Short Interest in BlackRock Science and Technology Trust (NYSE:BST) Grows By 136.5%

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust (NYSE:BST) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in the month of July. As of July 31st, there was short interest totaling 50,409 shares, a growth of 136.5% from the July 15th total of 21,317 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 91,396 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.6 days.

Institutional Trading of BlackRock Science and Technology Trust

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of BST. Arkadios Wealth Advisors boosted its stake in BlackRock Science and Technology Trust by 4.7% during the fourth quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors now owns 7,779 shares of the company’s stock worth $315,000 after acquiring an additional 349 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake in BlackRock Science and Technology Trust by 9.2% in the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 4,214 shares of the company’s stock valued at $174,000 after purchasing an additional 355 shares in the last quarter. Symphony Financial Services Inc. raised its holdings in shares of BlackRock Science and Technology Trust by 5.5% during the fourth quarter. Symphony Financial Services Inc. now owns 6,863 shares of the company’s stock valued at $278,000 after purchasing an additional 360 shares during the period. Bay Colony Advisory Group Inc d b a Bay Colony Advisors raised its holdings in shares of BlackRock Science and Technology Trust by 4.1% during the second quarter. Bay Colony Advisory Group Inc d b a Bay Colony Advisors now owns 9,417 shares of the company’s stock valued at $478,000 after purchasing an additional 372 shares during the period. Finally, Smartleaf Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of BlackRock Science and Technology Trust by 9.8% during the 4th quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 4,254 shares of the company’s stock worth $171,000 after purchasing an additional 380 shares in the last quarter.

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust Price Performance

NYSE BST traded down $0.48 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $49.88. 92,773 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 101,060. BlackRock Science and Technology Trust has a one year low of $34.87 and a one year high of $51.30. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $47.60 and a 200-day simple moving average of $43.52.

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, September 30th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a c) dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.0%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, September 15th.

About BlackRock Science and Technology Trust

BlackRock Science and Technology Trust (NYSE: BST) is a closed-end management investment company that concentrates its investments in the equity securities of companies engaged in science and technology industries. Established in December 2018, the trust seeks to provide shareholders with total return through a combination of capital appreciation and current income. BST primarily targets firms involved in information technology, biotechnology, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and other technology-driven sectors.

The trust’s investment strategy is rooted in fundamental, bottom-up analysis carried out by a dedicated team of research professionals at BlackRock.