The short interest in the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA: VWO) has experienced a notable decline, dropping by 28.5% in December. As of December 31, 2023, the total short interest stood at 14,664,103 shares, down from 20,508,579 shares on December 15, 2023. This reduction means that approximately 0.7% of the ETF’s shares are currently sold short. With an average daily trading volume of 10,196,117 shares, the short-interest ratio is now at 1.4 days.
In trading on the same day, the ETF’s price dipped by $0.34 to reach $56.00. The trading volume for the day was 12,320,672 shares, slightly lower than its average of 14,551,035 shares. Over the past year, the ETF has fluctuated significantly, with a 52-week low of $39.53 and a 52-week high of $56.57. The current fifty-day simple moving average is $54.39, while the two-hundred-day simple moving average is at $53.15. The ETF commands a market capitalization of $110.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.08, and a beta of 0.55.
Institutional Investment Changes
Several institutional investors have recently adjusted their stakes in the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF. Corient Private Wealth LLC has increased its holdings by an impressive 104.6% during the second quarter, now owning 13,246,257 shares valued at approximately $650.66 million.
Meanwhile, Gallagher Fiduciary Advisors LLC has significantly boosted its position by 4,672.3%, acquiring 3,304,750 shares worth around $163.45 million. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. has also increased its stake by 4.5% in the third quarter, owning 74,834,185 shares valued at about $4.05 billion.
Additionally, Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings by 4.5% during the second quarter, now controlling 74,185,538 shares worth approximately $3.67 billion. Jasper Ridge Partners L.P. has also increased its investment by 85.9%, owning 6,256,903 shares valued at about $309.47 million.
Currently, approximately 67.19% of the ETF’s shares are held by hedge funds and other institutional investors. This shift in ownership reflects significant confidence in the ETF’s long-term potential and aligns with its objective to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index, which measures the returns of stocks issued by companies in emerging market countries.
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