Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc. (NYSE:JOF) Sees Large Growth in Short Interest

Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc. (NYSE:JOF) was the target of a large increase in short interest in February. As of February 15th, there was short interest totalling 17,900 shares, an increase of 59.8% from the January 31st total of 11,200 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 58,400 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.3 days.

Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund Stock Performance

Shares of Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund stock traded down $0.02 on Tuesday, hitting $7.97. 27,435 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 54,774. Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund has a 12-month low of $6.89 and a 12-month high of $8.34. The firm’s 50-day simple moving average is $7.75 and its 200 day simple moving average is $7.82.

Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared an annual dividend, which was paid on Friday, December 27th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 19th were paid a dividend of $0.3118 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 19th. This represents a yield of 3.3%. This is a positive change from Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund’s previous annual dividend of $0.27.

Institutional Trading of Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of JOF. Union Bancaire Privee UBP SA bought a new stake in shares of Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund in the 4th quarter worth approximately $32,000. Bank of America Corp DE raised its position in Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund by 144.7% in the 4th quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 5,138 shares of the company’s stock worth $39,000 after purchasing an additional 3,038 shares during the period. Virtu Financial LLC bought a new stake in Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund in the third quarter worth $104,000. Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. grew its stake in shares of Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund by 23.6% during the third quarter. Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. now owns 16,119 shares of the company’s stock valued at $133,000 after buying an additional 3,075 shares during the last quarter. Finally, HighTower Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund by 7.7% during the 3rd quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 22,471 shares of the company’s stock valued at $181,000 after acquiring an additional 1,609 shares during the period.

About Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund

Japan Smaller Capitalization Fund, Inc is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched by Nomura Asset Management U.SA Inc It is managed by Nomura Asset Management Co, Ltd. The fund invests in the public equity markets of Japan. It invests in stocks traded on the Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya Stock Exchanges, JASDAQ, Mothers, Hercules, Centrex, and other indices.