Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE:FT) Sees Large Increase in Short Interest

Posted by Ethan Ryder on Nov 11th, 2026

Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE:FT – Get Free Report) saw a large increase in short interest in October. As of October 30th, there was short interest totaling 26,964 shares, an increase of 1,114.6% from the October 15th total of 2,220 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 56,710 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 0.5 days. Currently, 0.1% of the company’s stock are sold short.

Franklin Universal Trust Trading Up 0.4%

NYSE FT traded up $0.03 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $7.47. 665 shares of the company’s stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 48,508. Franklin Universal Trust has a 12-month low of $6.95 and a 12-month high of $8.35. The company’s 50 day simple moving average is $7.30 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $7.87.

Franklin Universal Trust Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 23rd will be issued a dividend of $0.0425 per share. This represents a $0.51 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 23rd.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Franklin Universal Trust

An institutional investor recently bought a new stake in Franklin Universal Trust stock. Independent Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE:FT – Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm bought 12,362 shares of the financial services provider’s stock, valued at approximately $99,000.

Franklin Universal Trust Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Franklin Universal Trust (NYSE: FT) is a diversified closed-end investment company managed by Franklin Advisers, Inc., an affiliate of Franklin Templeton. The fund seeks to provide high current income and long-term capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio of debt and equity securities. The trust invests across a range of issuers and industries, including utility companies and other income-oriented businesses. Its portfolio may include corporate bonds, preferred securities, common stocks and other investments, allowing the fund to pursue income while retaining the potential for capital growth.