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N-2
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Cover [Abstract]  
Entity Central Index Key 0000814083
Amendment Flag false
Entity Inv Company Type N-2
Document Type N-CSR
Entity Registrant Name Cornerstone Strategic Value Fund, Inc.
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Investment Objectives and Practices [Text Block]

Investment Objective

 

The investment objective of Cornerstone Strategic Value Fund, Inc. (the “Fund”) is to seek long-term capital appreciation through investment primarily in equity securities of U.S. and non-U.S. companies which Fund management believes have demonstrated fundamental investment value and favorable growth prospects, as determined by Cornerstone Advisors, LLC (the “Investment Manager”). The Fund’s investment objective and some of its investment policies are considered fundamental policies and may not be changed without stockholder approval.

 

Investment Strategies

 

The Fund’s portfolio, under normal market conditions, will consist principally of the equity securities of U.S. and non-U.S. companies. Currently, the Fund primarily invests in companies with large capitalizations, however, the Fund may invest in companies of all capitalization ranges. The Fund invests in common stocks and may also invest in preferred stocks, rights, warrants and securities convertible into common stocks that are listed on stock exchanges or traded over the counter. The Fund may, without limitation, hold cash or invest in assets in money market instruments, including U.S. and non-U.S. government securities, high grade commercial paper and certificates of deposit and bankers’ acceptances issued by U.S. and non-U.S. banks having deposits of at least $500 million. In addition, the Fund may engage in hedging transactions to reduce its company market and currency exchange exposure.

 

In determining which securities to buy for the Fund’s portfolio, the Investment Manager uses a balanced approach, including “value” and “growth” investing by seeking out companies at reasonable prices, without regard to sector or industry, which demonstrate favorable long-term growth characteristics. Valuation and growth characteristics may be considered for purposes of selecting potential investment securities. In general, valuation analysis is used to determine the inherent value of the company by analyzing financial information such as a company’s price to book, price to sales, return on equity, and return on assets ratios; and growth analysis is used to determine a company’s potential for long-term dividends and earnings growth due to market-oriented factors such as growing market share, the launch of new products or services, the strength of its management and market demand. Fluctuations in these characteristics may trigger trading decisions to be made by the Investment Manager.

 

Although the Fund has the ability to invest a significant portion of its assets in non-U.S. companies, the Fund has consistently maintained the investment of at least 95% of its assets in U.S. listed companies since June 30, 2001.

 

The Fund may invest without limitation in other closed-end investment companies and Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”), provided that the Fund limits its investment in securities issued by other investment companies so that not more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of any one investment company will be owned by the Fund. As a stockholder in any investment company, the Fund will bear its ratable share of the investment company’s expenses and would remain subject to payment of the Fund’s advisory and administrative fees with respect to the assets so invested.

 

To comply with provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”), on any matter upon which the Fund is solicited to vote as a stockholder in an investment company in which it invests, the Investment Manager votes such shares in the same general proportion as shares held by other stockholders of that investment company. The Fund does not and will not invest in any other closed-end funds managed by the Investment Manager.

 

The Fund may invest up to 15% of its assets in illiquid U.S. and non-U.S. securities. The Fund will invest only in such illiquid securities that, in the opinion of the Investment Manager, present opportunities for substantial growth over a period of two to five years.

 

The Fund’s investment policies emphasize long-term investment in securities. Therefore, the Fund’s annual portfolio turnover rate is expected to continue to be relatively low, normally ranging between 10% and 90%. Higher portfolio turnover rates resulting from more actively traded portfolio securities generally result in higher transaction costs, including brokerage commissions and related capital gains or losses.

 

The Fund’s foregoing investment policies may be changed by the Fund’s Board of Directors without stockholder vote.

 

Although the Fund does not anticipate having any securities lending income during the current calendar year, the Fund may lend the securities that it owns to others, which would allow the Fund the opportunity to earn additional income. Although the Fund will require the borrower of the securities to post collateral for the loan in accordance with market practice and the terms of the loan will require that the Fund be able to reacquire the loaned securities if certain events occur, the Fund is still subject to the risk that the borrower of the securities may default, which could result in the Fund losing money, which would result in a decline in the Fund’s net asset value.

 

The Fund may, from time to time, take temporary defensive positions that are inconsistent with the Fund’s principal investment strategies in attempting to respond to adverse market, economic, political or other conditions. During such times, the Fund may temporarily invest up to 100% of its assets in cash or cash equivalents, including money market instruments, prime commercial paper, repurchase agreements, Treasury bills and other short-term obligations of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. In these and in other cases, the Fund may not achieve its investment objective.

 

The Investment Manager may invest the Fund’s cash balances in any investments it deems appropriate. Such investments may include, without limitation and as permitted under the 1940 Act, money market funds, U.S. Treasury and U.S. agency securities, municipal bonds, repurchase agreements and bank accounts. Many of the considerations entering into the Investment Manager’s recommendations and the portfolio manager’s decisions are subjective.

 

The Fund has no current intent to use leverage; however, the Fund reserves the right to utilize limited leverage through issuing preferred shares. The Fund also may borrow money in amounts not exceeding 10% of its total assets (including the amount borrowed) for temporary or emergency purposes, including the payment of dividends and the settlement of securities transactions, which otherwise might require untimely dispositions of Fund securities. In addition, the Fund may incur leverage through the use of investment management techniques (e.g., “uncovered” sales of put and call options, futures contracts and options on futures contracts). In order to hedge against adverse market shifts and for non-hedging, speculative purposes, the Fund may utilize up to 5% of its net assets to purchase put and call options on securities or stock indices.

 

Risk Factors [Table Text Block]

Risk Factors

 

An investment in the Fund’s shares is subject to risks. The value of the Fund’s investments will increase or decrease based on changes in the prices of the investments it holds. You could lose money by investing in the Fund. By itself, the Fund does not constitute a balanced investment program. You should consider carefully the following principal risks before investing in the Fund. There may be additional risks that the Fund does not currently foresee or consider material. You may wish to consult with your legal or tax advisors, before deciding whether to invest in the Fund. This section describes the principal risk factors associated with investment in

 

the Fund specifically, as well as those factors generally associated with investment in an investment company with investment objectives, investment policies, capital structure or trading markets similar to the Fund’s. Each risk summarized below is a risk of investing in the Fund and different risks may be more significant at different times depending upon market conditions or other factors. The Fund bears these risks directly and indirectly through its investments in other investment companies.

 

Principal Risks

 

Stock Market Volatility. Stock markets can be volatile. In other words, the prices of stocks can rise or fall rapidly in response to developments affecting a specific company or industry, changing economic, political or market conditions, inflation, changes in interest rate levels, lack of liquidity in the markets, volatility in the equities or other securities markets, adverse investor sentiment or political events. The Fund is subject to the general risk that the value of its investments may decline if the stock markets perform poorly. There is also a risk that the Fund’s investments will underperform either the securities markets generally or particular segments of the securities markets.

 

Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Governments may respond aggressively to such events, including by closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, as well as the forced or voluntary closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses, which could have negative impacts on markets worldwide. War, terrorism, and related geopolitical events (and their aftermath) have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on U.S. and world economies and markets generally. Likewise, natural and environmental disasters, such as, for example, earthquakes, fires, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis and weather-related phenomena generally, as well as the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, including widespread epidemics or pandemics such as the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, and systemic market dislocations can be highly disruptive to economies and markets. Those events as well as other changes in non-U.S. and domestic economic and political conditions also could adversely affect individual issuers or related groups of issuers, securities markets, interest rates, credit ratings, inflation, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of Fund investments.

 

The COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 resulted in travel restrictions and disruptions, closed borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, event cancellations and restrictions, service cancellations or reductions, disruptions to business operations, supply chains and customer activity, lower consumer demand for goods and services, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the economic environment. The impact of this outbreak and any other epidemic or pandemic that may arise in the future could adversely affect the economies of many nations or the entire global economy, the financial performance of individual issuers, borrowers and sectors and the health of capital markets and other markets generally in potentially significant and unforeseen ways. This crisis or other public health crises may also exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries or globally. The foregoing could lead to a significant economic downturn or recession, increased market volatility, a greater number of market closures, higher default rates and adverse effects on the values and liquidity of securities or other assets. Such impacts, which may vary across asset classes, may adversely affect the performance of the Fund and a stockholder’s investment in the Fund.

 

Issuer Specific Changes. Changes in the financial condition of an issuer, changes in the specific economic or political conditions that affect a particular type of security or issuer, and changes in general economic or political conditions can affect the credit quality or value of an issuer’s securities. Lower-quality debt securities tend to be more sensitive to these changes than higher-quality debt securities.

 

Closed-End Fund Risk. Closed-end investment companies are subject to the risks of investing in the underlying securities. The Fund, as a holder of the securities of the closed-end investment company, will bear its pro rata portion of the closed-end investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to the direct expenses of the Fund’s own operations.

 

Common Stock Risk. The Fund will invest a significant portion of its net assets in common stocks. Common stocks represent an ownership interest in a company. The Fund may also invest in securities that can be exercised for or converted into common stocks (such as convertible preferred stock). Common stocks and similar equity securities are more volatile and more risky than some other forms of investment. Therefore, the value of your investment in the Fund may sometimes decrease instead of increase. Common stock prices fluctuate for many reasons, including changes in investors’ perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer, the general condition of the relevant stock market or when political or economic events affecting the issuers occur. In addition, common stock prices may be sensitive to rising interest rates, as the costs of capital rise for issuers. Because convertible securities can be converted into equity securities, their values will normally increase or decrease as the values of the underlying equity securities increase or decrease. The common stocks in which the Fund will invest are structurally subordinated to preferred securities, bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income and assets and, therefore, will be subject to greater risk than the preferred securities or debt instruments of such issuers.

 

Defensive Positions. During periods of adverse market or economic conditions, the Fund may temporarily invest all or a substantial portion of its net assets in cash or cash equivalents. The Fund would not be pursuing its investment objective in these circumstances and could miss favorable market developments.

 

Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve special risks not presented by investments in securities of U.S. issuers, including the following: less publicly available information about companies due to less rigorous disclosure or accounting standards or regulatory practices; the impact of political, social or diplomatic events, including war; possible seizure, expropriation or nationalization of the company or its assets; possible imposition of currency exchange controls; and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These risks are more pronounced to the extent that the Fund invests a significant amount of its investments in companies located in one region. These risks may be greater in emerging markets and in less developed countries. For example, prior governmental approval for foreign investments may be required in some emerging market countries, and the extent of foreign investment may be subject to limitation in other emerging countries. With respect to risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates, the Fund does not expect to engage in foreign currency hedging transactions.

 

Global Market Risk. An investment in Fund shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount invested. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical and other similar events will disrupt the economy on a national or global level. For instance, war, terrorism, market manipulation, government defaults, government shutdowns, political changes or diplomatic developments, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics) and natural/environmental disasters can all negatively impact the securities markets.

 

Managed Distribution Policy Risk. Under the Fund’s managed distribution policy (the “Distribution Policy”), the Fund makes monthly distributions to stockholders at a rate that may include periodic distributions of its net income and net capital gains (“Net Earnings”), or from return-of-capital. For any fiscal year where total cash distributions exceeded Net Earnings (the “Excess”), the Excess would decrease the Fund’s total assets and, as a result, would have the likely effect of increasing the Fund’s expense ratio. There is a risk that the total Net Earnings from the Fund’s portfolio would not be great enough to offset the amount of cash distributions paid to stockholders. If this were to be the case, the Fund’s assets would be depleted, and there is no guarantee that the Fund would be able to replace the assets. In addition, in order to make such distributions, the Fund may have to sell a portion of its investment portfolio at a time when independent investment judgment might not dictate such action. Furthermore, such assets used to make distributions will not be available for investment pursuant to the Fund’s investment objective. Distributions may constitute a return of capital to stockholders and lower the tax basis in their shares which, for the taxable stockholders, will defer any potential gains until the shares are sold. For the taxable stockholders, the portion of distribution that constitutes ordinary income and/or capital gains is taxable to such stockholders in the year the distribution is declared. A return of capital is non-taxable to the extent of the stockholder’s basis in the shares. The stockholders would reduce their basis (but not below zero) in the shares by the amount of the distribution and therefore may result in an increase in the amount of any taxable gain on a subsequent disposition of such shares, even if such shares are sold at a loss to the stockholder’s original investment amount. Any return of capital will be separately identified when stockholders receive their tax statements. Any return of capital that exceeds cost basis may be treated as capital gain. Stockholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund. The Fund may need to raise additional capital in order to maintain the Distribution Policy.

 

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. The Fund’s successful pursuit of its investment objective depends upon the Investment Manager’s ability to find and exploit market inefficiencies with respect to undervalued securities. Such situations occur infrequently and sporadically and may be difficult to predict, and may not result in a favorable pricing opportunity that allows the Investment Manager to fulfill the Fund’s investment objective. The Investment Manager’s security selections and other investment decisions might produce losses or cause the Fund to underperform when compared to other funds with similar investment goals. If one or more key individuals leave the employ of the Investment Manager, the Investment Manager may not be able to hire qualified replacements, or may require an extended time to do so. This could prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective.

 

Other Investment Company Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in the securities of other closed-end investment companies and in ETFs. Investing in other investment companies and ETFs involves substantially the same risks as investing directly in the underlying instruments, but the total return on such investments at the investment company level may be reduced by the operating expenses and fees of such other investment companies, including advisory fees. To the extent the Fund invests a portion of its assets in investment company securities, those assets will be subject to the risks of the purchased investment company’s portfolio securities, and a stockholder in the Fund will bear not only his proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also, indirectly the expenses of the purchased investment company. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of any investment company or ETF in which the Fund invests will be achieved.

 

Although the Fund currently does not intend to use financial leverage, the securities of other investment companies in which the Fund invests may be leveraged, which will subject the Fund to the risks associated with the use of leverage. Such risks include, among other things, the likelihood of greater volatility of the net asset value and market price of such shares; the risk that fluctuations in interest rates on the borrowings of

such investment companies, or in the dividend rates on preferred shares that they must pay, will cause the yield on the shares of such companies to fluctuate more than the yield generated by unleveraged shares; and the effect of leverage in a declining market, which is likely to cause a greater decline in the net asset value of such shares than if such companies did not use leverage, which may result in a greater decline in the market price of such shares.

 

Non-Principal Risks

 

In addition to the principal risks set forth above, the following additional risks may apply to an investment in the Fund.

 

Anti-Takeover Provisions. The Fund’s Charter and Bylaws include provisions that could limit the ability of other persons or entities to acquire control of the Fund or to cause it to engage in certain transactions or to modify its structure.

 

Convertible Securities Risk. The value of a convertible security, including, for example, a warrant, is a function of its “investment value” (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its “conversion value” (the security’s worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors may also have an effect on the convertible security’s investment value. The conversion value of a convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. Generally, the conversion value decreases as the convertible security approaches maturity. To the extent the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value by the extent to which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security.

 

A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Any of these actions could have an adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.

 

Credit Risks. Fixed income securities rated B or below by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”) or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) may be purchased by the Fund. These securities have speculative characteristics and changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of those issuers to make principal or interest payments, as compared to issuers of more highly rated securities.

 

Debt Security Risk. In addition to interest rate risk, call risk and extension risk, debt securities are also subject to the risk that they may also lose value if the issuer fails to make principal or interest payments when due, or the credit quality of the issuer falls.

 

Extension Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by that Fund (such as mortgage-backed securities) later than expected. This may happen when there is a rise in interest rates. These events may lengthen the duration (i.e. interest rate sensitivity) and potentially reduce the value of these securities.

 

Foreign Currency Risk. Although the Fund will report its net asset value and pay expenses and distributions in U.S. dollars, the Fund may invest in foreign securities denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Therefore, changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s investment securities and net asset value. For example, even if the securities prices are unchanged on their primary foreign stock exchange, the Fund’s net asset value may change because of a change in the rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and the trading currency of that primary foreign stock exchange. Certain currencies are more volatile than those of other countries and Fund investments related to those countries may be more affected. Generally, if a foreign currency depreciates against the dollar (i.e., if the dollar strengthens), the value of the existing investment in the securities denominated in that currency will decline. When a given currency appreciates against the dollar (i.e., if the dollar weakens), the value of the existing investment in the securities denominated in that currency will rise. Certain foreign countries may impose restrictions on the ability of foreign securities issuers to make payments of principal and interest to investors located outside of the country, due to a blockage of foreign currency exchanges or otherwise.

 

Illiquid Securities. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its respective net assets in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities may offer a higher yield than securities which are more readily marketable, but they may not always be marketable on advantageous terms. The sale of illiquid securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts than does the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. A security traded in the U.S. that is not registered under the Securities Act will not be considered illiquid if Fund management determines that an adequate investment trading market exists for that security. However, there can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist for any security at a particular time.

 

Interest Rate Risk. Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. In general, the price of a debt security can fall when interest rates rise and can rise when interest rates fall. Securities with longer maturities and mortgage securities can be more sensitive to interest rate changes although they usually offer higher yields to compensate investors for the greater risks. The longer the maturity of the security, the greater the impact a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. In addition, short-term and long-term interest rates do not necessarily move in the same amount or the same direction. Short-term securities tend to react to changes in short-term interest rates and long-term securities tend to react to changes in long-term interest rates.

 

Investment in Small and Mid-Capitalization Companies. The Fund may invest in companies with mid or small sized capital structures (generally a market capitalization of $5 billion or less). Accordingly, the Fund may be subject to the additional risks associated with investment in these companies. The market prices of the securities of such companies tend to be more volatile than those of larger companies. Further, these securities tend to trade at a lower volume than those of larger more established companies. If the Fund is heavily invested in these securities and the value of these securities suddenly declines, that Fund will be susceptible to significant losses.

 

Leverage Risk. Utilization of leverage is a speculative investment technique and involves certain risks to the holders of common stock. These include the possibility of higher volatility of the net asset value of the common stock and potentially more volatility in the market value of the common stock. So long as the Fund is able to realize a higher net return on its investment portfolio than the then current cost of any leverage together with other related expenses, the effect of the leverage will be to cause holders of common stock to realize higher current net investment income than if the Fund were not so leveraged. On the other hand, to the extent that the then current cost of any leverage, together with other related expenses, approaches the net return on the Fund’s investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to holders of common stock will be reduced, and if the then

current cost of any leverage were to exceed the net return on the Fund’s portfolio, the Fund’s leveraged capital structure would result in a lower rate of return to stockholders than if the Fund were not so leveraged. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s leverage strategy will be successful.

 

Market Discount from Net Asset Value. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their net asset value. This characteristic is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s net asset value could decrease as a result of its investment activities. Whether investors will realize gains or losses upon the sale of the shares will depend not upon the Fund’s net asset value but entirely upon whether the market price of the shares at the time of sale is above or below the investor’s purchase price for the shares. Because the market price of the shares will be determined by factors such as relative supply of and demand for the shares in the market, general market and economic conditions, and other factors beyond the control of the Fund, the Fund cannot predict whether the shares will trade at, below or above net asset value.

 

Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Investment Manager cannot predict the Fund’s securities portfolio turnover rate with certain accuracy, but anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate will normally range between 10% and 90% under normal market conditions. However, it could be materially higher under certain conditions. Higher portfolio turnover rates could result in corresponding increases in brokerage commissions and may generate short-term capital gains taxable as ordinary income.

 

Preferred Securities Risk. Investment in preferred securities carries risks including credit risk, deferral risk, redemption risk, limited voting rights, risk of subordination and lack of liquidity. Fully taxable or hybrid preferred securities typically contain provisions that allow an issuer, at its discretion, to defer distributions for up to 20 consecutive quarters. Traditional preferreds also contain provisions that allow an issuer, under certain conditions to skip (in the case of “noncumulative preferreds”) or defer (in the case of “cumulative preferreds”), dividend payments. If the Fund owns a preferred security that is deferring its distributions, the Fund may be required to report income for tax purposes while it is not receiving any distributions. Preferred securities typically contain provisions that allow for redemption in the event of tax or security law changes in addition to call features at the option of the issuer. In the event of a redemption, the Fund may not be able to reinvest the proceeds at comparable rates of return. Preferred securities typically do not provide any voting rights, except in cases when dividends are in arrears beyond a certain time period, which varies by issue. Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments. Preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as U.S. government securities, corporate debt or common stocks. Dividends paid on preferred securities will generally not qualify for the reduced federal income tax rates applicable to qualified dividends under the Code.

 

Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) Risk. Investments in REITs will subject the Fund to various risks. The first, real estate industry risk, is the risk that REIT share prices will decline because of adverse developments affecting the real estate industry and real property values. In general, real estate values can be affected by a variety of factors, including supply and demand for properties, the economic health of the country or of different regions, and the strength of specific industries that rent properties. REITs often invest in highly leveraged properties. The second risk is the risk that returns from REITs, which typically are small or medium capitalization stocks, will trail returns from the overall stock market. The third, interest rate risk, is the risk that changes in interest rates may hurt real estate values or make REIT shares less attractive than other income producing investments. REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers and self-liquidation.

 

Qualification as a REIT under the Code in any particular year is a complex analysis that depends on a number of factors. There can be no assurance that the entities in which the Fund invests with the expectation that they will be taxed as a REIT will qualify as a REIT. An entity that fails to qualify as a REIT would be subject to a corporate level tax, would not be entitled to a deduction for dividends paid to its stockholders and would not pass through to its stockholders the character of income earned by the entity. If the Fund were to invest in an entity that failed to qualify as a REIT, such failure could drastically reduce the Fund’s yield on that investment.

 

REITs can be classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs and hybrid REITs. Equity REITs invest primarily in real property and earn rental income from leasing those properties. They may also realize gains or losses from the sale of properties. Equity REITs will be affected by conditions in the real estate rental market and by changes in the value of the properties they own. Mortgage REITs invest primarily in mortgages and similar real estate interests and receive interest payments from the owners of the mortgaged properties. They are paid interest by the owners of the financed properties. Mortgage REITs will be affected by changes in creditworthiness of borrowers and changes in interest rates. Hybrid REITs invest both in real property and in mortgages. Equity and mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skills, may not be diversified and are subject to the risks of financing projects.

 

Dividends paid by REITs will not generally qualify for the reduced U.S. federal income tax rates applicable to qualified dividends under the Code, provided, however, the Fund may designate certain dividends from a REIT as “Section 199A dividends,” which may be taxed to individual stockholders and other non-corporate stockholders at a reduced effective U.S. federal income tax rate depending on whether certain requirements are satisfied.

 

The Fund’s investment in REITs may include an additional risk to stockholders. Some or all of a REIT’s annual distributions to its investors may constitute a non-taxable return of capital. Any such return of capital will generally reduce the Fund’s basis in the REIT investment, but not below zero. To the extent the distributions from a particular REIT exceed the Fund’s basis in such REIT, the Fund will generally recognize gain. In part because REIT distributions often include a nontaxable return of capital, Fund distributions to stockholders may also include a nontaxable return of capital. Stockholders that receive such a distribution will also reduce their tax basis in their shares of the Fund, but not below zero. To the extent the distribution exceeds a stockholder’s basis in the Fund shares, such stockholder will generally recognize capital gain.

 

Repurchase Agreement Risk. The Fund does not enter into nor does it currently intend to enter into repurchase agreements, however, if the Fund were to enter into repurchase agreements, the Fund could suffer a loss if the proceeds from a sale of the securities underlying a repurchase agreement to which it is a party turns out to be less than the repurchase price stated in the agreement. In addition, repurchase agreements may involve risks in the event of default or insolvency of the seller, including possible delays or restrictions upon the Fund’s ability to dispose of the underlying securities.

 

Securities Lending Risk. Securities lending is subject to the risk that loaned securities may not be available to the Fund on a timely basis and the Fund may, therefore, lose the opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by the Fund that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the Fund and would adversely affect the Fund’s performance. Also, there may be delays in recovery, or no recovery, of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the loan is outstanding. The Fund retains the right to recall securities that it lends to enable it to vote such securities if it determines such vote to be material. Despite

its right to recall securities lent, there can be no guarantee that recalled securities will be received timely to enable the Fund to vote those securities. The Fund does not anticipate having any securities lending income during the current calendar year.

Stock Market Volatility [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Stock Market Volatility. Stock markets can be volatile. In other words, the prices of stocks can rise or fall rapidly in response to developments affecting a specific company or industry, changing economic, political or market conditions, inflation, changes in interest rate levels, lack of liquidity in the markets, volatility in the equities or other securities markets, adverse investor sentiment or political events. The Fund is subject to the general risk that the value of its investments may decline if the stock markets perform poorly. There is also a risk that the Fund’s investments will underperform either the securities markets generally or particular segments of the securities markets.

Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical events will disrupt securities markets and adversely affect global economies and markets. Governments may respond aggressively to such events, including by closing borders, restricting international and domestic travel, and the imposition of prolonged quarantines or similar restrictions, as well as the forced or voluntary closure of, or operational changes to, many retail and other businesses, which could have negative impacts on markets worldwide. War, terrorism, and related geopolitical events (and their aftermath) have led, and in the future may lead, to increased short-term market volatility and may have adverse long-term effects on U.S. and world economies and markets generally. Likewise, natural and environmental disasters, such as, for example, earthquakes, fires, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis and weather-related phenomena generally, as well as the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, including widespread epidemics or pandemics such as the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, and systemic market dislocations can be highly disruptive to economies and markets. Those events as well as other changes in non-U.S. and domestic economic and political conditions also could adversely affect individual issuers or related groups of issuers, securities markets, interest rates, credit ratings, inflation, investor sentiment, and other factors affecting the value of Fund investments.

 

The COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 resulted in travel restrictions and disruptions, closed borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere, disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, quarantines, event cancellations and restrictions, service cancellations or reductions, disruptions to business operations, supply chains and customer activity, lower consumer demand for goods and services, as well as general concern and uncertainty that has negatively affected the economic environment. The impact of this outbreak and any other epidemic or pandemic that may arise in the future could adversely affect the economies of many nations or the entire global economy, the financial performance of individual issuers, borrowers and sectors and the health of capital markets and other markets generally in potentially significant and unforeseen ways. This crisis or other public health crises may also exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries or globally. The foregoing could lead to a significant economic downturn or recession, increased market volatility, a greater number of market closures, higher default rates and adverse effects on the values and liquidity of securities or other assets. Such impacts, which may vary across asset classes, may adversely affect the performance of the Fund and a stockholder’s investment in the Fund.

Issuer Specific Changes [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Issuer Specific Changes. Changes in the financial condition of an issuer, changes in the specific economic or political conditions that affect a particular type of security or issuer, and changes in general economic or political conditions can affect the credit quality or value of an issuer’s securities. Lower-quality debt securities tend to be more sensitive to these changes than higher-quality debt securities.

Closed-End Fund Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Closed-End Fund Risk. Closed-end investment companies are subject to the risks of investing in the underlying securities. The Fund, as a holder of the securities of the closed-end investment company, will bear its pro rata portion of the closed-end investment company’s expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to the direct expenses of the Fund’s own operations.

Common Stock Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Common Stock Risk. The Fund will invest a significant portion of its net assets in common stocks. Common stocks represent an ownership interest in a company. The Fund may also invest in securities that can be exercised for or converted into common stocks (such as convertible preferred stock). Common stocks and similar equity securities are more volatile and more risky than some other forms of investment. Therefore, the value of your investment in the Fund may sometimes decrease instead of increase. Common stock prices fluctuate for many reasons, including changes in investors’ perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer, the general condition of the relevant stock market or when political or economic events affecting the issuers occur. In addition, common stock prices may be sensitive to rising interest rates, as the costs of capital rise for issuers. Because convertible securities can be converted into equity securities, their values will normally increase or decrease as the values of the underlying equity securities increase or decrease. The common stocks in which the Fund will invest are structurally subordinated to preferred securities, bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income and assets and, therefore, will be subject to greater risk than the preferred securities or debt instruments of such issuers.

Defensive Positions [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Defensive Positions. During periods of adverse market or economic conditions, the Fund may temporarily invest all or a substantial portion of its net assets in cash or cash equivalents. The Fund would not be pursuing its investment objective in these circumstances and could miss favorable market developments.

Foreign Securities Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Foreign Securities Risk. Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve special risks not presented by investments in securities of U.S. issuers, including the following: less publicly available information about companies due to less rigorous disclosure or accounting standards or regulatory practices; the impact of political, social or diplomatic events, including war; possible seizure, expropriation or nationalization of the company or its assets; possible imposition of currency exchange controls; and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These risks are more pronounced to the extent that the Fund invests a significant amount of its investments in companies located in one region. These risks may be greater in emerging markets and in less developed countries. For example, prior governmental approval for foreign investments may be required in some emerging market countries, and the extent of foreign investment may be subject to limitation in other emerging countries. With respect to risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates, the Fund does not expect to engage in foreign currency hedging transactions.

Global Market Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Global Market Risk. An investment in Fund shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount invested. The Fund is subject to the risk that geopolitical and other similar events will disrupt the economy on a national or global level. For instance, war, terrorism, market manipulation, government defaults, government shutdowns, political changes or diplomatic developments, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics) and natural/environmental disasters can all negatively impact the securities markets.

Managed Distribution Policy Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Managed Distribution Policy Risk. Under the Fund’s managed distribution policy (the “Distribution Policy”), the Fund makes monthly distributions to stockholders at a rate that may include periodic distributions of its net income and net capital gains (“Net Earnings”), or from return-of-capital. For any fiscal year where total cash distributions exceeded Net Earnings (the “Excess”), the Excess would decrease the Fund’s total assets and, as a result, would have the likely effect of increasing the Fund’s expense ratio. There is a risk that the total Net Earnings from the Fund’s portfolio would not be great enough to offset the amount of cash distributions paid to stockholders. If this were to be the case, the Fund’s assets would be depleted, and there is no guarantee that the Fund would be able to replace the assets. In addition, in order to make such distributions, the Fund may have to sell a portion of its investment portfolio at a time when independent investment judgment might not dictate such action. Furthermore, such assets used to make distributions will not be available for investment pursuant to the Fund’s investment objective. Distributions may constitute a return of capital to stockholders and lower the tax basis in their shares which, for the taxable stockholders, will defer any potential gains until the shares are sold. For the taxable stockholders, the portion of distribution that constitutes ordinary income and/or capital gains is taxable to such stockholders in the year the distribution is declared. A return of capital is non-taxable to the extent of the stockholder’s basis in the shares. The stockholders would reduce their basis (but not below zero) in the shares by the amount of the distribution and therefore may result in an increase in the amount of any taxable gain on a subsequent disposition of such shares, even if such shares are sold at a loss to the stockholder’s original investment amount. Any return of capital will be separately identified when stockholders receive their tax statements. Any return of capital that exceeds cost basis may be treated as capital gain. Stockholders are advised to consult their own tax advisers with respect to the tax consequences of their investment in the Fund. The Fund may need to raise additional capital in order to maintain the Distribution Policy.

Management Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. The Fund’s successful pursuit of its investment objective depends upon the Investment Manager’s ability to find and exploit market inefficiencies with respect to undervalued securities. Such situations occur infrequently and sporadically and may be difficult to predict, and may not result in a favorable pricing opportunity that allows the Investment Manager to fulfill the Fund’s investment objective. The Investment Manager’s security selections and other investment decisions might produce losses or cause the Fund to underperform when compared to other funds with similar investment goals. If one or more key individuals leave the employ of the Investment Manager, the Investment Manager may not be able to hire qualified replacements, or may require an extended time to do so. This could prevent the Fund from achieving its investment objective.

Other Investment Company Securities Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Other Investment Company Securities Risk. The Fund may invest in the securities of other closed-end investment companies and in ETFs. Investing in other investment companies and ETFs involves substantially the same risks as investing directly in the underlying instruments, but the total return on such investments at the investment company level may be reduced by the operating expenses and fees of such other investment companies, including advisory fees. To the extent the Fund invests a portion of its assets in investment company securities, those assets will be subject to the risks of the purchased investment company’s portfolio securities, and a stockholder in the Fund will bear not only his proportionate share of the expenses of the Fund, but also, indirectly the expenses of the purchased investment company. There can be no assurance that the investment objective of any investment company or ETF in which the Fund invests will be achieved.

 

Although the Fund currently does not intend to use financial leverage, the securities of other investment companies in which the Fund invests may be leveraged, which will subject the Fund to the risks associated with the use of leverage. Such risks include, among other things, the likelihood of greater volatility of the net asset value and market price of such shares; the risk that fluctuations in interest rates on the borrowings of

such investment companies, or in the dividend rates on preferred shares that they must pay, will cause the yield on the shares of such companies to fluctuate more than the yield generated by unleveraged shares; and the effect of leverage in a declining market, which is likely to cause a greater decline in the net asset value of such shares than if such companies did not use leverage, which may result in a greater decline in the market price of such shares.

Anti-Takeover Provisions [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Anti-Takeover Provisions. The Fund’s Charter and Bylaws include provisions that could limit the ability of other persons or entities to acquire control of the Fund or to cause it to engage in certain transactions or to modify its structure.

Convertible Securities Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Convertible Securities Risk. The value of a convertible security, including, for example, a warrant, is a function of its “investment value” (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its “conversion value” (the security’s worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer and other factors may also have an effect on the convertible security’s investment value. The conversion value of a convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. Generally, the conversion value decreases as the convertible security approaches maturity. To the extent the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value by the extent to which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security.

 

A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Any of these actions could have an adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective.

Credit Risks [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Credit Risks. Fixed income securities rated B or below by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (“S&P”) or Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”) may be purchased by the Fund. These securities have speculative characteristics and changes in economic conditions or other circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of those issuers to make principal or interest payments, as compared to issuers of more highly rated securities.

Debt Security Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Debt Security Risk. In addition to interest rate risk, call risk and extension risk, debt securities are also subject to the risk that they may also lose value if the issuer fails to make principal or interest payments when due, or the credit quality of the issuer falls.

Extension Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Extension Risk. The Fund is subject to the risk that an issuer will exercise its right to pay principal on an obligation held by that Fund (such as mortgage-backed securities) later than expected. This may happen when there is a rise in interest rates. These events may lengthen the duration (i.e. interest rate sensitivity) and potentially reduce the value of these securities.

Foreign Currency Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Foreign Currency Risk. Although the Fund will report its net asset value and pay expenses and distributions in U.S. dollars, the Fund may invest in foreign securities denominated or quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. Therefore, changes in foreign currency exchange rates will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Fund’s investment securities and net asset value. For example, even if the securities prices are unchanged on their primary foreign stock exchange, the Fund’s net asset value may change because of a change in the rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and the trading currency of that primary foreign stock exchange. Certain currencies are more volatile than those of other countries and Fund investments related to those countries may be more affected. Generally, if a foreign currency depreciates against the dollar (i.e., if the dollar strengthens), the value of the existing investment in the securities denominated in that currency will decline. When a given currency appreciates against the dollar (i.e., if the dollar weakens), the value of the existing investment in the securities denominated in that currency will rise. Certain foreign countries may impose restrictions on the ability of foreign securities issuers to make payments of principal and interest to investors located outside of the country, due to a blockage of foreign currency exchanges or otherwise.

Illiquid Securities [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Illiquid Securities. The Fund may invest up to 15% of its respective net assets in illiquid securities. Illiquid securities may offer a higher yield than securities which are more readily marketable, but they may not always be marketable on advantageous terms. The sale of illiquid securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts than does the sale of securities eligible for trading on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. A security traded in the U.S. that is not registered under the Securities Act will not be considered illiquid if Fund management determines that an adequate investment trading market exists for that security. However, there can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist for any security at a particular time.

Interest Rate Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Interest Rate Risk. Debt securities have varying levels of sensitivity to changes in interest rates. In general, the price of a debt security can fall when interest rates rise and can rise when interest rates fall. Securities with longer maturities and mortgage securities can be more sensitive to interest rate changes although they usually offer higher yields to compensate investors for the greater risks. The longer the maturity of the security, the greater the impact a change in interest rates could have on the security’s price. In addition, short-term and long-term interest rates do not necessarily move in the same amount or the same direction. Short-term securities tend to react to changes in short-term interest rates and long-term securities tend to react to changes in long-term interest rates.

Investment in Small and Mid-Capitalization Companies [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Investment in Small and Mid-Capitalization Companies. The Fund may invest in companies with mid or small sized capital structures (generally a market capitalization of $5 billion or less). Accordingly, the Fund may be subject to the additional risks associated with investment in these companies. The market prices of the securities of such companies tend to be more volatile than those of larger companies. Further, these securities tend to trade at a lower volume than those of larger more established companies. If the Fund is heavily invested in these securities and the value of these securities suddenly declines, that Fund will be susceptible to significant losses.

Leverage Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Leverage Risk. Utilization of leverage is a speculative investment technique and involves certain risks to the holders of common stock. These include the possibility of higher volatility of the net asset value of the common stock and potentially more volatility in the market value of the common stock. So long as the Fund is able to realize a higher net return on its investment portfolio than the then current cost of any leverage together with other related expenses, the effect of the leverage will be to cause holders of common stock to realize higher current net investment income than if the Fund were not so leveraged. On the other hand, to the extent that the then current cost of any leverage, together with other related expenses, approaches the net return on the Fund’s investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to holders of common stock will be reduced, and if the then

current cost of any leverage were to exceed the net return on the Fund’s portfolio, the Fund’s leveraged capital structure would result in a lower rate of return to stockholders than if the Fund were not so leveraged. There can be no assurance that the Fund’s leverage strategy will be successful.

Market Discount from Net Asset Value [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Market Discount from Net Asset Value. Shares of closed-end investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their net asset value. This characteristic is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s net asset value could decrease as a result of its investment activities. Whether investors will realize gains or losses upon the sale of the shares will depend not upon the Fund’s net asset value but entirely upon whether the market price of the shares at the time of sale is above or below the investor’s purchase price for the shares. Because the market price of the shares will be determined by factors such as relative supply of and demand for the shares in the market, general market and economic conditions, and other factors beyond the control of the Fund, the Fund cannot predict whether the shares will trade at, below or above net asset value.

Portfolio Turnover Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Investment Manager cannot predict the Fund’s securities portfolio turnover rate with certain accuracy, but anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate will normally range between 10% and 90% under normal market conditions. However, it could be materially higher under certain conditions. Higher portfolio turnover rates could result in corresponding increases in brokerage commissions and may generate short-term capital gains taxable as ordinary income.

Preferred Securities Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Preferred Securities Risk. Investment in preferred securities carries risks including credit risk, deferral risk, redemption risk, limited voting rights, risk of subordination and lack of liquidity. Fully taxable or hybrid preferred securities typically contain provisions that allow an issuer, at its discretion, to defer distributions for up to 20 consecutive quarters. Traditional preferreds also contain provisions that allow an issuer, under certain conditions to skip (in the case of “noncumulative preferreds”) or defer (in the case of “cumulative preferreds”), dividend payments. If the Fund owns a preferred security that is deferring its distributions, the Fund may be required to report income for tax purposes while it is not receiving any distributions. Preferred securities typically contain provisions that allow for redemption in the event of tax or security law changes in addition to call features at the option of the issuer. In the event of a redemption, the Fund may not be able to reinvest the proceeds at comparable rates of return. Preferred securities typically do not provide any voting rights, except in cases when dividends are in arrears beyond a certain time period, which varies by issue. Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments. Preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as U.S. government securities, corporate debt or common stocks. Dividends paid on preferred securities will generally not qualify for the reduced federal income tax rates applicable to qualified dividends under the Code.

Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Real Estate Investment Trust (“REIT”) Risk. Investments in REITs will subject the Fund to various risks. The first, real estate industry risk, is the risk that REIT share prices will decline because of adverse developments affecting the real estate industry and real property values. In general, real estate values can be affected by a variety of factors, including supply and demand for properties, the economic health of the country or of different regions, and the strength of specific industries that rent properties. REITs often invest in highly leveraged properties. The second risk is the risk that returns from REITs, which typically are small or medium capitalization stocks, will trail returns from the overall stock market. The third, interest rate risk, is the risk that changes in interest rates may hurt real estate values or make REIT shares less attractive than other income producing investments. REITs are also subject to heavy cash flow dependency, defaults by borrowers and self-liquidation.

 

Qualification as a REIT under the Code in any particular year is a complex analysis that depends on a number of factors. There can be no assurance that the entities in which the Fund invests with the expectation that they will be taxed as a REIT will qualify as a REIT. An entity that fails to qualify as a REIT would be subject to a corporate level tax, would not be entitled to a deduction for dividends paid to its stockholders and would not pass through to its stockholders the character of income earned by the entity. If the Fund were to invest in an entity that failed to qualify as a REIT, such failure could drastically reduce the Fund’s yield on that investment.

 

REITs can be classified as equity REITs, mortgage REITs and hybrid REITs. Equity REITs invest primarily in real property and earn rental income from leasing those properties. They may also realize gains or losses from the sale of properties. Equity REITs will be affected by conditions in the real estate rental market and by changes in the value of the properties they own. Mortgage REITs invest primarily in mortgages and similar real estate interests and receive interest payments from the owners of the mortgaged properties. They are paid interest by the owners of the financed properties. Mortgage REITs will be affected by changes in creditworthiness of borrowers and changes in interest rates. Hybrid REITs invest both in real property and in mortgages. Equity and mortgage REITs are dependent upon management skills, may not be diversified and are subject to the risks of financing projects.

 

Dividends paid by REITs will not generally qualify for the reduced U.S. federal income tax rates applicable to qualified dividends under the Code, provided, however, the Fund may designate certain dividends from a REIT as “Section 199A dividends,” which may be taxed to individual stockholders and other non-corporate stockholders at a reduced effective U.S. federal income tax rate depending on whether certain requirements are satisfied.

 

The Fund’s investment in REITs may include an additional risk to stockholders. Some or all of a REIT’s annual distributions to its investors may constitute a non-taxable return of capital. Any such return of capital will generally reduce the Fund’s basis in the REIT investment, but not below zero. To the extent the distributions from a particular REIT exceed the Fund’s basis in such REIT, the Fund will generally recognize gain. In part because REIT distributions often include a nontaxable return of capital, Fund distributions to stockholders may also include a nontaxable return of capital. Stockholders that receive such a distribution will also reduce their tax basis in their shares of the Fund, but not below zero. To the extent the distribution exceeds a stockholder’s basis in the Fund shares, such stockholder will generally recognize capital gain.

Repurchase Agreement Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Repurchase Agreement Risk. The Fund does not enter into nor does it currently intend to enter into repurchase agreements, however, if the Fund were to enter into repurchase agreements, the Fund could suffer a loss if the proceeds from a sale of the securities underlying a repurchase agreement to which it is a party turns out to be less than the repurchase price stated in the agreement. In addition, repurchase agreements may involve risks in the event of default or insolvency of the seller, including possible delays or restrictions upon the Fund’s ability to dispose of the underlying securities.

Securities Lending Risk [Member]  
General Description of Registrant [Abstract]  
Risk [Text Block]

Securities Lending Risk. Securities lending is subject to the risk that loaned securities may not be available to the Fund on a timely basis and the Fund may, therefore, lose the opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by the Fund that occurs during the term of the loan would be borne by the Fund and would adversely affect the Fund’s performance. Also, there may be delays in recovery, or no recovery, of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially while the loan is outstanding. The Fund retains the right to recall securities that it lends to enable it to vote such securities if it determines such vote to be material. Despite

its right to recall securities lent, there can be no guarantee that recalled securities will be received timely to enable the Fund to vote those securities. The Fund does not anticipate having any securities lending income during the current calendar year.