The Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (NYSEARCA:VWO) experienced a notable decline in short interest during December 2023. As of December 31, the short interest stood at 14,664,103 shares, reflecting a significant drop of 28.5% from the December 15 total of 20,508,579 shares. This decline indicates that approximately 0.7% of the ETF’s shares are currently sold short.
Trading data reveals that the average daily trading volume for the Vanguard ETF is 10,196,117 shares, resulting in a short-interest ratio of 1.4 days. On December 29, the ETF’s price fell by $0.34, reaching $56.00 per share, with a trading volume of 12,320,672 shares—slightly below its average of 14,551,035 shares. Over the past year, the ETF has recorded a 52-week low of $39.53 and a high of $56.57. Its fifty-day simple moving average is $54.39, while the two-hundred-day average stands at $53.15.
Institutional Investment Trends
Recent changes among institutional investors highlight varying strategies regarding the Vanguard ETF. Corient Private Wealth LLC reported a substantial increase in their holdings, lifting them by 104.6% during the second quarter. They now own 13,246,257 shares valued at approximately $650.7 million after acquiring an additional 6,773,228 shares.
Gallagher Fiduciary Advisors LLC made an even more striking adjustment, boosting its holdings by 4,672.3% during the same period, resulting in ownership of 3,304,750 shares worth about $163.5 million following an additional purchase of 3,235,502 shares.
In the third quarter, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its stake by 4.5%, now holding 74,834,185 shares valued at $4.05 billion after acquiring an additional 3,217,413 shares. Similarly, Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position by 4.5% during the second quarter, bringing its total to 74,185,538 shares worth approximately $3.67 billion after buying 3,194,696 shares.
Jasper Ridge Partners L.P. also made a significant move, increasing its holdings by 85.9% in the second quarter, now owning 6,256,903 shares valued at around $309.5 million after purchasing an additional 2,891,204 shares. Collectively, institutional investors and hedge funds hold 67.19% of the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF’s stock.
Fund Overview
The Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF aims to track the performance of the FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap China A Inclusion Index. This index measures the returns of stocks issued by companies located in emerging market countries, providing investors with a diversified exposure to these rapidly developing economies.
Investors interested in this ETF should stay informed about its performance and market movements, as well as the actions taken by institutional investors. As the global market continues to evolve, the Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF remains a key player in the investment landscape.
