The iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF (NYSEARCA:EPP) experienced a notable reduction in short interest as of December 31, 2023. The short interest totaled 328,108 shares, a significant decline of 35.3% from the 506,804 shares recorded on December 15, 2023. This shift reflects a changing sentiment among investors, as the short-interest ratio is currently at 0.9 days, based on an average trading volume of 377,577 shares. Approximately 0.9% of the ETF’s shares are now short sold.
In trading on December 29, 2023, the iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF saw a slight decrease, closing at $51.81, down by $0.07. During this session, 346,856 shares changed hands, which is below its average volume of 415,605 shares. The ETF has fluctuated within a 12-month range, hitting a low of $38.44 and a high of $52.72. It currently holds a market capitalization of $1.87 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.02, alongside a beta of 0.85.
Institutional Activity in EPP
Recent movements by institutional investors and hedge funds indicate a growing interest in the iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF. Notably, Jones Financial Companies Lllp increased its holdings by 94.6% in the first quarter, now owning 613 shares valued at approximately $27,000 following the acquisition of an additional 298 shares.
Furthermore, IFP Advisors Inc boosted its stake by 130.7% in the third quarter, resulting in ownership of 1,336 shares worth about $69,000 after purchasing another 757 shares. Meanwhile, Russell Investments Group Ltd. established a new position valued at around $245,000 during the same quarter.
Additionally, SBI Securities Co. Ltd. increased its investment by 6.2% in the second quarter, bringing its total to 6,167 shares valued at $304,000 after acquiring 358 shares. Lastly, First Horizon Corp made a new investment in the ETF during the third quarter, valued at approximately $479,000. Collectively, institutional investors now hold 74.75% of the ETF’s shares.
About the iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF
The iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF, formerly known as the iShares MSCI Pacific ex-Japan Index Fund, is designed to track the price and yield performance of publicly traded securities in Australia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Singapore. The ETF aims to mirror the investment profile of the MSCI Pacific ex-Japan Index, investing in a representative sample of securities that correspond to the index’s characteristics.
This recent decline in short interest and the increasing involvement of institutional investors signal a potentially optimistic outlook for the ETF as it navigates the financial landscape in the Asia-Pacific region.
