Short Interest in BlackRock Science and Technology Trust (NYSE:BST) Expands By 185.2%

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust (NYSE:BST) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest during the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totalling 7,700 shares, an increase of 185.2% from the December 15th total of 2,700 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 109,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.1 days.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BST. Focus Financial Network Inc. boosted its position in BlackRock Science and Technology Trust by 3.0% during the third quarter. Focus Financial Network Inc. now owns 12,688 shares of the company’s stock worth $450,000 after purchasing an additional 365 shares during the period. Stolper Co raised its holdings in shares of BlackRock Science and Technology Trust by 3.0% in the 3rd quarter. Stolper Co now owns 17,563 shares of the company’s stock valued at $622,000 after acquiring an additional 513 shares in the last quarter. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of BlackRock Science and Technology Trust by 3.3% during the 3rd quarter. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC now owns 25,039 shares of the company’s stock valued at $887,000 after acquiring an additional 795 shares during the last quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. increased its position in shares of BlackRock Science and Technology Trust by 10.8% in the third quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 8,342 shares of the company’s stock worth $296,000 after purchasing an additional 814 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Hilltop Holdings Inc. raised its stake in BlackRock Science and Technology Trust by 6.8% in the third quarter. Hilltop Holdings Inc. now owns 13,216 shares of the company’s stock valued at $468,000 after purchasing an additional 843 shares in the last quarter.

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust Price Performance

BST stock opened at $36.67 on Tuesday. The stock’s fifty day simple moving average is $36.96 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $36.12. BlackRock Science and Technology Trust has a 1-year low of $31.38 and a 1-year high of $39.01.

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, January 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a $3.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 8.18%.

About BlackRock Science and Technology Trust

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc The fund is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. It invests directly and indirectly through derivative such as options in public equity markets of countries across the globe. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across the science and technology sector.