectors. It invests in securities such as U.S.