Sumitomo Life Insurance Co. Boosts Position in Vanguard Emerging Markets Government Bond ETF

Sumitomo Life Insurance Co. has significantly increased its investment in the Vanguard Emerging Markets Government Bond ETF (NASDAQ:VWOB) during the 3rd quarter, growing its stake by 46.5%. The firm's latest 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission revealed that its share count rose by 98,600 to a total of 310,700 shares owned. This increase positions the ETF as a central part of Sumitomo's portfolio, representing 0.5% of its investments and ranking as the 16th largest holding. By the quarter's end, the total value of Sumitomo's shares in VWOB was estimated at $19,174,000.

Investment Shifts in VWOB

Alongside Sumitomo, other hedge funds and institutional investors have also been active with VWOB shares. Notable transactions include American National Bank initiating a position worth about $25,000 and BNP Paribas Arbitrage SNC doing the same. Furthermore, FMR LLC increased its holdings by 61.6%, ending up with 425 shares valued at $26,000. Meanwhile, Hanseatic Management Services Inc. elevated its stake by 438.1%, owning 452 shares valued at $32,000. Farmers & Merchants Trust Co of Chambersburg PA also entered the fray, buying shares worth roughly $33,000 during the 3rd quarter.

VWOB's Market Performance

The ETF's performance has seen fluctuations with the stock opening at $63.75 on its recent Friday trading session. Over the past year, VWOB experienced a low of $57.18 and reached a high of $64.66. When considering the moving averages, VWOB's stocks have a 50-day simple moving average of $61.04 and a 200-day one at $60.88.

Dividend Increase for Shareholders

Vanguard Emerging Markets Government Bond ETF has recently declared a monthly dividend increase. On Thursday, December 28th, stockholders recorded as of December 26th received a dividend of $0.3037 per share, up from the previous $0.30. This change has resulted in an annual dividend yield of 5.72%, with an inferred annual payout of $3.64.

Understanding VWOB

The VWOB ETF primarily allocates its funding towards various government bonds within emerging markets, all denominated in USD. Launched on May 31, 2013, VWOB has been managed by Vanguard and follows a market value weighted index related to sovereign debt in the emerging markets segment.

Sumitomo, VWOB, Investment