BlackRock Science and Technology Trust (NYSE:BST) Sees Significant Increase in Short Interest

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

Institutional Investors Weigh In On BlackRock Science and Technology Trust

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Truist Financial Corp grew its holdings in BlackRock Science and Technology Trust by 4.8% during the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 33,261 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,253,000 after purchasing an additional 1,516 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its stake in shares of BlackRock Science and Technology Trust by 7.6% during the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 45,628 shares of the company’s stock valued at $1,718,000 after buying an additional 3,232 shares during the last quarter. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of BlackRock Science and Technology Trust during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $326,000. Stolper Co increased its stake in BlackRock Science and Technology Trust by 3.0% in the third quarter. Stolper Co now owns 17,563 shares of the company’s stock worth $622,000 after purchasing an additional 513 shares during the period. Finally, Claro Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of BlackRock Science and Technology Trust by 1,008.1% during the third quarter. Claro Advisors LLC now owns 154,416 shares of the company’s stock worth $5,473,000 after purchasing an additional 140,481 shares during the last quarter.

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust Stock Performance

Shares of BST traded up $0.46 during trading hours on Friday, hitting $38.26. The stock had a trading volume of 35,502 shares, compared to its average volume of 121,987. BlackRock Science and Technology Trust has a 12 month low of $31.38 and a 12 month high of $39.59. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $37.24 and a 200 day moving average price of $36.09.

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.25 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a $3.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 7.84%.

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.