BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE:CII) Short Interest Up 231.7% in December

BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund, Inc. (NYSE:CII) was the recipient of a significant increase in short interest in the month of December. As of December 31st, there was short interest totalling 83,600 shares, an increase of 231.7% from the December 15th total of 25,200 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 119,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.7 days.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund

A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. TPG Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $211,000. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new position in BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund during the second quarter valued at $222,000. Atomi Financial Group Inc. grew its holdings in BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund by 5.6% in the third quarter. Atomi Financial Group Inc. now owns 13,523 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock worth $266,000 after purchasing an additional 719 shares during the period. Stifel Financial Corp increased its position in BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund by 4.0% during the 3rd quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 43,171 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock valued at $850,000 after buying an additional 1,677 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC increased its holdings in shares of BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund by 89.3% during the third quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 46,342 shares of the real estate investment trust’s stock valued at $912,000 after acquiring an additional 21,861 shares in the last quarter.

BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund Stock Performance

CII stock traded up $0.22 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $20.40. The company had a trading volume of 92,297 shares, compared to its average volume of 115,855. BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund has a 52 week low of $17.57 and a 52 week high of $20.50. The stock’s 50 day moving average price is $20.07 and its 200 day moving average price is $19.68.

BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund Announces Dividend

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 given a dividend of $0.141 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, January 15th. This represents a $1.69 annualized dividend and a yield of 8.29%.

About BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund

BlackRock Enhanced Capital and Income Fund, Inc is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc The fund is managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. It invests in public equity markets across the globe. The fund seeks to invest in securities of companies operating across diversified sectors.