N-2 - USD ($) | | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |
Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2023 | Sep. 30, 2023 | Jun. 30, 2023 | Mar. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Sep. 30, 2022 | Jun. 30, 2022 | Mar. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2023 | Dec. 31, 2022 | Dec. 31, 2021 | Dec. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Dec. 31, 2016 | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014 |
Cover [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Entity Central Index Key | | | | | | | | | | 0001438893 | | | | | | | | | |
Amendment Flag | | | | | | | | | | false | | | | | | | | | |
Document Type | | | | | | | | | | N-CSR | | | | | | | | | |
Entity Registrant Name | | | | | | | | | | GAMCO Natural Resources, Gold & Income Trust | | | | | | | | | |
Fee Table [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shareholder Transaction Expenses [Table Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Shareholder Transaction Expenses Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price) - (a) Offering Expenses Borne by the Fund - (a) Dividend Reinvestment Plan Fees None (b) | | | | | | | | | |
Sales Load [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | (0.00%) | | | | | | | | | |
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Fees | | | | | | | | | | $ 0 | | | | | | | | | |
Other Transaction Expenses [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Transaction Expenses [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | (0.00%) | | | | | | | | | |
Annual Expenses [Table Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Annual Expenses (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares) Percentages of Net Assets Management Fees 1.27 % (c) Interest on Borrowed Funds - % (d) Other Expenses 0.87 % (e) Total Annual Expenses 2.14 % Dividends on Preferred Shares 1.39 % Total Annual Expenses and Dividends on Preferred 3.53 % (c) | | | | | | | | | |
Management Fees [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | 1.27% | | | | | | | | | |
Interest Expenses on Borrowings [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | (0.00%) | | | | | | | | | |
Other Annual Expenses [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Annual Expense 3 [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | 0.87% | | | | | | | | | |
Total Annual Expenses [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | 2.14% | | | | | | | | | |
Waivers and Reimbursements of Fees [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | 1.39% | | | | | | | | | |
Net Expense over Assets [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | 3.53% | | | | | | | | | |
Expense Example [Table Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | The following example illustrates the expenses you would pay on a $1,000 investment in common shares, assuming a 5% annual portfolio total return.* 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10 Year Total Expenses Incurred $35 $108 $183 $379 * The example should not be considered a representation of future expenses. The example is based on total Annual Expenses and Dividends on Preferred Shares shown in the table above and assumes that the amounts set forth in the table do not change and that all distributions are reinvested at net asset value. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those assumed. Moreover, the Fund’s actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example. The example includes Dividends on Preferred Shares. If Dividends on Preferred Shares were not included in the example calculation, the expenses for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods in the table above would be as follows (based on the same assumptions as above): $ 22 67 115 247 | | | | | | | | | |
Expense Example, Year 01 | | | | | | | | | | $ 35 | | | | | | | | | |
Expense Example, Years 1 to 3 | | | | | | | | | | 108 | | | | | | | | | |
Expense Example, Years 1 to 5 | | | | | | | | | | 183 | | | | | | | | | |
Expense Example, Years 1 to 10 | | | | | | | | | | $ 379 | | | | | | | | | |
Purpose of Fee Table , Note [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | The following table shows the Fund’s expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares. All expenses of the Fund are borne, directly or indirectly, by the common shareholders. The table is based on the capital structure of the Fund as of December 31, 2023. The purpose of the table and example below is to help you understand all fees and expenses that you, as a holder of common shares, would bear directly or indirectly. | | | | | | | | | |
Other Expenses, Note [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | “Other Expenses” arare based on estimated amounts for the current year. | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Investment Objectives and Practices [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES Investment Objectives and Policies The Fund’s primary investment objective is to provide a high level of current income from interest, dividends and option premiums. The Fund’s secondary investment objective is to seek capital appreciation consistent with the Fund’s strategy and its primary objective. To meet the objective of providing a high level of current income, the Fund intends to invest in income producing securities such as equity securities, convertible securities and other securities and earn short-term gains from a strategy of writing covered call options on equity securities in its portfolio. The Fund will seek dividend income through investments in equity securities such as common stock or convertible preferred stock. The Fund will seek interest income through investments in convertible or corporate bonds. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will attempt to achieve its objectives by investing at least 80% of its assets, which includes the amount of any borrowings for investment purposes, in securities of companies principally engaged in the natural resources and gold industries. The Fund will invest at least 25% of its assets in the securities of companies principally engaged in the natural resources industry, which includes companies principally engaged in the exploration, production or distribution of natural resources, such as metals (including both precious metals—such as silver and platinum—and base (i.e., non-precious) metals—such as copper, lead, nickel and zinc), paper, food, agriculture, forestry products, water, gas, oil, sustainable energy and other commodities as well as related transportation companies and equipment manufacturers (“Natural Resources Companies”). Related transportation companies and equipment manufacturers, such as agriculture transportation vehicles and farm equipment manufacturers, are vital components of the natural resource industry and are therefore included within the definition of Natural Resources Companies. The Fund will invest at least 25% of its assets in the securities of companies principally engaged in the gold industry, which includes companies principally engaged in the exploration, mining, fabrication, processing, distribution or trading of gold or the financing, managing, controlling or operating of companies engaged in “gold-related” activities (“Gold Companies”). Companies principally engaged in the financing, managing, controlling or operating of companies engaged in “gold-related” activities include companies that own or receive royalties on the production of gold; such companies are vital components of the gold industry and are therefore included within the definition of Gold Companies. The Fund may invest without limitation in the securities of domestic and foreign issuers. The Fund expects that its assets will usually be invested in several countries. To the extent that the natural resources and gold industries are concentrated in any given geographic region, such as Europe, North America, Latin America or Asia, a relatively high proportion of the Fund’s assets may be invested in that particular region. Principally engaged, as used in this Annual Report, means a company that derives at least 50% of its revenues or earnings from or devotes at least 50% of its assets to the indicated businesses. Equity securities may include common stocks, preferred stocks, convertible securities, warrants, depositary receipts and equity interests in trusts and other entities. Other Fund investments may include investment companies, including exchange traded funds, securities of issuers subject to reorganization or other risk arbitrage investments, certain derivative instruments, debt (including obligations of the U.S. government) and money market instruments. As part of its investment strategy, the Fund intends to provide current income from short-term gains earned through an option strategy which will normally consist of writing (selling) call options on equity securities in its portfolio (“covered calls”), but may, in amounts up to 15% of the Fund’s assets, consist of writing uncovered call options on securities not held by the Fund and indices comprised of Natural Resources Companies or Gold Companies or exchange-traded funds comprised of such issuers and writing put options on securities of Natural Resource Companies or Gold Companies. When the Fund sells a call option, it generates current income from short-term gains in the form of the premium paid by the buyer of the call option, but the Fund forgoes the opportunity to participate in any increase in the value of the underlying equity security above the exercise price of the option. When the Fund sells a put option, it generates current income from short-term gains in the form of the premium paid by the buyer of the put option, but the Fund will have the obligation to buy the underlying security at the exercise price if the price of the security decreases below the exercise price of the option. Any premiums received by the Fund from writing options may result in short-term capital gains. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in “convertible securities,” i.e., securities (bonds, debentures, notes, stocks and other similar securities) that are convertible into common stock or other equity securities, and “income securities,” i.e., nonconvertible debt or equity securities having a history of regular payments or accrual of income to holders. Under normal market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in fixed-income securities. Short-term discounted Treasury Bills or certain short-term securities of U.S. government sponsored instrumentalities are not subject to this limitation. The Fund has no requirements as to maturity or duration of its fixed-income investments, and the Fund does not target any particular average duration or average maturity. The average duration and average maturity of the Fund’s fixed-income investments is expected to vary. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in “junk bonds” such as convertible debt securities (which generally are rated lower than investment grade) and fixed-income securities that are rated lower than investment grade, or not rated but of similar quality as determined by the Investment Adviser. In selecting securities for the Fund, the Investment Adviser will use a bottom-up, value approach. The Investment Adviser will primarily focus on company-specific criteria rather than on political, economic or other country-specific factors. No assurance can be given that the Fund will achieve its investment objectives. The Fund’s investment objectives and its policies of investing at least 25% of its assets in normal circumstances in Natural Resources Companies and in Gold Companies are fundamental policies that cannot be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding voting securities (voting together as a single class) of the Fund (which for this purpose and under the 1940 Act means the lesser of (i) 67% of the shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares are represented or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares). If the Fund issues and has outstanding preferred shares, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding preferred shares of the Fund voting as a separate class (which for this purposes and under the 1940 Act means the lesser of (i) 67% of the preferred shares, as a single class, represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the Fund’s outstanding preferred shares are represented or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding preferred shares) would also be required to change a fundamental policy. Unless specifically stated as such, no other policy of the Fund is fundamental and each policy may be changed by the Board without shareholder approval and the Fund will provide notice to shareholders of material changes. The Fund’s policy to invest at least 80% of its total assets in in securities of companies principally engaged in the natural resources and gold industries may be changed by the Board; however, if this policy changes, the Fund will provide shareholders at least 60 days’ written notice before implementation of the change in compliance with SEC rules. The percentage and ratings limitations stated herein apply only at the time of investment and are not considered violated as a result of subsequent changes to the value, or downgrades to the ratings, of the Fund’s portfolio investments. Gabelli Funds, LLC, a New York limited liability company, with offices at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422, serves as the investment adviser to the Fund. Investment Methodology of the Fund In selecting securities for the Fund, the Investment Adviser normally considers the following factors, among others: ● the industry of the issuer of a security; ● the ability of the Fund to generate current income from short-term gains from writing covered call options on such securities; ● the interest or dividend income generated by the securities; ● the potential for capital appreciation of the securities; ● the prices of the securities relative to other comparable securities; ● whether the securities are entitled to the benefits of call protection or other protective covenants; ● the existence of any anti-dilution protections or guarantees of the security; and ● the number and size of investments of the portfolio as to issuers. The Investment Adviser’s investment philosophy with respect to selecting investments in the gold industry and the natural resources industries is to emphasize quality and value, as determined by such factors as asset quality, balance sheet leverage, management ability, reserve life, cash flow, and commodity hedging exposure. In addition, in making stock selections, the Investment Adviser looks for securities that it believes may have a superior yield as well as capital gains potential. Certain Investment Practices Natural Resources Industries Concentration. Principally engaged, as used in this Annual Report, means a company that derives at least 50% of its revenues or earnings or devotes at least 50% of its assets to natural resources or gold related activities, as the case may be. Gold Industry Concentration. In selecting investments in Gold Companies for the Fund, the Investment Adviser will focus on stocks that are undervalued, but which appear to have favorable prospects for growth. Factors considered in this determination will include capitalization per ounce of gold production, capitalization per ounce of recoverable reserves, quality of management and ability to create shareholder wealth. Because most of the world’s gold production is outside of the United States, the Fund may have a significant portion of its investments in Gold Companies in securities of foreign issuers, including those located in developed as well as emerging markets. The percentage of Fund assets invested in particular countries or regions will change from time to time based on the Investment Adviser’s judgment. Among other things, the Investment Adviser will consider the economic stability and economic outlook of these countries and regions. See “Risk Factors and Special Considerations—Industry Risks.” Covered Calls and Other Option Transactions. other securities not held in its portfolio and on indices comprised of Natural Resources Companies or Gold Companies or on exchange traded funds comprised of such issuers and also may consist of writing put options on securities of Natural Resources Companies or Gold Companies. Any premiums received by the Fund from writing options may result in short-term capital gains. Writing a covered call is the selling of an option contract entitling the buyer to purchase an underlying security that the Fund owns, while writing an uncovered call is the selling of such a contract entitling the buyer to purchase a security the Fund does not own or in an amount in excess of the amount the Fund owns. When the Fund sells a call option, it generates current income from short-term gains in the form of the premium paid by the buyer of the call option, but the Fund forgoes the opportunity to participate in any increase in the value of the underlying equity security above the exercise price of the option. The writer of the call option has the obligation, upon exercise of the option, to deliver the underlying security or currency upon payment of the exercise price during the option period. A put option is the reverse of a call option, giving the buyer the right, in return for a premium, to sell the underlying security to the writer, at a specified price, and obligating the writer to purchase the underlying security from the holder at that price. When the Fund sells a put option, it generates current income from short-term gains in the form of the premium paid by the buyer of the put option, but the Fund will have the obligation to buy the underlying security at the exercise price if the price of the security decreases below the exercise price of the option. If the Fund has written a call option, it may terminate its obligation by effecting a closing purchase transaction. This is accomplished by purchasing a call option with the same terms as the option previously written. However, once the Fund has been assigned an exercise notice, the Fund will be unable to effect a closing purchase transaction. Similarly, if the Fund is the holder of an option, it may liquidate its position by effecting a closing sale transaction. This is accomplished by selling an option with the same terms as the option previously purchased. There can be no assurance that either a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Fund so desires. The Fund will realize a profit from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is less than the premium it received from writing the option, or is more than the premium it paid to purchase the option; the Fund will realize a loss from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is more than the premium it received from writing the option, or is less than the premium it paid to purchase the option. Since call option prices generally reflect increases in the price of the underlying security, any loss resulting from the repurchase of a call option may also be wholly or partially offset by unrealized appreciation of the underlying security. Other principal factors affecting the market value of a put or a call option include supply and demand, interest rates, the current market price and price volatility of the underlying security and the time remaining until the expiration date of the option. Gains and losses on investments in options depend, in part, on the ability of the Investment Adviser to predict correctly the effect of these factors. The use of certain options transactions cannot serve as a complete hedge since the price movement of securities underlying certain options will not necessarily follow the price movements of the portfolio securities that may be subject to the hedge. An option position may be closed out only on an exchange that provides a secondary market for an option with the same terms or in a private transaction. Although the Fund will generally purchase or write options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option. In such event, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options, in which case the Fund would have to exercise its options in order to realize any profit and would incur brokerage commissions upon the exercise of call options and upon the subsequent disposition of underlying securities for the exercise of put options. Although the Investment Adviser will attempt to take appropriate measures to minimize the risks relating to the Fund’s writing and purchasing of put and call options, there can be no assurance that the Fund will succeed in any option-writing program it undertakes. Uncovered Calls. Foreign Securities. American Depositary Receipts. Emerging Market Countries. currencies of certain emerging market countries have experienced devaluation relative to the U.S. dollar, and future devaluations may adversely affect the value of the Fund’s assets denominated in such currencies. Some emerging market countries have experienced substantial rates of inflation for many years. Continued inflation may adversely affect the economies and securities markets of such countries. In addition, unanticipated political or social developments may affect the value of the Fund’s investments in these countries and the availability of the Fund of additional investments in these countries. The small size, limited trading volume and relative inexperience of the securities markets in these countries may make the Fund’s investments in such countries illiquid and more volatile than investments in more developed countries, and the Fund may be required to establish special custodial or other arrangements before making investments in these countries. There may be little financial or accounting information available with respect to companies located in these countries, and it may be difficult as a result to assess the value or prospects of an investment in such companies. Restricted and Illiquid Securities. It may be difficult to sell such securities at a price representing the fair value until such time as such securities may be sold publicly. Where registration is required, a considerable period may elapse between a decision to sell the securities and the time when it would be permitted to sell. Thus, the Fund may not be able to obtain as favorable a price as that prevailing at the time of the decision to sell. The Fund may also acquire securities through private placements under which it may agree to contractual restrictions on the resale of such securities. Such restrictions might prevent their sale at a time when such sale would otherwise be desirable. Income Securities. The market value of fixed income securities, especially those that provide a fixed rate of return, may be expected to rise and fall inversely with interest rates and in general is affected by the credit rating of the issuer, the issuer’s performance and perceptions of the issuer in the market place. The market value of callable or redeemable fixed income securities may also be affected by the issuer’s call and redemption rights. In addition, it is possible that the issuer of fixed income securities may not be able to meet its interest or principal obligations to holders. Further, holders of non-convertible fixed income securities do not participate in any capital appreciation of the issuer. The Fund may also invest in obligations of government sponsored instrumentalities. Unlike non-U.S. government securities, obligations of certain agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association, are supported by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government; others, such as those of the Export-Import Bank of the U.S., are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal National Mortgage Association, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency’s obligations; and still others, such as those of the Student Loan Marketing Association, are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government would provide financial support to U.S. government sponsored instrumentalities if it is not obligated to do so by law. The Fund also may invest in common stock of issuers that have historically paid periodic dividends or otherwise made distributions to common shareholders. Unlike fixed income securities, dividend payments generally are not guaranteed and so may be discontinued by the issuer at its discretion or because of the issuer’s inability to satisfy its liabilities. Further, an issuer’s history of paying dividends does not guarantee that it will continue to pay dividends in the future. In addition to dividends, under certain circumstances the holders of common stock may benefit from the capital appreciation of the issuer. Common stocks represent the residual ownership interest in the issuer and holders of common stock are entitled to the income and increase in the value of the assets and business of the issuer after all of its debt obligations and obligations to preferred shareholders are satisfied. Common stocks generally have voting rights. Common stocks fluctuate in price in response to many factors including historical and prospective earnings of the issuer, the value of its assets, general economic conditions, interest rates, investor perceptions and market liquidity. Non-Investment Grade Securities. Generally, such non-investment grade securities and unrated securities considered by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality offer a higher current yield than is offered by higher rated securities, but also (i) will likely have some quality and protective characteristics that, in the judgment of the rating organizations, are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions and (ii) are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. The market values of certain of these securities also tend to be more sensitive to individual corporate developments and changes in economic conditions than higher quality securities. In addition, such non-investment grade securities and comparable unrated securities generally present a higher degree of credit risk. The risk of loss due to default by these issuers is significantly greater because such non-investment grade securities and unrated securities considered by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality generally are unsecured and frequently are subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. In light of these risks, the Investment Adviser, in evaluating the creditworthiness of an issue, whether rated or unrated, will take various factors into consideration, which may include, as applicable, the issuer’s operating history, financial resources and its sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, the market support for the facility financed by the issue, the perceived ability and integrity of the issuer’s management and regulatory matters. In addition, the market value of securities in non-investment grade categories is more volatile than that of higher quality securities, and the markets in which such lower grade or unrated securities are traded are more limited than those in which higher rated securities are traded. The existence of limited markets may make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its portfolio and calculating its net asset value. Moreover, the lack of a liquid trading market may restrict the availability of securities for the Fund to purchase and may also have the effect of limiting the ability of the Fund to sell securities at their fair value to respond to changes in the economy or the financial markets. Non-investment grade and unrated securities considered by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality also present risks based on payment expectations. If an issuer calls the obligation for redemption (often a feature of fixed income securities), the Fund may have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. Also, as the principal value of bonds moves inversely with movements in interest rates, in the event of rising interest rates the value of the securities held by the Fund may decline proportionately more than a portfolio consisting of higher rated securities. Investments in zero coupon bonds may be more speculative and subject to greater fluctuations in value due to changes in interest rates than bonds that pay interest currently. Any interest rate increases in the future could cause the value of the Fund to decrease. Recently, inflation levels have been at their highest point in nearly 40 years and the Federal Reserve has been engaged in a campaign to raise certain benchmark interest rates in an effort to combat inflation. As inflation increases, the real value of the Fund’s common shares and distributions therefore may decline. The Fund may purchase securities of companies that are experiencing significant financial or business difficulties, including companies involved in bankruptcy or other reorganization and liquidation proceedings. Although such investments may result in significant financial returns to the Fund, they involve a substantial degree of risk. The level of analytical sophistication, both financial and legal, necessary for successful investments in issuers experiencing significant business and financial difficulties is unusually high. There can be no assurance that the Fund will correctly evaluate the value of the assets collateralizing its investments or the prospects for a successful reorganization or similar action. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to a portfolio investment, the Fund may lose all or part of its investment or may be required to accept collateral with a value less than the amount of the Fund’s initial investment. As part of its investments in non-investment grade securities, the Fund may invest not more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund in securities of issuers in default. The Fund will make an investment in securities of issuers in default only when the Investment Adviser believes that such issuers will honor their obligations or emerge from bankruptcy protection and the value of these securities will appreciate. By investing in securities of issuers in default, the Fund bears the risk that these issuers will not continue to honor their obligations or emerge from bankruptcy protection or that the value of the securities will not appreciate. In addition to using statistical rating agencies and other sources, the Investment Adviser will also perform its own analysis of issuers in seeking investments that it believes to be underrated (and thus higher yielding) in light of the financial condition of the issuer. Its analysis of issuers may include, among other things, current and anticipated cash flow and borrowing requirements, value of assets in relation to historical cost, strength of management, responsiveness to business conditions, credit standing and current anticipated results of operations. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Investment Adviser may also consider general business conditions, anticipated changes in interest rates and the outlook for specific industries. Subsequent to its purchase by the Fund, an issue of securities may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced. In addition, it is possible that statistical rating agencies might change their ratings of a particular issue to reflect subsequent events on a timely basis. Moreover, such ratings do not assess the risk of a decline in market value. None of these events will require the sale of the securities by the Fund, although the Investment Adviser will consider these events in determining whether the Fund should continue to hold the securities. Fixed income securities, including non-investment grade securities and comparable unrated securities, frequently have call or buy-back features that permit their issuers to call or repurchase the securities from their holders, such as the Fund. If an issuer exercises these rights during periods of declining interest rates, the Fund may have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, thus resulting in a decreased return for the Fund. The market for non-investment grade and comparable unrated securities has at various times, particularly during times of economic recession, experienced substantial reductions in market value and liquidity. Past recessions have adversely affected the value of such securities as well as the ability of certain issuers of such securities to repay principal and pay interest thereon or to refinance such securities. The market for those securities could react in a similar fashion in the event of any future economic recession. Temporary Defensive Investments. When Issued, Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments. transactions are negotiated, the price is fixed at the time of the commitment, with payment and delivery taking place in the future, generally a month or more after the date of the commitment. While it will only enter into a forward commitment with the intention of actually acquiring the security, the Fund may sell the security before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable. Securities purchased under a forward commitment are subject to market fluctuation, and no interest (or dividends) accrues to the Fund prior to the settlement date. Short Sales. Short sales “against the box” are subject to special tax rules, one of the effects of which may be to accelerate the recognition of income by the Fund. Other than with respect to short sales against the box, the Fund will limit short sales of securities to not more than 5% of the Fund’s assets. When the Fund makes a short sale, it must deliver the security to the broker-dealer through which it made the short sale in order to satisfy its obligation to deliver the security upon conclusion of the sale. If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short sale and the time the Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss will be increased, by the transaction costs incurred by the Fund, including the costs associated with providing collateral to the broker-dealer (usually cash, U.S. government securities or other highly liquid debt securities). Although the Fund’s gain is limited to the price at which it sold the security short, its potential loss is theoretically unlimited. Repurchase Agreements. Registered Investment Companies. company or more than 10% of its assets in all other investment companies. However, many exchange-traded funds are exempt from these limitations. Investment Restrictions. Portfolio Turnover. Portfolio turnover generally involves some expense to the Fund, including brokerage commissions or dealer mark-ups and other transaction costs on the sale of securities and reinvestment in other securities. The portfolio turnover rate is computed by dividing the lesser of the amount of the securities purchased or securities sold by the average monthly value of securities owned during the year (excluding securities whose maturities at acquisition were one year or less). Higher portfolio turnover may decrease the after-tax return to individual investors in the Fund to the extent it results in a decrease of the long term capital gains portion of distributions to shareholders. The Fund’s portfolio turnover rate for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023 was 121% and 78%, respectively. Leverage As provided in the 1940 Act and subject to certain exceptions, the Fund may issue senior securities (which may be stock, such as preferred shares, and/or securities representing debt) so long as its total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, exceeds 300% of the amount of the debt outstanding and exceeds 200% of the amount of preferred shares and debt outstanding. Any such preferred shares may be convertible in accordance with the SEC staff guidelines, which may permit the Fund to obtain leverage at attractive rates. The use of leverage magnifies the impact of changes in net asset value, which means that, all else being equal, the use of leverage results in outperformance on the upside and underperformance on the downside. In addition, if the cost of leverage exceeds the return on the securities acquired with the proceeds of leverage, the use of leverage will diminish rather than enhance the return to the Fund. The use of leverage generally increases the volatility of returns to the Fund. Such volatility may increase the likelihood of the Fund having to sell investments in order to meet its obligations to make distributions on the preferred shares or principal or interest payments on debt securities, or to redeem preferred shares or repay debt, when it may be disadvantageous to do so. The Fund’s use of leverage may requ | | | | | | | | | |
Risk Factors [Table Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS Investors should consider the following risk factors and special considerations associated with investing in the Fund: General Risks Market Risk. markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities. Credit ratings downgrades may also negatively affect securities held by the Fund. Even when markets perform well, there is no assurance that the investments held by the Fund will increase in value along with the broader market. In addition, market risk includes the risk that geopolitical and other 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, which could cause the Fund to lose value. These events could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and significantly adversely impact the economy. The current contentious domestic political environment, as well as political and diplomatic events within the United States and abroad, such as the U.S. government’s inability at times to agree on a long-term budget and deficit reduction plan, has in the past resulted, and may in the future result, in a government shutdown, which could have an adverse impact on the Fund’s investments and operations. Additional and/or prolonged U.S. federal government shutdowns may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. Governmental and quasi-governmental authorities and regulators throughout the world have previously responded to serious economic disruptions with a variety of significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including but not limited to, direct capital infusions into companies, new monetary programs and dramatically lower interest rates. An unexpected or sudden reversal of these policies, or the ineffectiveness of these policies, could increase volatility in securities markets, which could adversely affect the Fund’s investments. Any market disruptions could also prevent the Fund from executing advantageous investment decisions in a timely manner. To the extent that the Fund focuses its investments in a region enduring geopolitical market disruption, it will face higher risks of loss, although the increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets can lead to events or conditions in one country, region or financial market adversely impacting a different country, region or financial market. Thus, investors should closely monitor current market conditions to determine whether the Fund meets their individual financial needs and tolerance for risk. Current market conditions may pose heightened risks with respect to the Fund’s investment in fixed income securities. Central banks such as the Federal Reserve Bank have been increasing interest rates, though this trend has tempered recently as the rate of inflation slows. There is a risk that additional increases in interest rates or a prolonged period of rising interest rates may cause the economy to enter a recession. Additional interest rate increases in the future could cause the value of the Fund to decrease. Recently, inflation levels have been at their highest point in nearly 40 years, and the Federal Reserve has been engaged in a campaign to raise certain benchmark interest rates in an effort to combat inflation. As inflation increases, the real value of the Fund’s common shares and distributions therefore may decline. Exchanges and securities markets may close early, close late or issue trading halts on specific securities or generally, which may result in, among other things, the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments at an advantageous time or accurately price its portfolio investments. Interest Rate Risk Generally. securities, while increases in interest rates will generally result in a decline in the investment value of such securities. This effect is generally more pronounced for fixed rate securities than for securities whose income rate is periodically reset. General interest rate fluctuations may have a substantial negative impact on the Fund’s investments, the value of the Fund and the Fund’s rate of return. A reduction in the interest or dividend rates on new investments relative to interest or dividend rates on current investments could also have an adverse impact on the Fund’s net investment income. An increase in interest rates could decrease the value of any investments held by the Fund that earn fixed interest or dividend rates, including debt securities, convertible securities, preferred stocks, loans and high-yield bonds, and also could increase interest or dividend expenses, thereby decreasing net income. The magnitude of these fluctuations in the market price of bonds and other income- or dividend-paying securities is generally greater for those securities with longer maturities. Fluctuations in the market price of the Fund’s investments will not affect interest income derived from instruments already owned by the Fund, but will be reflected in the Fund’s net asset value. The Fund may lose money if short-term or long-term interest rates rise sharply in a manner not anticipated by Fund management. To the extent the Fund invests in securities that may be prepaid at the option of the obligor, the sensitivity of such securities to changes in interest rates may increase (to the detriment of the Fund) when interest rates rise. Moreover, because rates on certain floating rate securities typically reset only periodically, changes in prevailing interest rates (and particularly sudden and significant changes) can be expected to cause some fluctuations in the net asset value of the Fund to the extent that it invests in floating rate securities. These basic principles of bond prices also apply to U.S. government securities. A security backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government is guaranteed only as to its stated interest rate and face value at maturity, not its current market price. Just like other income- or dividend-paying securities, government-guaranteed securities will fluctuate in value when interest rates change. The Fund’s use of leverage will tend to increase the Fund’s interest rate risk. The Fund may invest in variable and floating rate instruments, which generally are less sensitive to interest rate changes than longer duration fixed rate instruments but may decline in value in response to rising interest rates if, for example, the rates at which they pay interest do not rise as much, or as quickly, as market interest rates in general. Conversely, variable and floating rate instruments generally will not increase in value if interest rates decline. The Fund also may invest in inverse floating rate securities, which may decrease in value if interest rates increase, and which also may exhibit greater price volatility than fixed rate obligations with similar credit quality. To the extent the Fund holds variable or floating rate instruments, a decrease (or, in the case of inverse floating rate securities, an increase) in market interest rates will adversely affect the income received from such securities, which may adversely affect the net asset value of the Fund’s common shares. Central banks such as the Federal Reserve Bank have been increasing interest rates, though this trend has tempered recently as the rate of inflation slows. There is a risk that heightened interest rates may cause the economy to enter a recession. Any such recession would negatively impact the Fund and the investments held by the Fund. These impacts may include: ● severe declines in the Fund’s net asset values; ● inability of the Fund to accurately or reliably value its portfolio; ● inability of the Fund to pay any dividends or distributions; ● inability of the Fund to maintain its status as a registered investment company (“RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); ● declines in the value of the Fund’s investments; ● increased risk of default or bankruptcy by the companies in which the Fund invests; ● increased risk of companies in which the Fund invests being unable to weather an extended cessation of normal economic activity and thereby impairing their ability to continue functioning as a going concern; and ● limited availability of new investment opportunities. Inflation Risk. Total Return Risk. Industry Risk. The Fund invests in equity securities of Natural Resources Companies. A downturn in the indicated natural resources industries would have a larger impact on the Fund than on an investment company that does not invest significantly in such industries. Such industries can be significantly affected by the supply of and demand for the indicated commodities and related services, exploration and production spending, government regulations, world events and economic conditions. For example, the metals (including both precious metals—such as silver and platinum—and base (i.e., non-precious) metals—such as copper, lead, nickel and zinc), paper, food and agriculture, forestry products, water, gas, oil, sustainable energy and other commodities industries can be significantly affected by events relating to international political developments, the success of exploration projects, commodity prices, and tax and government regulations. The stock prices of Natural Resources Companies may also experience greater price volatility than other types of common stocks. Securities issued by Natural Resources Companies are sensitive to changes in the prices of, and in supply and demand for, the indicated commodities. The value of securities issued by Natural Resources Companies may be affected by changes in overall market movements, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as weather, embargoes, tariffs, policies of commodity cartels and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The Investment Adviser’s judgments about trends in the prices of these securities and commodities may prove to be incorrect. It is possible that the performance of securities of Natural Resources Companies may lag the performance of other industries or the broader market as a whole. The Fund also invests in equity securities of Gold Companies. Equity securities of Gold Companies may experience greater volatility than companies not involved in the gold industry. Investments related to gold are considered speculative and are affected by a variety of worldwide economic, financial and political factors. The price of gold may fluctuate sharply, which has experienced substantial increases in recent periods, but which also may be subject to substantial decreases, over short periods of time due to changes in inflation or expectations regarding inflation in various countries, the availability of supplies of gold, changes in industrial and commercial demand, gold sales by governments, central banks or international agencies, investment speculation, monetary and other economic policies of various governments and government restrictions on private ownership of gold. In times of significant inflation or great economic uncertainty, Gold Companies have at times outperformed securities markets generally. However, in times of stable economic growth, traditional equity and debt investments could offer greater appreciation potential and the value of gold and the prices of equity securities of Gold Companies may be adversely affected, which could in turn affect the Fund’s returns. Some Gold Companies hedge, to varying degrees, their exposure to declines in the price of gold. Such hedging limits a Gold Company’s ability to benefit from future rises in the price of gold. The Investment Adviser’s judgments about trends in the prices of securities of Gold Companies may prove to be incorrect. It is possible that the performance of securities of Gold Companies may lag the performance of other industries or the broader market as a whole. Supply and Demand Risk. and climate related programs, revocation of federal permits for, and public opposition to, natural gas pipelines, such as the cross-border operation permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline and other policy decisions that favor alternative energy sources. The extension of these policies, or the adoption of similar policies, could adversely affect the financial performance of gas transmission and distribution companies. Prolonged changes in climatic conditions can also have a significant impact on both the revenues and expenses of a gas utility. Depletion and Exploration Risk. Regulatory Risk. Commodity Pricing Risk. Catastrophe Risk. hydrocarbons; and fires and explosions. These risks could result in substantial losses due to personal injury or loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment and pollution or other environmental damage, and might result in the curtailment or suspension of their related operations. Not all Natural Resources Companies or Gold Companies are fully insured against all risks inherent to their businesses. If a significant accident or event occurs that is not fully insured, it could adversely affect a Natural Resources Company’s or Gold Company’s operations and financial condition. Physical and cyber terrorist attacks on natural gas and oil pipelines may result in significant destruction to critical property and equipment, supply disruption and the curtailment and suspension of certain Natural Resources Companies activities. Climate Change Risk. Interest Rate Risk for Natural Resources Companies and Gold Companies. Cyber and Physical Security Risks. Risks Associated with Covered Calls and Other Option Transactions. of market behavior or unexpected events. The use of options may require the Fund to sell portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on an investment, or may cause the Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell. As the writer of a covered call option, the Fund forgoes, during the option’s life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the security covering the call option above the exercise price of the call option, but has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. Although such loss would be offset in part by the option premium received, in a situation in which the price of a particular stock on which the Fund has written a covered call option declines rapidly and materially or in which prices in general on all or a substantial portion of the stocks on which the Fund has written covered call options decline rapidly and materially, the Fund could sustain material depreciation or loss in its net assets to the extent it does not sell the underlying securities (which may require it to terminate, offset or otherwise cover its option position as well). The writer of an option has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation as a writer of the option. Once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option and must deliver the underlying security at the exercise price. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when the Fund seeks to close out an option position. Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market for exchange-traded options include the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the trading facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation (the “OCC”) may not be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) the relevant exchange could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options). If trading were discontinued, the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist. However, outstanding options on that exchange that had been issued by the OCC as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms. The Fund’s ability to terminate OTC options may be more limited than with exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that counterparties participating in such transactions will not fulfill their obligations. If the Fund were unable to close out a covered call option that it had written on a security, it would not be able to sell the underlying security unless the option expired without exercise. The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets. Call options are marked to market daily and their value will be affected by changes in the value of and dividend rates of the underlying common stocks, an increase in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the stock market and the underlying common stocks and the remaining time to the options’ expiration. Additionally, the exercise price of an option may be adjusted downward before the option’s expiration as a result of the occurrence of certain corporate events affecting the underlying equity security, such as extraordinary dividends, stock splits, merger or other extraordinary distributions or events. A reduction in the exercise price of an option would reduce the Fund’s capital appreciation potential on the underlying security. Limitation on Covered Call Writing Risk. Risks Associated with Uncovered Calls. For combination writing, where the Fund writes both a put and a call on the same underlying instrument, the potential risk is unlimited. If a secondary market in options were to become unavailable, the Fund could not engage in losing transactions and would remain obligated until expiration or assignment. Equity Risk. Common Stock Risk. Distribution Risk for Equity Income Portfolio Securities. Dividend-producing equity income securities, in particular those whose market price is closely related to their yield, may exhibit greater sensitivity to interest rate changes. See “—Fixed Income Securities Risks—Interest Rate Risk.” The Fund’s investments in dividend-producing equity income securities may also limit its potential for appreciation during a broad market advance. The prices of dividend-producing equity income securities can be highly volatile. Investors should not assume that the Fund’s investments in these securities will necessarily reduce the volatility of the Fund’s net asset value or provide “protection,” compared to other types of equity income securities, when markets perform poorly. Preferred Stock Risk. ● Deferral. ● Non-Cumulative Dividends. ● Subordination. ● Liquidity. ● Limited Voting Rights. the issuer’s board. Generally, once all the arrearages have been paid, the preferred security holders no longer have voting rights. ● Special Redemption Rights. Foreign Securities Risk. Foreign securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies may be subject to less government supervision and regulation than exists in the United States. Dividend and interest income may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes, which may adversely affect the net return on such investments. There may be difficulty in obtaining or enforcing a court judgment abroad. In addition, it may be difficult to effect repatriation of capital invested in certain countries. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there are risks of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments that could affect assets of the Fund held in foreign countries. Dividend income the Fund receives from foreign securities may not be eligible for the special tax treatment applicable to qualified dividend income. Moreover, certain equity investments in foreign issuers classified as passive foreign investment companies may be subject to additional taxation risk. There may be less available information about a foreign company than a U.S. company, and foreign companies may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to or as uniform as those of U.S. companies. Foreign securities markets may have substantially less volume than U.S. securities markets and some foreign company securities are less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of otherwise comparable U.S. companies. A portfolio of foreign securities may also be adversely affected by fluctuations in the rates of exchange between the currencies of different nations and by exchange control regulations, and there is generally less government supervision and regulation of exchanges, brokers, and issuers than there is in the U.S. The Fund might have greater difficulty taking appropriate legal action in non-U.S. courts and there may be less developed bankruptcy laws. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures that could cause the Fund to encounter difficulties in purchasing and selling securities on such markets and may result in the Fund missing attractive investment opportunities or experiencing loss. In addition, a portfolio that includes foreign securities can expect to have a higher expense ratio because of the increased transaction costs on non-U.S. securities markets and the increased costs of maintaining the custody of foreign securities. Investments in foreign securities will expose the Fund to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social or economic changes in the countries that issue the securities or in which the issuers are located. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest have historically experienced, and may continue to experience, high rates of inflation, high interest rates, exchange rate fluctuations, large amounts of external debt, balance of payments and trade difficulties and extreme poverty and unemployment. Many of these countries are also characterized by political uncertainty and instability. The cost of servicing external debt will generally be adversely affected by rising international interest rates because many external debt obligations bear interest at rates which are adjusted based upon international interest rates. The Fund also may purchase ADRs or U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers. ADRs are receipts issued by U.S. banks or trust companies in respect of securities of foreign issuers held on deposit for use in the U.S. securities markets. While ADRs may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted, many of the risks associated with foreign securities may also apply to ADRs. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The following provides more detail on certain pronounced risks with foreign investing: ● Foreign Currency Risk. Certain non-U.S. currencies, primarily in developing countries, have been devalued in the past and might face devaluation in the future. Currency devaluations generally have a significant and adverse impact on the devaluing country’s economy in the short and intermediate term and on the financial condition and results of companies’ operations in that country. Currency devaluations may also be accompanied by significant declines in the values and liquidity of equity and debt securities of affected governmental and private sector entities generally. To the extent that affected companies have obligations denominated in currencies other than the devalued currency, those companies may also have difficulty in meeting those obligations under such circumstances, which in turn could have an adverse effect upon the value of the Fund’s investments in such companies. There can be no assurance that current or future developments with respect to foreign currency devaluations will not impair the Fund’s investment flexibility, its ability to achieve its investment objectives or the value of certain of its foreign currency-denominated investments. ● Tax Consequences of Foreign Investing. Fund’s previously distributed income to be classified as a return of capital. In certain cases, the Fund may make an election to treat gain or loss attributable to certain investments as capital gain or loss. ● EMU and Redenomination Risk. ● Emerging Markets Risk. internal or external risks, including the risk of war and civil unrest. For all of these reasons, investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative. ● Eurozone Risk. ● Brexit Risk. In particular, currency volatility may mean that our returns and the returns of our portfolio companies will be adversely affected by market movements and may make it more difficult, or more expensive, for us to implement appropriate currency hedging. Potential declines in the value of the British Pound and/or the euro against other currencies, along with the potential downgrading of the United Kingdom’s sovereign credit rating, may also have an impact on the performance of any of our portfolio companies located in the United Kingdom or Europe. In addition, certain European countries have experienced negative interest rates on certain fixed-income instruments. A negative interest rate policy is an unconventional central bank monetary policy tool where nominal target interest rates are set with a negative value (i.e., below zero percent) intended to help create self-sustaining growth in the local economy. Negative interest rates may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from the Fund’s performance to the extent the Fund is exposed to such interest rates. Among other things, these developments adversely affected the value and exchange rate of the euro and pound sterling, and any similar developments may continue to significantly affect the economies of all EU countries, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s investments in such countries, other countries that depend on EU countries for significant amounts of trade or investment, or issuers with exposure to debt issued by certain EU countries. To the extent the Fund has exposure to European markets or to transactions tied to the value of the euro, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments. All of these developments may continue to significantly affect the economies of all EU countries, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s investments in such countries, other countries that depend on EU countries for significant amounts of trade or investment, or issuers with exposure to debt issued by certain EU countries. ● Russia Risk. It is not possible to predict the duration or extent of longer-term consequences of this conflict, which could include further sanctions, retaliatory measures taken by Russia, embargoes, regional instability, geopolitical shifts and adverse effects on macroeconomic conditions, security conditions, currency exchange rates, and financial markets around the globe. Any of the foregoing consequences, including those we cannot yet predict, may negatively impact the Fund’s performance and the value of an investment in the Fund, even if the Fund does not have direct exposure to Russian issuers or issuers in other countries impacted by the invasion. In general terms, the overall negative impact to the Fund will depend on the extent to which the Fund is prohibited from selling or otherwise transacting in their investments at any given time and whether a fair market valuation can be readily obtained, particularly for any Russian currency-denominated investments and investments in US dollar-denominated American Depositary Receipts representing securities of Russian issuers. Income Risk. Non-Investment Grade Securities. comparable quality) are referred to in the financial press as “junk bonds” or “high yield” securities and generally pay a premium above the yields of U.S. government securities or securities of investment grade issuers because they are subject to greater risks than these securities. These risks, which reflect their speculative character, include the following: ● greater volatility; ● greater credit risk and risk of default; ● potentially greater sensitivity to general economic or industry conditions; ● potential lack of attractive resale opportunities (illiquidity); and ● additional expenses to seek recovery from issuers who default. In addition, the market value of securities in lower grade categories is more volatile than that of higher quality securities, and the markets in which such lower grade or unrated securities are traded are more limited than those in which higher rated securities are traded. The existence of limited markets may make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its portfolio and calculating its net asset value. Moreover, the lack of a liquid trading market may restrict the availability of securities for the Fund to purchase and may also have the effect of limiting the ability of the Fund to sell securities at their fair value to respond to changes in the economy or the financial markets. Ratings are relative, subjective and not absolute standards of quality. Securities ratings are based largely on the issuer’s historical financial condition and the rating agencies’ analysis at the time of rating. Consequently, the rating assigned to any particular security is not necessarily a reflection of the issuer’s current financial condition. The Fund may purchase securities of companies that are experiencing significant financial or business difficulties, including companies involved in bankruptcy or other reorganization and liquidation proceedings. Although such investments may result in significant financial returns to the Fund, they involve a substantial degree of risk. The level of analytical sophistication, both financial and legal, necessary for successful investments in issuers experiencing significant business and financial difficulties is unusually high. There can be no assurance that the Fund will correctly evaluate the value of the assets collateralizing its investments or the prospects for a successful reorganization or similar action. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to a portfolio investment, the Fund may lose all or part of its investment or may be required to accept collateral with a value less than the amount of the Fund’s initial investment. As a part of its investments in non-investment grade securities, the Fund may invest in the securities of issuers in default. The Fund invests in securities of issuers in default only when the Investment Adviser believes that such issuers will honor their obligations and emerge from bankruptcy protection and that the value of such issuers’ securities will appreciate. By investing in the securities of issuers in default, the Fund bears the risk that these issuers will not continue to honor their obligations or emerge from bankruptcy protection or that the value of these securities will not otherwise appreciate. In addition to using statistical rating agencies and other sources, the Investment Adviser will also perform its own analysis of issues in seeking investments that it believes to be underrated (and thus higher yielding) in light of the financial condition of the issuer. Its analysis of issuers may include, among other things, current and anticipated cash flow and borrowing requirements, value of assets in relat | | | | | | | | | |
Share Price [Table Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | The following table sets forth for the quarters indicated, the high and low sale prices on the NYSE per share of our common shares and the net asset value and the premium or discount from net asset value per share at which the common shares were trading, expressed as a percentage of net asset value, at each of the high and low sale prices provided. Market Price Corresponding Corresponding Quarter Ended High Low High Low High Low March 31, 2022 $5.80 $5.13 $6.49 $5.94 (11.40 )% (13.60 )% June 30, 2022 $5.82 $4.69 $6.67 $5.46 (13.00 )% (14.10 )% September 30, 2022 $4.93 $4.15 $5.68 $4.90 (13.20 )% (15.30 )% December 31, 2022 $5.13 $4.24 $5.94 $5.09 (13.60 )% (16.70 )% March 31, 2023 $5.37 $4.87 $6.17 $5.83 (12.97 )% (16.47 )% June 30, 2023 $5.36 $4.77 $6.46 $5.82 (17.03 )% (18.04 )% September 30, 2023 $5.29 $4.89 $6.29 $5.85 (15.90 )% (16.41 )% December 31, 2023 $ 5.21 $ 4.60 $ 6.20 $ 5.71 (15.97)% (19.44)% | | | | | | | | | |
NAV Per Share | $ 5.14 | $ 5.14 | | | | | | | | $ 5.14 | | | | | | | | | |
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital Stock [Table Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | 6. Capital. Transactions in common shares of beneficial interest for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively were as follows: Year Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, Shares Amount Shares Amount Net decrease from repurchase of common shares (1,558,396 ) $ (7,926,250 ) (904,871 ) $ (4,543,193 ) The Fund has an effective shelf registration authorizing the issuance of $200 million in common or preferred shares. The Fund’s Declaration of Trust, as amended, authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of $0.001 par value Preferred Shares. On October 26, 2017, the Fund issued 1,200,000 shares of 5.200% Series A Cumulative Preferred Shares (Series A Preferred), receiving $28,851,132, after the deduction of offering expenses of $203,868 and underwriting fees of $945,000. The Series A Preferred has a liquidation value of $25 per share and an annual dividend rate of 5.20%. The Board has authorized the repurchase of the Series A Preferred in the open market at prices less than $25 liquidation value per share. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Fund repurchased and retired 83,431 and 2,139 Series A Preferred at investments of $1,826,536 and $50,082 and at average discounts of approximately 12.47% and 6.39% to its liquidation preference. At December 31, 2023, 1,084,532 Series A Preferred shares were outstanding and accrued dividends amounted to $19,582. The Series A Preferred is senior to the common shares and results in the financial leveraging of the common shares. Such leveraging tends to magnify both the risks and opportunities to common shareholders. Dividends on the Series A Preferred are cumulative. The Fund is required by the 1940 Act and by the Statement of Preferences to meet certain asset coverage tests with respect to the Series A Preferred. If the Fund fails to meet these requirements and does not correct such failure, the Fund may be required to redeem, in part or in full, the Series A Preferred at the redemption price of $25 per share plus an amount equal to the accumulated and unpaid dividends whether or not declared on such shares in order to meet the requirements. Additionally, failure to meet the foregoing asset coverage requirements could restrict the Fund’s ability to pay dividends to common shareholders and could lead to sales of portfolio securities at inopportune times. The income received on the Fund’s assets may vary in a manner unrelated to the fixed rate, which could have either a beneficial or detrimental impact on net investment income and gains available to common shareholders. The holders of Preferred Shares generally are entitled to one vote per share held on each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Fund and will vote together with holders of common shares as a single class. The holders of Preferred Shares voting together as a single class also have the right currently to elect two Trustees and, under certain circumstances, are entitled to elect a majority of the Board of Trustees. In addition, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of all outstanding shares of the Preferred Shares, voting as a single class, will be required to approve any plan of reorganization adversely affecting the Preferred Shares, and the approval of two-thirds of each class, voting separately, of the Fund’s outstanding voting shares must approve the conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company. The approval of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding Preferred Shares and a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities are required to approve certain other actions, including changes in the Fund’s investment objectives or fundamental investment policies. | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Securities [Table Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Outstanding Securities The following information regarding the Fund’s outstanding securities is as of December 31, 2023. Title of Class Amount Amount Held by Amount Outstanding Exclusive of Common Shares Unlimited – 16,497,222 Series A Cumulative Preferred Shares 1,200,000 – 1,084,532 | | | | | | | | | |
Document Period End Date | | | | | | | | | | Dec. 31, 2023 | | | | | | | | | |
Common Stocks [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Return at Minus Ten [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | (14.34%) | | | | | | | | | |
Return at Minus Five [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | (8.00%) | | | | | | | | | |
Return at Zero [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | (1.67%) | | | | | | | | | |
Return at Plus Five [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | 4.67% | | | | | | | | | |
Return at Plus Ten [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | 11% | | | | | | | | | |
Lowest Price or Bid | | 4.60 | $ 4.89 | $ 4.77 | $ 4.87 | $ 4.24 | $ 4.15 | $ 4.69 | $ 5.13 | | | | | | | | | | |
Highest Price or Bid | | 5.21 | 5.29 | 5.36 | 5.37 | 5.13 | 4.93 | 5.82 | 5.80 | | | | | | | | | | |
Lowest Price or Bid, NAV | | 5.71 | 5.85 | 5.82 | 5.83 | 5.09 | 4.90 | 5.46 | 5.94 | | | | | | | | | | |
Highest Price or Bid, NAV | | $ 6.20 | $ 6.29 | $ 6.46 | $ 6.17 | $ 5.94 | $ 5.68 | $ 6.67 | $ 6.49 | | | | | | | | | | |
Highest Price or Bid, Premium (Discount) to NAV [Percent] | | (15.97%) | (15.90%) | (17.03%) | (12.97%) | (13.60%) | (13.20%) | (13.00%) | (11.40%) | | | | | | | | | | |
Lowest Price or Bid, Premium (Discount) to NAV [Percent] | | (19.44%) | (16.41%) | (18.04%) | (16.47%) | (16.70%) | (15.30%) | (14.10%) | (13.60%) | | | | | | | | | | |
NAV Per Share | $ 6.16 | $ 6.16 | | | | | | | | $ 6.16 | | | | | | | | | |
Latest Premium (Discount) to NAV [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | 16.56% | | | | | | | | | |
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Title [Text Block] | Common Shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Held [Shares] | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Not Held [Shares] | 16,497,222 | | | | | | | | | 16,497,222 | | | | | | | | | |
Series A Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Senior Securities Amount | $ 27,113,000 | $ 27,113,000 | | | | $ 29,199,000 | | | | $ 27,113,000 | $ 29,199,000 | $ 29,253,000 | $ 29,253,000 | $ 29,333,000 | $ 29,585 | $ 30,000 | | | |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit | $ 118.71 | $ 118.71 | | | | $ 116.95 | | | | $ 118.71 | $ 116.95 | $ 122.77 | $ 125.52 | $ 134.66 | $ 125.95 | $ 148.89 | | | |
Preferred Stock Liquidating Preference | $ 25 | $ 25 | | | | $ 25 | | | | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | | | |
Senior Securities Average Market Value per Unit | | | | | | | | | | $ 22.83 | $ 23.93 | $ 25.87 | $ 25.44 | $ 24.66 | $ 23.56 | $ 24.92 | | | |
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Title [Text Block] | Series A Cumulative Preferred Shares | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Authorized [Shares] | 1,200,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Not Held [Shares] | 1,084,532 | | | | | | | | | 1,085,000 | 1,168,000 | 1,170,000 | 1,170,000 | 1,173,000 | 1,183,000 | 1,200,000 | | | |
Cumulative Preferred Stocks [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Preferred Stock Restrictions, Other [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | The Fund has an effective shelf registration authorizing the issuance of $200 million in common or preferred shares. The Fund’s Declaration of Trust, as amended, authorizes the issuance of an unlimited number of $0.001 par value Preferred Shares. On October 26, 2017, the Fund issued 1,200,000 shares of 5.200% Series A Cumulative Preferred Shares (Series A Preferred), receiving $28,851,132, after the deduction of offering expenses of $203,868 and underwriting fees of $945,000. The Series A Preferred has a liquidation value of $25 per share and an annual dividend rate of 5.20%. The Board has authorized the repurchase of the Series A Preferred in the open market at prices less than $25 liquidation value per share. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Fund repurchased and retired 83,431 and 2,139 Series A Preferred at investments of $1,826,536 and $50,082 and at average discounts of approximately 12.47% and 6.39% to its liquidation preference. At December 31, 2023, 1,084,532 Series A Preferred shares were outstanding and accrued dividends amounted to $19,582. The Series A Preferred is senior to the common shares and results in the financial leveraging of the common shares. Such leveraging tends to magnify both the risks and opportunities to common shareholders. Dividends on the Series A Preferred are cumulative. The Fund is required by the 1940 Act and by the Statement of Preferences to meet certain asset coverage tests with respect to the Series A Preferred. If the Fund fails to meet these requirements and does not correct such failure, the Fund may be required to redeem, in part or in full, the Series A Preferred at the redemption price of $25 per share plus an amount equal to the accumulated and unpaid dividends whether or not declared on such shares in order to meet the requirements. Additionally, failure to meet the foregoing asset coverage requirements could restrict the Fund’s ability to pay dividends to common shareholders and could lead to sales of portfolio securities at inopportune times. The income received on the Fund’s assets may vary in a manner unrelated to the fixed rate, which could have either a beneficial or detrimental impact on net investment income and gains available to common shareholders. The holders of Preferred Shares generally are entitled to one vote per share held on each matter submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Fund and will vote together with holders of common shares as a single class. The holders of Preferred Shares voting together as a single class also have the right currently to elect two Trustees and, under certain circumstances, are entitled to elect a majority of the Board of Trustees. In addition, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of all outstanding shares of the Preferred Shares, voting as a single class, will be required to approve any plan of reorganization adversely affecting the Preferred Shares, and the approval of two-thirds of each class, voting separately, of the Fund’s outstanding voting shares must approve the conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company. The approval of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the outstanding Preferred Shares and a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities are required to approve certain other actions, including changes in the Fund’s investment objectives or fundamental investment policies. | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends On Preferred Shares Not Included [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Annual Expenses [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expense Example, Year 01 | | | | | | | | | | $ 22 | | | | | | | | | |
Expense Example, Years 1 to 3 | | | | | | | | | | 67 | | | | | | | | | |
Expense Example, Years 1 to 5 | | | | | | | | | | 115 | | | | | | | | | |
Expense Example, Years 1 to 10 | | | | | | | | | | $ 247 | | | | | | | | | |
Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Held [Shares] | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Market Risk. markets, multiple asset classes may decline in value simultaneously. Equity securities generally have greater price volatility than fixed income securities. Credit ratings downgrades may also negatively affect securities held by the Fund. Even when markets perform well, there is no assurance that the investments held by the Fund will increase in value along with the broader market. In addition, market risk includes the risk that geopolitical and other 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, which could cause the Fund to lose value. These events could reduce consumer demand or economic output, result in market closures, travel restrictions or quarantines, and significantly adversely impact the economy. The current contentious domestic political environment, as well as political and diplomatic events within the United States and abroad, such as the U.S. government’s inability at times to agree on a long-term budget and deficit reduction plan, has in the past resulted, and may in the future result, in a government shutdown, which could have an adverse impact on the Fund’s investments and operations. Additional and/or prolonged U.S. federal government shutdowns may affect investor and consumer confidence and may adversely impact financial markets and the broader economy, perhaps suddenly and to a significant degree. Governmental and quasi-governmental authorities and regulators throughout the world have previously responded to serious economic disruptions with a variety of significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, including but not limited to, direct capital infusions into companies, new monetary programs and dramatically lower interest rates. An unexpected or sudden reversal of these policies, or the ineffectiveness of these policies, could increase volatility in securities markets, which could adversely affect the Fund’s investments. Any market disruptions could also prevent the Fund from executing advantageous investment decisions in a timely manner. To the extent that the Fund focuses its investments in a region enduring geopolitical market disruption, it will face higher risks of loss, although the increasing interconnectivity between global economies and financial markets can lead to events or conditions in one country, region or financial market adversely impacting a different country, region or financial market. Thus, investors should closely monitor current market conditions to determine whether the Fund meets their individual financial needs and tolerance for risk. Current market conditions may pose heightened risks with respect to the Fund’s investment in fixed income securities. Central banks such as the Federal Reserve Bank have been increasing interest rates, though this trend has tempered recently as the rate of inflation slows. There is a risk that additional increases in interest rates or a prolonged period of rising interest rates may cause the economy to enter a recession. Additional interest rate increases in the future could cause the value of the Fund to decrease. Recently, inflation levels have been at their highest point in nearly 40 years, and the Federal Reserve has been engaged in a campaign to raise certain benchmark interest rates in an effort to combat inflation. As inflation increases, the real value of the Fund’s common shares and distributions therefore may decline. Exchanges and securities markets may close early, close late or issue trading halts on specific securities or generally, which may result in, among other things, the Fund being unable to buy or sell certain securities or financial instruments at an advantageous time or accurately price its portfolio investments. | | | | | | | | | |
Interest Rate Risk Generally [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Interest Rate Risk Generally. securities, while increases in interest rates will generally result in a decline in the investment value of such securities. This effect is generally more pronounced for fixed rate securities than for securities whose income rate is periodically reset. General interest rate fluctuations may have a substantial negative impact on the Fund’s investments, the value of the Fund and the Fund’s rate of return. A reduction in the interest or dividend rates on new investments relative to interest or dividend rates on current investments could also have an adverse impact on the Fund’s net investment income. An increase in interest rates could decrease the value of any investments held by the Fund that earn fixed interest or dividend rates, including debt securities, convertible securities, preferred stocks, loans and high-yield bonds, and also could increase interest or dividend expenses, thereby decreasing net income. The magnitude of these fluctuations in the market price of bonds and other income- or dividend-paying securities is generally greater for those securities with longer maturities. Fluctuations in the market price of the Fund’s investments will not affect interest income derived from instruments already owned by the Fund, but will be reflected in the Fund’s net asset value. The Fund may lose money if short-term or long-term interest rates rise sharply in a manner not anticipated by Fund management. To the extent the Fund invests in securities that may be prepaid at the option of the obligor, the sensitivity of such securities to changes in interest rates may increase (to the detriment of the Fund) when interest rates rise. Moreover, because rates on certain floating rate securities typically reset only periodically, changes in prevailing interest rates (and particularly sudden and significant changes) can be expected to cause some fluctuations in the net asset value of the Fund to the extent that it invests in floating rate securities. These basic principles of bond prices also apply to U.S. government securities. A security backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. government is guaranteed only as to its stated interest rate and face value at maturity, not its current market price. Just like other income- or dividend-paying securities, government-guaranteed securities will fluctuate in value when interest rates change. The Fund’s use of leverage will tend to increase the Fund’s interest rate risk. The Fund may invest in variable and floating rate instruments, which generally are less sensitive to interest rate changes than longer duration fixed rate instruments but may decline in value in response to rising interest rates if, for example, the rates at which they pay interest do not rise as much, or as quickly, as market interest rates in general. Conversely, variable and floating rate instruments generally will not increase in value if interest rates decline. The Fund also may invest in inverse floating rate securities, which may decrease in value if interest rates increase, and which also may exhibit greater price volatility than fixed rate obligations with similar credit quality. To the extent the Fund holds variable or floating rate instruments, a decrease (or, in the case of inverse floating rate securities, an increase) in market interest rates will adversely affect the income received from such securities, which may adversely affect the net asset value of the Fund’s common shares. Central banks such as the Federal Reserve Bank have been increasing interest rates, though this trend has tempered recently as the rate of inflation slows. There is a risk that heightened interest rates may cause the economy to enter a recession. Any such recession would negatively impact the Fund and the investments held by the Fund. These impacts may include: ● severe declines in the Fund’s net asset values; ● inability of the Fund to accurately or reliably value its portfolio; ● inability of the Fund to pay any dividends or distributions; ● inability of the Fund to maintain its status as a registered investment company (“RIC”) under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); ● declines in the value of the Fund’s investments; ● increased risk of default or bankruptcy by the companies in which the Fund invests; ● increased risk of companies in which the Fund invests being unable to weather an extended cessation of normal economic activity and thereby impairing their ability to continue functioning as a going concern; and ● limited availability of new investment opportunities. | | | | | | | | | |
Inflation Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Inflation Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
Total Return Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Total Return Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Industry Risk. The Fund invests in equity securities of Natural Resources Companies. A downturn in the indicated natural resources industries would have a larger impact on the Fund than on an investment company that does not invest significantly in such industries. Such industries can be significantly affected by the supply of and demand for the indicated commodities and related services, exploration and production spending, government regulations, world events and economic conditions. For example, the metals (including both precious metals—such as silver and platinum—and base (i.e., non-precious) metals—such as copper, lead, nickel and zinc), paper, food and agriculture, forestry products, water, gas, oil, sustainable energy and other commodities industries can be significantly affected by events relating to international political developments, the success of exploration projects, commodity prices, and tax and government regulations. The stock prices of Natural Resources Companies may also experience greater price volatility than other types of common stocks. Securities issued by Natural Resources Companies are sensitive to changes in the prices of, and in supply and demand for, the indicated commodities. The value of securities issued by Natural Resources Companies may be affected by changes in overall market movements, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as weather, embargoes, tariffs, policies of commodity cartels and international economic, political and regulatory developments. The Investment Adviser’s judgments about trends in the prices of these securities and commodities may prove to be incorrect. It is possible that the performance of securities of Natural Resources Companies may lag the performance of other industries or the broader market as a whole. The Fund also invests in equity securities of Gold Companies. Equity securities of Gold Companies may experience greater volatility than companies not involved in the gold industry. Investments related to gold are considered speculative and are affected by a variety of worldwide economic, financial and political factors. The price of gold may fluctuate sharply, which has experienced substantial increases in recent periods, but which also may be subject to substantial decreases, over short periods of time due to changes in inflation or expectations regarding inflation in various countries, the availability of supplies of gold, changes in industrial and commercial demand, gold sales by governments, central banks or international agencies, investment speculation, monetary and other economic policies of various governments and government restrictions on private ownership of gold. In times of significant inflation or great economic uncertainty, Gold Companies have at times outperformed securities markets generally. However, in times of stable economic growth, traditional equity and debt investments could offer greater appreciation potential and the value of gold and the prices of equity securities of Gold Companies may be adversely affected, which could in turn affect the Fund’s returns. Some Gold Companies hedge, to varying degrees, their exposure to declines in the price of gold. Such hedging limits a Gold Company’s ability to benefit from future rises in the price of gold. The Investment Adviser’s judgments about trends in the prices of securities of Gold Companies may prove to be incorrect. It is possible that the performance of securities of Gold Companies may lag the performance of other industries or the broader market as a whole. Supply and Demand Risk. and climate related programs, revocation of federal permits for, and public opposition to, natural gas pipelines, such as the cross-border operation permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline and other policy decisions that favor alternative energy sources. The extension of these policies, or the adoption of similar policies, could adversely affect the financial performance of gas transmission and distribution companies. Prolonged changes in climatic conditions can also have a significant impact on both the revenues and expenses of a gas utility. Depletion and Exploration Risk. Regulatory Risk. Commodity Pricing Risk. Catastrophe Risk. hydrocarbons; and fires and explosions. These risks could result in substantial losses due to personal injury or loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment and pollution or other environmental damage, and might result in the curtailment or suspension of their related operations. Not all Natural Resources Companies or Gold Companies are fully insured against all risks inherent to their businesses. If a significant accident or event occurs that is not fully insured, it could adversely affect a Natural Resources Company’s or Gold Company’s operations and financial condition. Physical and cyber terrorist attacks on natural gas and oil pipelines may result in significant destruction to critical property and equipment, supply disruption and the curtailment and suspension of certain Natural Resources Companies activities. Climate Change Risk. Interest Rate Risk for Natural Resources Companies and Gold Companies. Cyber and Physical Security Risks. | | | | | | | | | |
Risks Associated With Covered Calls And Other Option Transactions [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Risks Associated with Covered Calls and Other Option Transactions. of market behavior or unexpected events. The use of options may require the Fund to sell portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on an investment, or may cause the Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell. As the writer of a covered call option, the Fund forgoes, during the option’s life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the security covering the call option above the exercise price of the call option, but has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. Although such loss would be offset in part by the option premium received, in a situation in which the price of a particular stock on which the Fund has written a covered call option declines rapidly and materially or in which prices in general on all or a substantial portion of the stocks on which the Fund has written covered call options decline rapidly and materially, the Fund could sustain material depreciation or loss in its net assets to the extent it does not sell the underlying securities (which may require it to terminate, offset or otherwise cover its option position as well). The writer of an option has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation as a writer of the option. Once an option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option and must deliver the underlying security at the exercise price. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when the Fund seeks to close out an option position. Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market for exchange-traded options include the following: (i) there may be insufficient trading interest; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal operations on an exchange; (v) the trading facilities of an exchange or the Options Clearing Corporation (the “OCC”) may not be adequate to handle current trading volume; or (vi) the relevant exchange could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options). If trading were discontinued, the secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would cease to exist. However, outstanding options on that exchange that had been issued by the OCC as a result of trades on that exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms. The Fund’s ability to terminate OTC options may be more limited than with exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that counterparties participating in such transactions will not fulfill their obligations. If the Fund were unable to close out a covered call option that it had written on a security, it would not be able to sell the underlying security unless the option expired without exercise. The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the options markets close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the options markets. Call options are marked to market daily and their value will be affected by changes in the value of and dividend rates of the underlying common stocks, an increase in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the stock market and the underlying common stocks and the remaining time to the options’ expiration. Additionally, the exercise price of an option may be adjusted downward before the option’s expiration as a result of the occurrence of certain corporate events affecting the underlying equity security, such as extraordinary dividends, stock splits, merger or other extraordinary distributions or events. A reduction in the exercise price of an option would reduce the Fund’s capital appreciation potential on the underlying security. Limitation on Covered Call Writing Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
Risks Associated With Uncovered Calls [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Risks Associated with Uncovered Calls. For combination writing, where the Fund writes both a put and a call on the same underlying instrument, the potential risk is unlimited. If a secondary market in options were to become unavailable, the Fund could not engage in losing transactions and would remain obligated until expiration or assignment. | | | | | | | | | |
Equity Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Equity Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
Common Stock Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Common Stock Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
Distribution Risk For Equity Income Portfolio Securities [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Distribution Risk for Equity Income Portfolio Securities. Dividend-producing equity income securities, in particular those whose market price is closely related to their yield, may exhibit greater sensitivity to interest rate changes. See “—Fixed Income Securities Risks—Interest Rate Risk.” The Fund’s investments in dividend-producing equity income securities may also limit its potential for appreciation during a broad market advance. The prices of dividend-producing equity income securities can be highly volatile. Investors should not assume that the Fund’s investments in these securities will necessarily reduce the volatility of the Fund’s net asset value or provide “protection,” compared to other types of equity income securities, when markets perform poorly. | | | | | | | | | |
Preferred Stock Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Preferred Stock Risk. ● Deferral. ● Non-Cumulative Dividends. ● Subordination. ● Liquidity. ● Limited Voting Rights. the issuer’s board. Generally, once all the arrearages have been paid, the preferred security holders no longer have voting rights. ● Special Redemption Rights. | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign Securities Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Foreign Securities Risk. Foreign securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies may be subject to less government supervision and regulation than exists in the United States. Dividend and interest income may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes, which may adversely affect the net return on such investments. There may be difficulty in obtaining or enforcing a court judgment abroad. In addition, it may be difficult to effect repatriation of capital invested in certain countries. In addition, with respect to certain countries, there are risks of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments that could affect assets of the Fund held in foreign countries. Dividend income the Fund receives from foreign securities may not be eligible for the special tax treatment applicable to qualified dividend income. Moreover, certain equity investments in foreign issuers classified as passive foreign investment companies may be subject to additional taxation risk. There may be less available information about a foreign company than a U.S. company, and foreign companies may not be subject to accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements comparable to or as uniform as those of U.S. companies. Foreign securities markets may have substantially less volume than U.S. securities markets and some foreign company securities are less liquid and their prices more volatile than securities of otherwise comparable U.S. companies. A portfolio of foreign securities may also be adversely affected by fluctuations in the rates of exchange between the currencies of different nations and by exchange control regulations, and there is generally less government supervision and regulation of exchanges, brokers, and issuers than there is in the U.S. The Fund might have greater difficulty taking appropriate legal action in non-U.S. courts and there may be less developed bankruptcy laws. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures that could cause the Fund to encounter difficulties in purchasing and selling securities on such markets and may result in the Fund missing attractive investment opportunities or experiencing loss. In addition, a portfolio that includes foreign securities can expect to have a higher expense ratio because of the increased transaction costs on non-U.S. securities markets and the increased costs of maintaining the custody of foreign securities. Investments in foreign securities will expose the Fund to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social or economic changes in the countries that issue the securities or in which the issuers are located. Certain countries in which the Fund may invest have historically experienced, and may continue to experience, high rates of inflation, high interest rates, exchange rate fluctuations, large amounts of external debt, balance of payments and trade difficulties and extreme poverty and unemployment. Many of these countries are also characterized by political uncertainty and instability. The cost of servicing external debt will generally be adversely affected by rising international interest rates because many external debt obligations bear interest at rates which are adjusted based upon international interest rates. The Fund also may purchase ADRs or U.S. dollar-denominated securities of foreign issuers. ADRs are receipts issued by U.S. banks or trust companies in respect of securities of foreign issuers held on deposit for use in the U.S. securities markets. While ADRs may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be converted, many of the risks associated with foreign securities may also apply to ADRs. In addition, the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to the deposited securities. The following provides more detail on certain pronounced risks with foreign investing: ● Foreign Currency Risk. Certain non-U.S. currencies, primarily in developing countries, have been devalued in the past and might face devaluation in the future. Currency devaluations generally have a significant and adverse impact on the devaluing country’s economy in the short and intermediate term and on the financial condition and results of companies’ operations in that country. Currency devaluations may also be accompanied by significant declines in the values and liquidity of equity and debt securities of affected governmental and private sector entities generally. To the extent that affected companies have obligations denominated in currencies other than the devalued currency, those companies may also have difficulty in meeting those obligations under such circumstances, which in turn could have an adverse effect upon the value of the Fund’s investments in such companies. There can be no assurance that current or future developments with respect to foreign currency devaluations will not impair the Fund’s investment flexibility, its ability to achieve its investment objectives or the value of certain of its foreign currency-denominated investments. ● Tax Consequences of Foreign Investing. Fund’s previously distributed income to be classified as a return of capital. In certain cases, the Fund may make an election to treat gain or loss attributable to certain investments as capital gain or loss. ● EMU and Redenomination Risk. ● Emerging Markets Risk. internal or external risks, including the risk of war and civil unrest. For all of these reasons, investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative. ● Eurozone Risk. ● Brexit Risk. In particular, currency volatility may mean that our returns and the returns of our portfolio companies will be adversely affected by market movements and may make it more difficult, or more expensive, for us to implement appropriate currency hedging. Potential declines in the value of the British Pound and/or the euro against other currencies, along with the potential downgrading of the United Kingdom’s sovereign credit rating, may also have an impact on the performance of any of our portfolio companies located in the United Kingdom or Europe. In addition, certain European countries have experienced negative interest rates on certain fixed-income instruments. A negative interest rate policy is an unconventional central bank monetary policy tool where nominal target interest rates are set with a negative value (i.e., below zero percent) intended to help create self-sustaining growth in the local economy. Negative interest rates may result in heightened market volatility and may detract from the Fund’s performance to the extent the Fund is exposed to such interest rates. Among other things, these developments adversely affected the value and exchange rate of the euro and pound sterling, and any similar developments may continue to significantly affect the economies of all EU countries, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s investments in such countries, other countries that depend on EU countries for significant amounts of trade or investment, or issuers with exposure to debt issued by certain EU countries. To the extent the Fund has exposure to European markets or to transactions tied to the value of the euro, these events could negatively affect the value and liquidity of the Fund’s investments. All of these developments may continue to significantly affect the economies of all EU countries, which in turn may have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s investments in such countries, other countries that depend on EU countries for significant amounts of trade or investment, or issuers with exposure to debt issued by certain EU countries. ● Russia Risk. It is not possible to predict the duration or extent of longer-term consequences of this conflict, which could include further sanctions, retaliatory measures taken by Russia, embargoes, regional instability, geopolitical shifts and adverse effects on macroeconomic conditions, security conditions, currency exchange rates, and financial markets around the globe. Any of the foregoing consequences, including those we cannot yet predict, may negatively impact the Fund’s performance and the value of an investment in the Fund, even if the Fund does not have direct exposure to Russian issuers or issuers in other countries impacted by the invasion. In general terms, the overall negative impact to the Fund will depend on the extent to which the Fund is prohibited from selling or otherwise transacting in their investments at any given time and whether a fair market valuation can be readily obtained, particularly for any Russian currency-denominated investments and investments in US dollar-denominated American Depositary Receipts representing securities of Russian issuers. | | | | | | | | | |
Income Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Income Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
Non Investment Grade Securities [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Non-Investment Grade Securities. comparable quality) are referred to in the financial press as “junk bonds” or “high yield” securities and generally pay a premium above the yields of U.S. government securities or securities of investment grade issuers because they are subject to greater risks than these securities. These risks, which reflect their speculative character, include the following: ● greater volatility; ● greater credit risk and risk of default; ● potentially greater sensitivity to general economic or industry conditions; ● potential lack of attractive resale opportunities (illiquidity); and ● additional expenses to seek recovery from issuers who default. In addition, the market value of securities in lower grade categories is more volatile than that of higher quality securities, and the markets in which such lower grade or unrated securities are traded are more limited than those in which higher rated securities are traded. The existence of limited markets may make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its portfolio and calculating its net asset value. Moreover, the lack of a liquid trading market may restrict the availability of securities for the Fund to purchase and may also have the effect of limiting the ability of the Fund to sell securities at their fair value to respond to changes in the economy or the financial markets. Ratings are relative, subjective and not absolute standards of quality. Securities ratings are based largely on the issuer’s historical financial condition and the rating agencies’ analysis at the time of rating. Consequently, the rating assigned to any particular security is not necessarily a reflection of the issuer’s current financial condition. The Fund may purchase securities of companies that are experiencing significant financial or business difficulties, including companies involved in bankruptcy or other reorganization and liquidation proceedings. Although such investments may result in significant financial returns to the Fund, they involve a substantial degree of risk. The level of analytical sophistication, both financial and legal, necessary for successful investments in issuers experiencing significant business and financial difficulties is unusually high. There can be no assurance that the Fund will correctly evaluate the value of the assets collateralizing its investments or the prospects for a successful reorganization or similar action. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to a portfolio investment, the Fund may lose all or part of its investment or may be required to accept collateral with a value less than the amount of the Fund’s initial investment. As a part of its investments in non-investment grade securities, the Fund may invest in the securities of issuers in default. The Fund invests in securities of issuers in default only when the Investment Adviser believes that such issuers will honor their obligations and emerge from bankruptcy protection and that the value of such issuers’ securities will appreciate. By investing in the securities of issuers in default, the Fund bears the risk that these issuers will not continue to honor their obligations or emerge from bankruptcy protection or that the value of these securities will not otherwise appreciate. In addition to using statistical rating agencies and other sources, the Investment Adviser will also perform its own analysis of issues in seeking investments that it believes to be underrated (and thus higher yielding) in light of the financial condition of the issuer. Its analysis of issuers may include, among other things, current and anticipated cash flow and borrowing requirements, value of assets in relation to historical cost, strength of management, responsiveness to business conditions, credit standing and current anticipated results of operations. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Investment Adviser may also consider general business conditions, anticipated changes in interest rates and the outlook for specific industries. Subsequent to its purchase by the Fund, an issue of securities may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced. In addition, it is possible that statistical rating agencies might change their ratings of a particular issue to reflect subsequent events on a timely basis. Moreover, such ratings do not assess the risk of a decline in market value. None of these events will require the sale of the securities by the Fund, although the Investment Adviser will consider these events in determining whether the Fund should continue to hold the securities. Fixed income securities, including non-investment grade securities and comparable unrated securities, frequently have call or buy-back features that permit their issuers to call or repurchase the securities from their holders, such as the Fund. If an issuer exercises these rights during periods of declining interest rates, the Fund may have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, thus resulting in a decreased return for the Fund. The market for non-investment grade and comparable unrated securities has at various times, particularly during times of economic recession, experienced substantial reductions in market value and liquidity. Past recessions have adversely affected the ability of certain issuers of such securities to repay principal and pay interest thereon. The market for those securities could react in a similar fashion in the event of any future economic recession. | | | | | | | | | |
Fixed Income Securities Risks [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Fixed Income Securities Risks. ● Interest Rate Risk. ● Credit Risk. ● Issuer Risk. ● Prepayment Risk. securities, such payments often occur during periods of declining interest rates, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities, resulting in a possible decline in the Fund’s income and distributions to shareholders. This is known as prepayment or “call” risk. Below investment grade securities frequently have call features that allow the issuer to redeem the security at dates prior to its stated maturity at a specified price (typically greater than par) only if certain prescribed conditions are met (“call protection”). For premium bonds (bonds acquired at prices that exceed their par or principal value) purchased by the Fund, prepayment risk may be enhanced. ● Reinvestment Risk. ● Duration and Maturity Risk. targeted duration or maturity of any particular category of investments will be made based on all pertinent market factors at any given time. The Fund may incur costs in seeking to adjust the portfolio average duration or maturity. There can be no assurance that the Investment Adviser’s assessment of current and projected market conditions will be correct or that any strategy to adjust duration or maturity will be successful at any given time. | | | | | | | | | |
Corporate Bonds Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Corporate Bonds Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
U S Government Securities And Credit Rating Downgrade Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | U.S. Government Securities and Credit Rating Downgrade Risk. In 2011, S&P lowered its long term sovereign credit rating on the U.S. to “AA+” from “AAA.” The downgrade by S&P increased volatility in both stock and bond markets, resulting in higher interest rates and higher Treasury yields, and increased the costs of all kinds of debt. On August 1, 2023, Fitch Ratings lowered its long-term sovereign credit rating on the U.S. to “AA+” from “AAA.” This and any further downgrades of U.S. credit ratings could have significant adverse effects on the U.S. economy generally and could result in significant adverse impacts on issuers of securities held by the Fund itself. The Investment Adviser cannot predict the effects of similar events in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets or on the Fund’s portfolio. The Investment Adviser monitors developments and seeks to manage the Fund’s portfolio in a manner consistent with achieving the Fund’s investment objectives, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so and the Investment Adviser may not timely anticipate or manage existing, new or additional risks, contingencies or developments. | | | | | | | | | |
Special Risks Related To Investment In Derivatives [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Special Risks Related to Investment in Derivatives. risks. Participation in derivatives transactions involves investment risks and transaction costs to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. If the Investment Adviser’s prediction of movements in the direction of the securities or other referenced instruments or markets is inaccurate, the consequences to the Fund may leave the Fund in a worse position than if it had not used such strategies. Risks inherent in the use of derivatives transactions include: ● dependence on the Investment Adviser’s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of the relevant measure; ● imperfect correlation between the price of the derivative instrument and movements in the prices of the referenced assets; ● the fact that skills needed to use these strategies are different from those needed to select portfolio securities; ● the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time; ● the possible need to defer closing out certain positions to avoid adverse tax consequences; ● the possible inability of the Fund to purchase or sell a security or instrument at a time that otherwise would be favorable for it to do so, or the possible need for the Fund to sell a security or instrument at a disadvantageous time due to a need for the Fund to remain in compliance with the 1940 Act restrictions regarding derivatives transactions; and ● the creditworthiness of counterparties. Certain derivatives may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions may not be regulated as effectively as similar transactions in the United States, may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities. The value of such positions also could be adversely affected by (i) other complex foreign political, legal and economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the United States of data on which to make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the ability of the Fund to act upon economic events occurring in the foreign markets during non-business hours in the United States, (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the United States and (v) less trading volume. Exchanges on which derivatives are traded may impose limits on the positions that the Fund may take in certain circumstances. Many over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivatives are valued on the basis of dealers’ pricing of these instruments. However, the price at which dealers value a particular derivative and the price which the same dealers would actually be willing to pay for such derivative should the Fund wish or be forced to sell such position may be materially different. Such differences can result in an overstatement of the Fund’s net asset value and may materially adversely affect the Fund in situations in which the Fund is required to sell derivative instruments. While hedging can reduce or eliminate losses, it can also reduce or eliminate gains. Hedges are sometimes subject to imperfect matching between the derivative and the underlying security, and there can be no assurance that the Fund’s hedging transactions will be effective. Derivatives may give rise to a form of leverage and may expose the Fund to greater risk and increase its costs. Future CFTC or SEC rulemakings could potentially further limit or completely restrict the Fund’s ability to use these instruments as a part of the Fund’s investment strategy, increase the costs of using these instruments or make them less effective. Limits or restrictions applicable to the counterparties with which the Fund engages in derivative transactions could also prevent the Fund from using these instruments or affect the pricing or other factors relating to these instruments or may change the availability of certain investments. New regulation may make derivatives more costly, may limit the availability of derivatives, or may otherwise adversely affect the value or performance of derivatives. | | | | | | | | | |
Counterparty Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Counterparty Risk. The counterparty risk for cleared derivatives is generally lower than for uncleared OTC derivative transactions since generally a clearing organization becomes substituted for each counterparty to a cleared derivative contract and, in effect, guarantees the parties’ performance under the contract as each party to a trade looks only to the clearing organization for performance of financial obligations under the derivative contract. However, there can be no assurance that a clearing organization, or its members, will satisfy its obligations to the Fund, or that the Fund would be able to recover the full amount of assets deposited on its behalf with the clearing organization in the event of the default by the clearing organization or the Fund’s clearing broker. In addition, cleared derivative transactions benefit from daily marking-to-market and settlement, and segregation and minimum capital requirements applicable to intermediaries. Uncleared OTC derivative transactions generally do not benefit from such protections. This exposes the Fund to the risk that a counterparty will not settle a transaction in accordance with its terms and conditions because of a dispute over the terms of the contract (whether or not bona fide) or because of a credit or liquidity problem, thus causing the Fund to suffer a loss. Such “counterparty risk” is accentuated for contracts with longer maturities where events may intervene to prevent settlement, or where the Fund has concentrated its transactions with a single or small group of counterparties. | | | | | | | | | |
Failure Of Futures Commission Merchants And Clearing Organizations Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Failure of Futures Commission Merchants and Clearing Organizations Risk. Similarly, the CEA requires a clearing organization approved by the CFTC as a derivatives clearing organization to segregate all funds and other property received from a clearing member’s clients in connection with domestic futures, swaps and options contracts from any funds held at the clearing organization to support the clearing member’s proprietary trading. Nevertheless, with respect to futures and options contracts, a clearing organization may use assets of a non-defaulting customer held in an omnibus account at the clearing organization to satisfy payment obligations of a defaulting customer of the clearing member to the clearing organization. As a result, in the event of a default or the clearing broker’s other clients or the clearing broker’s failure to extend own funds in connection with any such default, the Fund would not be able to recover the full amount of assets deposited by the clearing broker on its behalf with the clearing organization. | | | | | | | | | |
Swaps Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Swaps Risk. Historically, swap transactions have been individually negotiated non-standardized transactions entered into in OTC markets and have not been subject to the same type of government regulation as exchange-traded instruments. However, the OTC derivatives markets have recently become subject to comprehensive statutes and regulations. In particular, in the U.S., the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) requires that certain derivatives with U.S. persons must be executed on a regulated market and a substantial portion of OTC derivatives must be submitted for clearing to regulated clearinghouses. As a result, swap transactions entered into by the Fund may become subject to various requirements applicable to swaps under the Dodd-Frank Act, including clearing, exchange-execution, reporting and recordkeeping requirements, which may make it more difficult and costly for the Fund to enter into swap transactions and may also render certain strategies in which the Fund might otherwise engage impossible or so costly that they will no longer be economical to implement. Furthermore, the number of counterparties that may be willing to enter into swap transactions with the Fund may also be limited if the swap transactions with the Fund are subject to the swap regulation under the Dodd-Frank Act. Swap agreements will tend to shift the Fund’s investment exposure from one type of investment to another. For example, if the Fund agreed to pay fixed rates in exchange for floating rates while holding fixed-rate bonds, the swap would tend to decrease the Fund’s exposure to long term interest rates. Caps and floors have an effect similar to buying or writing options. Depending on how they are used, swap agreements may increase or decrease the overall volatility of the Fund’s investments and its share price and yield. The most significant factor in the performance of swap agreements is the change in the specific interest rate, currency, or other factors that determine the amounts of payments due to and from the Fund. If a swap agreement calls for payments by the Fund, the Fund must be prepared to make such payments when due. The Fund may enter into swap agreements that would calculate the obligations of the parties to the agreements on a “net” basis. Consequently, the Fund’s obligations (or rights) under a swap agreement will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received under the agreement based on the relative values of the positions held by each party to the agreement (the “net amount”). The Fund’s use of swap agreements may not be successful in furthering its investment objective, as the Investment Adviser may not accurately predict whether certain types of investments are likely to produce greater returns than other investments. Moreover, swap agreements involve the risk that the party with whom the Fund has entered into the swap will default on its obligation to pay the Fund and the risk that the Fund will not be able to meet its obligations to pay the other party to the agreement. The Fund may be able to eliminate its exposure under a swap agreement either by assignment or other disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same party or a similarly creditworthy party. | | | | | | | | | |
Futures Contracts And Options On Futures [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Futures Contracts and Options on Futures. | | | | | | | | | |
Options Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Options Risk. Where a put or call option on a particular security is purchased to hedge against price movements in that or a related security, the price of the put or call option may move more or less than the price of the security. If restrictions on exercise are imposed, the Fund may be unable to exercise an option it has purchased. If the Fund is unable to close out an option that it has purchased on a security, it will have to exercise the option in order to realize any profit or the option may expire worthless. | | | | | | | | | |
Short Sales Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Short Sales Risk. Short-selling necessarily involves certain additional risks. However, if the short seller does not own the securities sold short (an uncovered short sale), the borrowed securities must be replaced by securities purchased at market prices in order to close out the short position, and any appreciation in the price of the borrowed securities would result in a loss. Uncovered short sales expose the Fund to the risk of uncapped losses until a position can be closed out due to the lack of an upper limit on the price to which a security may rise. Purchasing securities to close out the short position can itself cause the price of the securities to rise further, thereby exacerbating the loss. There is the risk that the securities borrowed by the Fund in connection with a short-sale must be returned to the securities lender on short notice. If a request for return of borrowed securities occurs at a time when other short-sellers of the security are receiving similar requests, a “short squeeze” can occur, and the Fund may be compelled to replace borrowed securities previously sold short with purchases on the open market at the most disadvantageous time, possibly at prices significantly in excess of the proceeds received at the time the securities were originally sold short. In September 2008, in response to spreading turmoil in the financial markets, the SEC temporarily banned short selling in the stocks of numerous financial services companies, and also promulgated new disclosure requirements with respect to short positions held by investment managers. The SEC’s temporary ban on short selling of such stocks has since expired, but should similar restrictions and/or additional disclosure requirements be promulgated, especially if market turmoil occurs, the Fund may be forced to cover short positions more quickly than otherwise intended and may suffer losses as a result. Such restrictions may also adversely affect the ability of the Fund to execute its investment strategies generally. Similar emergency orders were also instituted in non-U.S. markets in response to increased volatility. The Fund’s ability to engage in short sales is also restricted by various regulatory requirements relating to short sales. | | | | | | | | | |
Leverage Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Leverage Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
Market Discount Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Market Discount Risk. The risk of a market price discount from net asset value is separate and in addition to the risk that net asset value itself may decline. The Fund’s securities are designed primarily for long term investors, and investors in the shares should not view the Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes. | | | | | | | | | |
Long Term Objective Nota Complete Investment Program [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Long Term Objective; Not a Complete Investment Program. | | | | | | | | | |
Portfolio Turnover Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Portfolio Turnover Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
Management Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Management Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
Dependence On Key Personnel [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Dependence on Key Personnel. | | | | | | | | | |
Market Disruption And Geopolitical Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk. Risks resulting from any future debt or other economic crisis could also have a detrimental impact on the global economy, the financial condition of financial institutions and the Fund’s business, financial condition and results of operation. Market and economic disruptions have affected, and may in the future affect, consumer confidence levels and spending, personal bankruptcy rates, levels of incurrence and default on consumer debt and home prices, among other factors. To the extent uncertainty regarding the U.S. or global economy negatively impacts consumer confidence and consumer credit factors, the Fund could be significantly and adversely affected. Downgrades to the credit ratings of major banks could result in increased borrowing costs for such banks and negatively affect the broader economy. Moreover, Federal Reserve policy, including with respect to certain interest rates, may also adversely affect the value, volatility and liquidity of dividend- and interest-paying securities. Market volatility, rising interest rates and/or a return to unfavorable economic conditions could impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives. The occurrence of events similar to those in recent years, such as localized wars, instability, new and ongoing pandemics, epidemics or outbreaks of infectious diseases in certain parts of the world, and catastrophic events such as fires, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and global health epidemics, terrorist attacks in the U.S. and around the world, social and political discord, debt crises sovereign debt downgrades, increasingly strained relations between the U.S. and a number of foreign countries, new and continued political unrest in various countries, the exit or potential exit of one or more countries from the EU or the EMU, continued changes in the balance of political power among and within the branches of the U.S. government, government shutdowns, among others, may result in market volatility, may have long-term effects on the U.S. and worldwide financial markets, and may cause further economic uncertainties in the U.S. and worldwide. In particular, the consequences of the Russian military invasion of Ukraine, the impact on inflation and increased disruption to supply chains and energy resources may impact the Fund’s portfolio companies, result in an economic downturn or recession either globally or locally in the U.S. or other economies, reduce business activity, spawn additional conflicts (whether in the form of traditional military action, reignited “cold” wars or in the form of virtual warfare such as cyberattacks) with similar and perhaps wider ranging impacts and consequences and have an adverse impact on the Fund’s returns and net asset values. In response to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the U.S. and other countries have imposed sanctions or other restrictive actions against Russia, Russian-backed separatist regions in Ukraine, and certain banks, companies, government officials and other individuals in Russia and Belarus. Any of the above factors, including sanctions, export controls, tariffs, trade wars and other governmental actions, could have a material adverse effect on the Fund. The Fund has no way to predict the duration or outcome of the situation, as the conflict and government reactions are rapidly developing and beyond the Fund’s control. Prolonged unrest, military activities, or broad-based sanctions could have a material adverse effect on companies in which the Fund invests. Such consequences also may increase such companies’ funding costs or limit their access to the capital markets. The current political climate has intensified concerns about a potential trade war between China and the U.S., as each country has imposed tariffs on the other country’s products. These actions may trigger a significant reduction in international trade, the oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods and possible failure of individual companies and/or large segments of China’s export industry, which could have a negative impact on the Fund’s performance. U.S. companies that source material and goods from China and those that make large amounts of sales in China would be particularly vulnerable to an escalation of trade tensions. Uncertainty regarding the outcome of the trade tensions and the potential for a trade war could cause the U.S. dollar to decline against safe haven currencies, such as the Japanese yen and the euro. Events such as these and their consequences are difficult to predict and it is unclear whether further tariffs may be imposed or other escalating actions may be taken in the future. Any of these effects could have a material adverse effect on the Fund. Periods of volatility still remain, and risks to a robust resumption of growth persist. Federal Reserve policy, including with respect to certain interest rates, may adversely affect the value, volatility and liquidity of dividend and interest paying securities. Market volatility, dramatic changes to interest rates and/or a return to unfavorable economic conditions may lower the Fund’s performance or impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objective. | | | | | | | | | |
Economic Events And Market Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Economic Events and Market Risk. Risks resulting from any future debt or other economic crisis could also have a detrimental impact on the global economic recovery, the financial condition of financial institutions and our business, financial condition and results of operation. Market and economic disruptions have affected, and may in the future affect, consumer confidence levels and spending, personal bankruptcy rates, levels of incurrence and default on consumer debt and home prices, among other factors. To the extent uncertainty regarding the U.S. or global economy negatively impacts consumer confidence and consumer credit factors, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be significantly and adversely affected. Downgrades to the credit ratings of major banks could result in increased borrowing costs for such banks and negatively affect the broader economy. Moreover, Federal Reserve policy, including with respect to certain interest rates, may also adversely affect the value, volatility and liquidity of dividend- and interest-paying securities. Market volatility, rising interest rates and/or a return to unfavorable economic conditions could impair the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives. | | | | | | | | | |
Regulation And Government Intervention Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Regulation and Government Intervention Risk. Additional risks arising from the differences in expressed policy preferences among the various constituencies in the branches of the U.S. government has led in the past, and may lead in the future, to short-term or prolonged policy impasses, which could, and has, resulted in shutdowns of the U.S. federal government. U.S. federal government shutdowns, especially prolonged shutdowns, could have a significant adverse impact on the economy in general and could impair the ability of issuers to raise capital in the securities markets. Any of these effects could have a material adverse effect on the Fund’s net asset value. In addition, the rules dealing with the U.S. federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made substantial changes to the Code. Among those changes were a significant permanent reduction in the generally applicable corporate tax rate, changes in the taxation of individuals and other non-corporate taxpayers that generally but not universally reduce their taxes on a temporary basis subject to “sunset” provisions, the elimination or modification of various previously allowed deductions (including substantial limitations on the deductibility of interest and, in the case of individuals, the deduction for personal state and local taxes), certain additional limitations on the deduction of net operating losses, certain preferential rates of taxation on certain dividends and certain business income derived by non-corporate taxpayers in comparison to other ordinary income recognized by such taxpayers, and significant changes to the international tax rules. In addition, the Biden administration signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act, which modifies key aspects of the Code, including by creating an alternative minimum tax on certain corporations and an excise tax on stock repurchases by certain corporations. The effect of these and other changes is uncertain, both in terms of the direct effect on the taxation of an investment in the Fund’s shares and their indirect effect on the value of the Fund’s assets, Fund shares or market conditions generally. In addition, the U.S. government has proposed and adopted multiple regulations that could have a long-lasting impact on the Fund and on the closed-end fund industry in general. The SEC’s final rules and amendments that modernize reporting and disclosure, along with other potential upcoming regulations, could, among other things, restrict the Fund’s ability to engage in transactions, and/or increase overall expenses of the Fund. The Fund may be affected by governmental action in ways that are not foreseeable, and there is a possibility that such actions could have a significant adverse effect on the Fund and its ability to achieve its investment objective. The Fund may be exposed to financial instruments that are tied to the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) to determine payment obligations, financing terms, hedging strategies or investment value. The Fund’s investments may pay interest at floating rates based on LIBOR or may be subject to interest caps or floors based on LIBOR. The Fund may also obtain financing at floating rates based on LIBOR. Derivative instruments utilized by the Fund may also reference LIBOR. In July 2017, the head of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority announced the desire to phase out the use of LIBOR by the end of 2021. LIBOR can no longer be used to calculate new deals as of December 31, 2021. Since December 31, 2021, all sterling, euro, Swiss franc and Japanese yen LIBOR settings and the 1-week and 2-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings have ceased to be published or are no longer representative. Overnight and 12-month US dollar LIBOR settings permanently ceased as of June 30, 2023. 1-, 3-, and 6-month U.S. dollar LIBOR settings will continue to be published using a synthetic methodology until September 2024. Various financial industry groups have begun planning for the transition away from LIBOR, but there are challenges to converting certain securities and transactions to a new reference rate. Neither the effect of the LIBOR transition process nor its ultimate success can yet be known. As an alternative to LIBOR, the Financial Reporting Council, in conjunction with the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a steering committee comprised of large U.S. financial institutions recommended replacing U.S. dollar LIBOR with the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), a new index calculated by reference to short-term repurchase agreements, backed by Treasury securities. Abandonment of, or modifications to, LIBOR could have adverse impacts on newly issued financial instruments and any of our existing financial instruments which reference LIBOR. Given the inherent differences between LIBOR and SOFR, or any other alternative benchmark rate that may be established, there are many uncertainties regarding a transition from LIBOR, including, but not limited to, the need to amend all contracts with LIBOR as the referenced rate and how this will impact the cost of variable rate debt and certain derivative financial instruments. In addition, SOFR or other replacement rates may fail to gain market acceptance. Any failure of SOFR or alternative reference rates to gain market acceptance could adversely affect the return on, value of and market for securities linked to such rates. Neither the effect of the LIBOR transition process nor its ultimate success can yet be known. The transition process might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for, and reduce the effectiveness of, new hedges placed against, instruments whose terms currently include LIBOR. While some existing LIBOR-based instruments may contemplate a scenario where LIBOR is no longer available by providing for an alternative rate-setting methodology, there may be significant uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of any such alternative methodologies to replicate LIBOR. Not all existing LIBOR-based instruments may have alternative rate-setting provisions and there remains uncertainty regarding the willingness and ability of issuers to add alternative rate-setting provisions in certain existing instruments. Moreover, these alternative rate-setting provisions may not be designed for regular use in an environment where LIBOR ceases to be published, and may be an ineffective fallback following the discontinuation of LIBOR. On March 15, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, which among other things, provides for the use of interest rates based on SOFR in certain contracts currently based on LIBOR and a safe harbor from liability for utilizing SOFR-based interest rates as a replacement for LIBOR. The elimination of LIBOR could have an adverse impact on the market value of and/or transferability of any LIBOR-linked securities, loans, and other financial obligations or extensions of credit held by or due to us or on our overall financial condition or results of operations. | | | | | | | | | |
Legislation Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Legislation Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
Reliance On Service Providers Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Reliance on Service Providers Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
Cyber Security Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Cyber Security Risk. Because technology is consistently changing, new ways to carry out cyber attacks are always developing. Therefore, there is a chance that some risks have not been identified or prepared for, or that an attack may not be detected, which puts limitations on the Fund’s ability to plan for or respond to a cyber attack. In addition to deliberate cyber attacks, unintentional cyber incidents can occur, such as the inadvertent release of confidential information by the Fund or its service providers. Like other funds and business enterprises, the Fund and its service providers are subject to the risk of cyber incidents occurring from time to time. | | | | | | | | | |
Misconduct Of Employees And Of Service Providers Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Misconduct of Employees and of Service Providers Risk. potentially undermining the Investment Adviser’s due diligence efforts. As a result, no assurances can be given that the due diligence performed by the Investment Adviser will identify or prevent any such misconduct. | | | | | | | | | |
Deflation Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Deflation Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
Restricted And Illiquid Securities Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Restricted and Illiquid Securities Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
Investment Companies [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Investment Companies. | | | | | | | | | |
Investment Dilution Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Investment Dilution Risk | | | | | | | | | |
Legal Tax And Regulatory Risks [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Legal, Tax and Regulatory Risks. We cannot assure you what percentage of the distributions paid on the Fund’s shares, if any, will consist of tax-advantaged qualified dividend income or long term capital gains or what the tax rates on various types of income will be in future years. To qualify for the favorable U.S. federal income tax treatment generally accorded to RICs, the Fund must, among other things, derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from certain prescribed sources and distribute for each taxable year at least 90% of its “investment company taxable income.” Statutory limitations on distributions on the common shares if the Fund fails to satisfy the 1940 Act’s asset coverage requirements could jeopardize the Fund’s ability to meet such distribution requirements. While the Fund presently intends to purchase or redeem notes or preferred shares, if any, to the extent necessary in order to maintain compliance with such asset coverage requirements, there can be no assurance that such actions can be effected in time to meet the Code requirements. If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify as a RIC, all of its taxable income for that year (including its net capital gain) would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and such distributions would be taxable as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. | | | | | | | | | |
Act Regulation 1940 [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | 1940 Act Regulation. | | | | | | | | | |
Anti Takeover Provisions [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Anti-Takeover Provisions. | | | | | | | | | |
Special Risks To Holders Of Common Shares [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Special Risks to Holders of Common Shares Dilution Risk. Shareholders who do not exercise their subscription rights may, at the completion of such an offering, own a smaller proportional interest in the Fund than if they exercised their subscription rights. As a result of such an offering, a shareholder may experience dilution in net asset value per share if the subscription price per share is below the net asset value per share on the expiration date. If the subscription price per share is below the net asset value per share of the Fund’s shares on the expiration date, a shareholder will experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value of such shareholder’s shares if the shareholder does not participate in such an offering and the shareholder will experience a reduction in the net asset value per share of such shareholder’s shares whether or not the shareholder participates in such an offering. The Fund cannot state precisely the extent of this dilution (if any) if the shareholder does not exercise such shareholder’s subscription rights because the Fund does not know what the net asset value per share will be when the offer expires or what proportion of the subscription rights will be exercised. Leverage Risk. The Fund’s leveraged capital structure creates special risks not associated with unleveraged funds having a similar investment objective and policies. These include the possibility of greater loss and the likelihood of higher volatility of the net asset value of the Fund and the asset coverage for the preferred shares. Such volatility may increase the likelihood of the Fund having to sell investments in order to meet its obligations to make distributions on the preferred shares or principal or interest payments on debt securities, or to redeem preferred shares or repay debt, when it may be disadvantageous to do so. The Fund’s use of leverage may require it to sell portfolio investments at inopportune times in order to raise cash to redeem preferred shares or otherwise de-leverage so as to maintain required asset coverage amounts or comply with the mandatory redemption terms of any outstanding preferred shares. The use of leverage magnifies both the favorable and unfavorable effects of price movements in the investments made by the Fund. To the extent that the Fund employs leverage in its investment operations, the Fund is subject to substantial risk of loss. The Fund cannot assure you that borrowings or the issuance of preferred shares or notes will result in a higher yield or return to the holders of the common shares. Also, since the Fund utilizes leverage, a decline in net asset value could affect the ability of the Fund to make common share distributions and such a failure to make distributions could result in the Fund ceasing to qualify as a RIC under the Code. Any decline in the net asset value of the Fund’s investments would be borne entirely by the holders of common shares. Therefore, if the market value of the Fund’s portfolio declines, the leverage will result in a greater decrease in net asset value to the holders of common shares than if the Fund were not leveraged. This greater net asset value decrease will also tend to cause a greater decline in the market price for the common shares. The Fund might be in danger of failing to maintain the required asset coverage of its borrowings, notes or preferred shares or of losing its ratings on its notes or preferred shares or, in an extreme case, the Fund’s current investment income might not be sufficient to meet the distribution or interest requirements on the borrowings, preferred shares or notes. In order to counteract such an event, the Fund might need to liquidate investments in order to fund a redemption or repayment of some or all of the borrowings, preferred shares or notes. ● Preferred Share and Note Risk. or interest payments to note holders would come from the common shareholders’ capital. Such distributions and interest payments reduce the net assets attributable to common shareholders. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any sale of preferred shares will set forth dividend rate on such preferred shares. In addition, the Fund would pay (and the holders of common shares will bear) all costs and expenses relating to the issuance and ongoing maintenance of the preferred shares or notes, including the advisory fees on the incremental assets attributable to the preferred shares or notes. Holders of preferred shares and notes may have different interests than holders of common shares and may at times have disproportionate influence over the Fund’s affairs. As provided in the 1940 Act and subject to certain exceptions, the Fund may issue senior securities (which may be stock, such as preferred shares, and/ or securities representing debt, such as notes) only if immediately after such issuance the value of the Fund’s total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, exceeds 300% of the amount of the debt outstanding and exceeds 200% of the amount of preferred shares and debt outstanding, which is referred to as the “asset coverage” required by the 1940 Act. In the event the Fund fails to maintain an asset coverage of 100% for any notes outstanding for certain periods of time, the 1940 Act requires that either an event of default be declared or that the holders of such notes have the right to elect a majority of the Fund’s Trustees until asset coverage recovers to 110%. In addition, holders of preferred shares, voting separately as a single class, have the right (subject to the rights of noteholders) to elect two members of the Board at all times and in the event dividends become two full years in arrears would have the right to elect a majority of the Trustees until such arrearage is completely eliminated. In addition, preferred shareholders have class voting rights on certain matters, including changes in fundamental investment restrictions and conversion of the Fund to open-end status, and accordingly can veto any such changes. Further, interest on notes will be payable when due as described in a Prospectus Supplement and if the Fund does not pay interest when due, it will trigger an event of default and the Fund expects to be restricted from declaring dividends and making other distributions with respect to common shares and preferred shares. Upon the occurrence and continuance of an event of default, the holders of a majority in principal amount of a series of outstanding notes or the trustee will be able to declare the principal amount of that series of notes immediately due and payable upon written notice to the Fund. The 1940 Act also generally restricts the Fund from declaring distributions on, or repurchasing, common or preferred shares unless notes have an asset coverage of 300% (200% in the case of declaring distributions on preferred shares). The Fund’s common shares are structurally subordinated as to income and residual value to any preferred shares or notes in the Fund’s capital structure, in terms of priority to income and payment in liquidation. Restrictions imposed on the declarations and payment of dividends or other distributions to the holders of the Fund’s common shares and preferred shares, both by the 1940 Act and by requirements imposed by rating agencies, might impair the Fund’s ability to maintain its qualification as a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. While the Fund intends to redeem its preferred shares or notes to the extent necessary to enable the Fund to distribute its income as required to maintain its qualification as a RIC under the Code, there can be no assurance that such actions can be effected in time to meet the Code requirements. ● Portfolio Guidelines of Rating Agencies for Preferred Shares and/or Credit Facility. Act. In the event that a rating on the Fund’s preferred shares or notes is lowered or withdrawn by the relevant rating agency, the Fund may also be required to redeem all or part of its outstanding preferred shares or notes, and the common shares of the Fund will lose the potential benefits associated with a leveraged capital structure. ● Impact on Common Shares. Assumed Return on Portfolio (Net of Expenses) (10 )% (5 )% 0 % 5 % 10 % Corresponding Return to Common Shareholder (14.34 )% (8.00 )% (1.67 )% 4.67 % 11.00 % Common share total return is composed of two elements—the common share distributions paid by the Fund (the amount of which is largely determined by the taxable income of the Fund (including realized gains or losses) after paying interest on any debt and/or dividends on any preferred shares) and unrealized gains or losses on the value of the securities the Fund owns. As required by SEC rules, the table assumes that the Fund is more likely to suffer capital losses than to enjoy total return. For example, to assume a total return of 0% the Fund must assume that the income it receives on its investments is entirely offset by expenses and losses in the value of those investments. Market Discount Risk. at such a discount. This risk may be greater for investors expecting to sell their common shares of the Fund soon after completion of a public offering. The common shares of the Fund are designed primarily for long-term investors and investors in the shares should not view the Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes. | | | | | | | | | |
Special Risks To Holders Of Preferred Shares [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Special Risks to Holders of Preferred Shares Illiquidity Prior to Exchange Listing. Market Price Fluctuation. | | | | | | | | | |
Special Risks To Holders Of Notes [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Special Risks to Holders of Notes An investment in our notes is subject to special risks. Our notes are not likely to be listed on an exchange or automated quotation system. We cannot assure you that any market will exist for our notes or if a market does exist, whether it will provide holders with liquidity. Broker-dealers that maintain a secondary trading market for the notes are not required to maintain this market, and the Fund is not required to redeem notes if an attempted secondary market sale fails because of a lack of buyers. To the extent that our notes trade, they may trade at a price either higher or lower than their principal amount depending on interest rates, the rating (if any) on such notes and other factors. | | | | | | | | | |
Special Risks Of Notes To Holders Of Preferred Shares [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Special Risks of Notes to Holders of Preferred Shares As provided in the 1940 Act, and subject to compliance with the Fund’s investment limitations, the Fund may issue notes. In the event the Fund were to issue such securities, the Fund’s obligations to pay dividends or make distributions and, upon liquidation of the Fund, liquidation payments in respect of its preferred shares would be subordinate to the Fund’s obligations to make any principal and interest payments due and owing with respect to its outstanding notes. Accordingly, the Fund’s issuance of notes would have the effect of creating special risks for the Fund’s preferred shareholders that would not be present in a capital structure that did not include such securities. | | | | | | | | | |
Special Risks To Holders Of Notes And Preferred Shares [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Special Risks to Holders of Notes and Preferred Shares Common Share Repurchases. Common Share Distribution Policy. For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, the Fund made distributions of $0.36 per common share, approximately $0.31 of which constituted a return of capital. The composition of each distribution is estimated based on earnings as of the record date for the distribution. The actual composition of each distribution may change based on the Fund’s investment activity through the end of the calendar year. Credit Quality Ratings. These guidelines could affect portfolio decisions and may be more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. A rating (if any) by a rating agency does not eliminate or necessarily mitigate the risks of investing in our preferred shares or notes, and a rating may not fully or accurately reflect all of the securities’ credit risks. A rating (if any) does not address liquidity or any other market risks of the securities being rated. A rating agency could downgrade the rating of our notes or preferred shares, which may make such securities less liquid in the secondary market. If a rating agency downgrades the rating assigned to notes or preferred shares, we may alter our portfolio or redeem the preferred securities or notes under certain circumstances. | | | | | | | | | |
Special Risk To Holders Of Subscription Rights [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Special Risk to Holders of Subscription Rights There is a risk that changes in market conditions may result in the underlying common or preferred shares purchasable upon exercise of the subscription rights being less attractive to investors at the conclusion of the subscription period. This may reduce or eliminate the value of the subscription rights. Investors who receive subscription rights may find that there is no market to sell rights they do not wish to exercise. If investors exercise only a portion of the rights, the number of common or preferred shares issued may be reduced, and the common or preferred shares may trade at less favorable prices than larger offerings for similar securities. | | | | | | | | | |
Additional Investment Policies [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Additional Investment Policies Convertible Securities. The Fund believes that the characteristics of convertible securities make them appropriate investments for an investment company seeking a high level of total return on its assets. These characteristics include the potential for capital appreciation if the value of the underlying common stock increases, the relatively high yield received from dividend or interest payments as compared to common stock dividends and decreased risks of decline in value, relative to the underlying common stock due to their fixed income nature. As a result of the conversion feature, however, the interest rate or dividend preference on a convertible security is generally less than would be the case if the securities were not convertible. During periods of rising interest rates, it is possible that the potential for capital gain on a convertible security may be less than that of a common stock equivalent if the yield on the convertible security is at a level that causes it to sell at a discount. Every convertible security may be valued, on a theoretical basis, as if it did not have a conversion privilege. This theoretical value is determined by the yield it provides in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable character and quality that do not have a conversion privilege. This theoretical value, which may change with prevailing interest rates, the credit rating of the issuer and other pertinent factors, often referred to as the “investment value,” represents the security’s theoretical price support level. “Conversion value” is the amount a convertible security would be worth in market value if it were to be exchanged for the underlying equity security pursuant to its conversion privilege. Conversion value fluctuates directly with the price of the underlying equity security, usually common stock. If, because of low prices for the common stock, the conversion value is substantially below the investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by the factors described in the preceding paragraph. If the conversion value rises near or above its investment value, the price of the convertible security generally will rise above its investment value and, in addition, will sell at some premium over its conversion value. This premium represents the price investors are willing to pay for the privilege of purchasing a fixed-income security with a possibility of capital appreciation due to the conversion privilege. Accordingly, the conversion value of a convertible security is subject to equity risk, that is, the risk that the price of an equity security will fall due to general market and economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industry in which the issuer participates or the issuing company’s particular circumstances. If the appreciation potential of a convertible security is not realized, its conversion value premium may not be recovered. In its selection of convertible securities for the Fund, the Investment Adviser will not emphasize either investment value or conversion value, but will consider both in light of the Fund’s overall investment objectives. The Fund may convert a convertible security that it holds: ● when necessary to permit orderly disposition of the investment when a convertible security approaches maturity or has been called for redemption; ● to facilitate a sale of the position; ● if the dividend rate on the underlying common stock increases above the yield on the convertible security; or ● whenever the Investment Adviser believes it is otherwise in the best interests of the Fund. Convertible securities are generally not investment grade, that is, not rated within the four highest categories by S&P and Moody’s. To the extent that such convertible securities and other nonconvertible debt securities, which are acquired by the Fund consistent with the factors considered by the Investment Adviser as described in this Annual Report, are rated lower than investment grade or are not rated, there would be a greater risk as to the timely repayment of the principal of, and timely payment of interest or dividends on, those securities. It is expected that not more than 25% of the Fund’s portfolio will consist of securities rated CCC or lower by S&P or Caa or lower by Moody’s or, if unrated, would be of comparable quality as determined by the Investment Adviser. Those securities and securities rated BB or lower by S&P or Ba or lower by Moody’s are often referred to in the financial press as “junk bonds” and may include securities of issuers in default. “Junk bonds” are considered by the rating agencies to be predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s capacity to pay interest and repay principal, and may involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. Securities rated BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody’s, in the opinion of the rating agencies, also have speculative characteristics. Securities need not meet a minimum rating standard in order to be acceptable for investment by the Fund. The Fund’s investments in securities of issuers in default at the time of investment will be limited to not more than 5% of the total assets of the Fund. Further, the Fund will invest in securities of issuers in default only when the Investment Adviser believes that such issuers will emerge from bankruptcy (if applicable) and the value of such securities will appreciate. By investing in securities of issuers in default the Fund bears the risk that such issuers will not emerge from bankruptcy (if applicable), that the value of such securities will not appreciate and that such issuers may not be able to satisfy their obligations in the future. The Fund has no independent limit on the amount of its net assets it may invest in unregistered and otherwise illiquid securities and other investments. The current intention of the Investment Adviser is not to invest in excess of 15% of the Fund’s net assets in illiquid convertible securities or income securities. Shareholders will be notified if the Investment Adviser changes its intention. Investments in unregistered or otherwise illiquid securities entail certain risks related to the fact that they cannot be sold publicly in the United States without registration under the Securities Act. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. The market values of convertible securities tend to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. In the absence of adequate anti-dilution provisions in a convertible security, dilution in the value of the Fund’s holding may occur in the event the underlying stock is subdivided, additional equity securities are issued for below market value, a stock dividend is declared or the issuer enters into another type of corporate transaction that has a similar effect. The value of a convertible security is influenced by the value of the underlying equity security. Convertible debt securities and preferred stocks may depreciate in value if the market value of the underlying equity security declines or if rates of interest increase. In addition, although debt securities are liabilities of a corporation which the corporation is generally obligated to repay at a specified time, debt securities, particularly convertible debt securities, are often subordinated to the claims of some or all of the other creditors of the corporation. Mandatory conversion securities (securities that automatically convert into equity securities at a future date) may limit the potential for capital appreciation and, in some instances, are subject to complete loss of invested capital. Other innovative convertibles include “equity-linked” securities, which are securities or derivatives that may have fixed, variable, or no interest payments prior to maturity, may convert (at the option of the holder or on a mandatory basis) into cash or a combination of cash and equity securities, and may be structured to limit the potential for capital appreciation. Equity-linked securities may be illiquid and difficult to value and may be subject to greater credit risk than that of other convertibles. Moreover, mandatory conversion securities and equity-linked securities have increased the sensitivity of the convertible securities market to the volatility of the equity markets and to the special risks of those innovations, which may include risks different from, and possibly greater than, those associated with traditional convertible securities. Preferred stocks are equity securities in the sense that they do not represent a liability of the corporation. In the event of liquidation of the corporation, and after its creditors have been paid or provided for, holders of preferred stock are generally entitled to a preference as to the assets of the corporation before any distribution may be made to the holders of common stock. Debt securities normally do not have voting rights. Preferred stocks may have no voting rights or may have voting rights only under certain circumstances. ● Credit Risk. ● Interest Rate Risk for Convertible Securities. ● Dilution Risk for Convertible Securities. Synthetic Convertible Securities. underlying common stock into which the note is convertible, assumes credit risk associated with the underlying investment and the Fund in turn assumes credit risk associated with the issuer of the convertible note. The value of a synthetic convertible instrument may respond differently to market fluctuations than a convertible security because a synthetic convertible instrument is composed of two or more separate instruments, each with its own market value. In addition, if the value of the underlying common stock or the level of the index involved in the convertible component falls below the exercise price of the warrant or option, the warrant or option may lose all value. Synthetic convertible instruments created by other parties have the same attributes of a convertible security; however, the issuer of the synthetic convertible instrument assumes the credit risk associated with the investment, rather than the issuer of the underlying equity security into which the instrument is convertible. The Fund remains subject to the credit risk associated with the counterparty creating the synthetic convertible instrument. Dilution Risk for Convertible Securities. Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. The dealings of the Fund in forward foreign currency exchange are limited to hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio positions. Transaction hedging is the purchase or sale of one forward foreign currency for another currency with respect to specific receivables or payables of the Fund accruing in connection with the purchase and sale of its portfolio securities or its payment of distributions and dividends. Position hedging is the purchase or sale of one forward foreign currency for another currency with respect to portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in the foreign currency to offset the effect of an anticipated substantial appreciation or depreciation, respectively, in the value of the currency relative to the U.S. dollar. In this situation, the Fund also may, for example, enter into a forward contract to sell or purchase a different foreign currency for a fixed U.S. dollar amount where it is believed that the U.S. dollar value of the currency to be sold or bought pursuant to the forward contract will fall or rise, as the case may be, whenever there is a decline or increase, respectively, in the U.S. dollar value of the currency in which its portfolio securities are denominated (this practice being referred to as a “cross-hedge”). In hedging a specific transaction, the Fund may enter into a forward contract with respect to either the currency in which the transaction is denominated or another currency deemed appropriate by the Investment Adviser. The amount the Fund may invest in forward currency contracts is limited to the amount of its aggregate investments in foreign currencies. The use of forward currency contracts may involve certain risks, including the failure of the counterparty to perform its obligations under the contract, and such use may not serve as a complete hedge because of an imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the contracts and the prices of the currencies hedged or used for cover. The Fund will only enter into forward currency contracts with parties that the Investment Adviser believes to be creditworthy institutions. | | | | | | | | | |
Master Limited Partnerships [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Master Limited Partnerships. | | | | | | | | | |
Options On Foreign Currencies [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Options on Foreign Currencies. As in the case of interest rate futures contracts and options thereon, described below, the Fund may hedge against the risk of a decrease or increase in the U.S. dollar value of a foreign currency denominated debt security which the Fund owns or intends to acquire by purchasing or selling options contracts, futures contracts or options thereon with respect to a foreign currency other than the foreign currency in which such debt security is denominated, where the values of such different currencies (vis-à-vis the U.S. dollar) historically have a high degree of positive correlation. | | | | | | | | | |
Interest Rate Futures Contracts And Options Thereon [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Interest Rate Futures Contracts and Options Thereon. the Fund might sell futures contracts on debt securities, the values of which historically have a high degree of positive correlation to the values of the Fund’s portfolio securities. Such a sale would have an effect similar to selling an equivalent value of the Fund’s portfolio securities. If interest rates increase, the value of the Fund’s portfolio securities will decline, but the value of the futures contracts to the Fund will increase at approximately an equivalent rate thereby keeping the net asset value of the Fund from declining as much as it otherwise would have. The Fund could accomplish similar results by selling debt securities with longer maturities and investing in debt securities with shorter maturities when interest rates are expected to increase. However, since the futures market may be more liquid than the cash market, the use of futures contracts as a risk management technique allows the Fund to maintain a defensive position without having to sell its portfolio securities. Similarly, the Fund may purchase interest rate futures contracts when it is expected that interest rates may decline. The purchase of futures contracts for this purpose constitutes a hedge against increases in the price of debt securities (caused by declining interest rates) which the Fund intends to acquire. Since fluctuations in the value of appropriately selected futures contracts should approximate that of the debt securities that will be purchased, the Fund can take advantage of the anticipated rise in the cost of the debt securities without actually buying them. Subsequently, the Fund can make its intended purchase of the debt securities in the cash market and liquidate its futures position. The purchase of a call option on a futures contract is similar in some respects to the purchase of a call option on an individual security. Depending on the pricing of the option compared to either the price of the futures contract upon which it is based or the price of the underlying debt securities, it may or may not be less risky than ownership of the futures contract or underlying debt securities. As with the purchase of futures contracts, when the Fund is not fully invested it may purchase a call option on a futures contract to hedge against a market advance due to declining interest rates. The purchase of a put option on a futures contract is similar to the purchase of protective put options on portfolio securities. The Fund will purchase a put option on a futures contract to hedge the Fund’s portfolio against the risk of rising interest rates and consequent reduction in the value of portfolio securities. The writing of a call option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against declining prices of the securities which are deliverable upon exercise of the futures contract. If the futures price at expiration of the option is below the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium which provides a partial hedge against any decline that may have occurred in the Fund’s portfolio holdings. The writing of a put option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against increasing prices of the securities that are deliverable upon exercise of the futures contract. If the futures price at expiration of the option is higher than the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium, which provides a partial hedge against any increase in the price of debt securities that the Fund intends to purchase. If a put or call option the Fund has written is exercised, the Fund will incur a loss which will be reduced by the amount of the premium it received. Depending on the degree of correlation between changes in the value of its portfolio securities and changes in the value of its futures positions, the Fund’s losses from options on futures it has written may to some extent be reduced or increased by changes in the value of its portfolio securities. See “Risk Factors and Special Considerations—General Risks—Interest Rate Risk Generally.” | | | | | | | | | |
Currency Futures And Options Thereon [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Currency Futures and Options Thereon. The purchase of options on currency futures will allow the Fund, for the price of the premium and related transaction costs it must pay for the option, to decide whether or not to buy (in the case of a call option) or to sell (in the case of a put option) a futures contract at a specified price at any time during the period before the option expires. If the Investment Adviser, in purchasing an option, has been correct in its judgment concerning the direction in which the price of a foreign currency would move as against the U.S. dollar, the Fund may exercise the option and thereby take a futures position to hedge against the risk it had correctly anticipated or close out the option position at a gain that will offset, to some extent, currency exchange losses otherwise suffered by the Fund. If exchange rates move in a way the Fund did not anticipate, however, the Fund will have incurred the expense of the option without obtaining the expected benefit; any such movement in exchange rates may also thereby reduce rather than enhance the Fund’s profits on its underlying securities transactions. | | | | | | | | | |
Securities Index Futures Contracts And Options Thereon [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Securities Index Futures Contracts and Options Thereon. | | | | | | | | | |
Contingent Convertible Securities [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Contingent Convertible Securities. CoCos are a newer form of instrument and the regulatory environment for these instruments continues to evolve. Because the market for such securities is evolving, it is uncertain how the larger market for CoCos would react to a trigger event, coupon cancellation, write-down of par value or coupon suspension (as described below) applicable to a single issuer. Following conversion of a CoCo, because the common stock of the issuer may not pay a dividend, investors in such securities could experience reduced yields or no yields at all. Loss Absorption Risk. Subordinated Instruments. Unpredictable Market Value Fluctuate. | | | | | | | | | |
Traditional Preferred Securities [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Traditional Preferred Securities. affected. There is no assurance that dividends or distributions on the preferred securities in which the Fund invests will be declared or otherwise made payable. Preferred shareholders usually have no right to vote for corporate directors or on other matters. Shares of preferred stock have a liquidation value that generally equals the original purchase price at the date of issuance. The market value of preferred securities may be affected by favorable and unfavorable changes impacting companies in which the Fund invests and by actual and anticipated changes in tax laws, such as changes in corporate income tax rates or the “Dividends Received Deduction.” Because the claim on an issuer’s earnings represented by preferred securities may become onerous when interest rates fall below the rate payable on such securities, the issuer may redeem the securities. Thus, in declining interest rate environments in particular, the Fund’s holdings, if any, of higher rate-paying fixed rate preferred securities may be reduced and the Fund may be unable to acquire securities of comparable credit quality paying comparable rates with the redemption proceeds. | | | | | | | | | |
Trust Preferred Securities [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Trust Preferred Securities. Trust preferred securities are typically junior and fully subordinated liabilities of an issuer and benefit from a guarantee that is junior and fully subordinated to the other liabilities of the guarantor. In addition, trust preferred securities typically permit an issuer to defer the payment of income for five years or more without triggering an event of default. Because of their subordinated position in the capital structure of an issuer, the ability to defer payments for extended periods of time without default consequences to the issuer, and certain other features (such as restrictions on common dividend payments by the issuer or ultimate guarantor when full cumulative payments on the trust preferred securities have not been made), these trust preferred securities are often treated as close substitutes for traditional preferred securities, both by issuers and investors. Trust preferred securities have many of the key characteristics of equity due to their subordinated position in an issuer’s capital structure and because their quality and value are heavily dependent on the profitability of the issuer rather than on any legal claims to specific assets or cash flows. Trust preferred securities include but are not limited to trust originated preferred securities (“TOPRS®”); monthly income preferred securities (“MIPS®”); quarterly income bond securities (“QUIBS®”); quarterly income debt securities (“QUIDS®”); quarterly income preferred securities (“QUIPSSM”); corporate trust securities (“CORTS®”); public income notes (“PINES®”); and other trust preferred securities. Trust preferred securities are typically issued with a final maturity date, although some are perpetual in nature. In certain instances, a final maturity date may be extended and/or the final payment of principal may be deferred at the issuer’s option for a specified time without default. No redemption can typically take place unless all cumulative payment obligations have been met, although issuers may be able to engage in open-market repurchases without regard to whether all payments have been paid. Many trust preferred securities are issued by trusts or other special purpose entities established by operating companies and are not a direct obligation of an operating company. At the time the trust or special purpose entity sells such preferred securities to investors, it purchases debt of the operating company (with terms comparable to those of the trust or special purpose entity securities), which enables the operating company to deduct for tax purposes the interest paid on the debt held by the trust or special purpose entity. The trust or special purpose entity is generally required to be treated as transparent for Federal income tax purposes such that the holders of the trust preferred securities are treated as owning beneficial interests in the underlying debt of the operating company. Accordingly, payments on the trust preferred securities are treated as interest rather than dividends for Federal income tax purposes. The trust or special purpose entity in turn would be a holder of the operating company’s debt and would have priority with respect to the operating company’s earnings and profits over the operating company’s common shareholders, but would typically be subordinated to other classes of the operating company’s debt. Typically a preferred share has a rating that is slightly below that of its corresponding operating company’s senior debt securities. | | | | | | | | | |
Small Capitalization Company Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Small Capitalization Company Risk. Smaller companies offer investment opportunities and additional risks. They may not be well known to the investing public, may not be significantly owned by institutional investors and may not have steady earnings growth. These companies may have limited product lines and markets, as well as shorter operating histories, less experienced management or a limited management group on which they rely and more limited financial resources than larger companies. In addition, the securities of such companies may be more vulnerable to adverse general market or economic developments, more volatile in price, have wider spreads between their bid and ask prices and have significantly lower trading volumes than the securities of larger capitalization companies. As such, securities of these smaller companies may be less liquid than those of larger companies, and may experience greater price fluctuations than larger companies. In addition, small-cap or mid-cap company securities may not be widely followed by investors, which may result in reduced demand. As a result, the purchase or sale of more than a limited number of shares of the securities of a smaller company may affect its market price. The Investment Adviser may need a considerable amount of time to purchase or sell its positions in these securities, particularly when other Investment Adviser-managed accounts or other investors are also seeking to purchase or sell them. Accordingly, the Investment Adviser’s investment focus on the securities of smaller companies generally leads it to have a long term investment outlook of at least two years for a portfolio security. The securities of smaller capitalization companies generally trade in lower volumes and are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than larger capitalization securities or the market as a whole. In addition, smaller capitalization securities may be particularly sensitive to changes in interest rates, borrowing costs and earnings. Investing in smaller capitalization securities requires a longer-term view. | | | | | | | | | |
Warrants And Rights [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Warrants and Rights. Investing in rights and warrants can provide a greater potential for profit or loss than an equivalent investment in the underlying security, and thus can be a riskier investment. The value of a right or warrant may decline because of a decline in the value of the underlying security, the passage of time, changes in interest rates or in the dividend or other policies of the Fund whose equity underlies the warrant, a change in the perception as to the future price of the underlying security, or any combination thereof. Rights and warrants generally pay no dividends and confer no voting or other rights other than the right to purchase the underlying security. | | | | | | | | | |
Commodities Linked Equity Derivative Instrument Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Commodities-Linked Equity Derivative Instrument Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
Investing In Japan [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Investing in Japan. | | | | | | | | | |
Investing In Latin America [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Investing in Latin America. Some Latin American currencies have experienced steady devaluations relative to the U.S. dollar and certain Latin American countries have had to make major adjustments in their currencies from time to time. In addition, governments of many Latin American countries have exercised and continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector. Governmental actions in the future could have a significant effect on economic conditions in Latin American countries, which could affect the companies in which the Fund invests and, therefore, the value of the Fund’s shares. As noted, in the past, many Latin American countries have experienced substantial, and in some periods extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. For companies that keep accounting records in the local currency, inflation accounting rules in some Latin American countries require, for both tax and accounting purposes, that certain assets and liabilities be restated on the company’s balance sheet in order to express items in terms of currency of constant purchasing power. Inflation accounting may indirectly generate losses or profits for certain Latin American companies. Inflation and rapid fluctuations in inflation rates have had, and could, in the future, have very negative effects on the economies and securities markets of certain Latin American countries. Substantial limitations may exist in certain countries with respect to the Fund’s ability to repatriate investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities. The Fund could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application to the Fund of any restrictions on investments. Certain Latin American countries have entered into regional trade agreements that are designed to, among other things, reduce barriers between countries, increase competition among companies and reduce government subsidies in certain industries. No assurances can be given that these changes will be successful in the long-term, or that these changes will result in the economic stability intended. There is a possibility that these trade arrangements will not be fully implemented, or will be partially or completely unwound. It is also possible that a significant participant could choose to abandon a trade agreement, which could diminish its credibility and influence. Any of these occurrences could have adverse effects on the markets of both participating and non-participating countries, including sharp appreciation or depreciation of participants’ national currencies and a significant increase in exchange rate volatility, a resurgence in economic protectionism, an undermining of confidence in the Latin American markets, an undermining of Latin American economic stability, the collapse or slowdown of the drive towards Latin American economic unity, and/or reversion of the attempts to lower government debt and inflation rates that were introduced in anticipation of such trade agreements. Such developments could have an adverse impact on the Fund’s investments in Latin America generally or in specific countries participating in such trade agreements. Other Latin American market risks include foreign exchange controls, difficulties in pricing securities, defaults on sovereign debt, difficulties in enforcing favorable legal judgments in local courts and political and social instability. Legal remedies available to investors in certain Latin American countries may be less extensive than those available to investors in the United States or other foreign countries. | | | | | | | | | |
Investing In Asia Pacific Countries [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Investing in Asia-Pacific Countries. Many of the developing market Asia-Pacific countries may be subject to a greater degree of economic, political and social instability than is the case in the United States and Western European countries. Such instability may result from, among other things: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in political and economic decision-making, including changes in government through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic and social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; and (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection. In addition, the governments of many of such countries, such as Indonesia, have a substantial role in regulating and supervising the economy. Another risk common to most such countries is that the economy is heavily export oriented and, accordingly, is dependent upon international trade. The existence of overburdened infrastructure and obsolete financial systems also presents risks in certain countries, as do environmental problems. Certain economies also depend to a significant degree upon exports of primary commodities and, therefore, are vulnerable to changes in commodity prices that, in turn, may be affected by a variety of factors. The rights of investors in developing market Asia-Pacific companies may be more limited than those of shareholders of U.S. corporations. It may be difficult or impossible to obtain and/or enforce a judgment in a developing market Asia-Pacific country. Some developing Asia-Pacific countries prohibit or impose substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly their equity markets, by foreign entities. For example, certain countries may require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular company. | | | | | | | | | |
Risk Arbitrage [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Risk Arbitrage. In general, securities which are the subject of such an offer or proposal sell at a premium to their historic market price immediately prior to the announcement of the offer but may trade at a discount or premium to what the stated or appraised value of the security would be if the contemplated transaction were approved or consummated. Such investments may be advantageous when the discount significantly overstates the risk of the contingencies involved; significantly undervalues the securities, assets or cash to be received by shareholders as a result of the contemplated transaction; or fails adequately to recognize the possibility that the offer or proposal may be replaced or superseded by an offer or proposal of greater value. The evaluation of such contingencies requires unusually broad knowledge and experience on the part of the Investment Adviser which must appraise not only the value of the issuer and its component businesses as well as the assets or securities to be received as a result of the contemplated transaction but also the financial resources and business motivation behind the offer and/or the dynamics and business climate when the offer or proposal is in process. Since such investments are ordinarily short-term in nature, they will tend to increase the turnover ratio of the Fund, thereby increasing its brokerage and other transaction expenses. Risk arbitrage strategies may also involve short selling, options hedging and other arbitrage techniques to capture price differentials. The principal risk of such investments is that certain of such proposed transactions may be renegotiated, terminated or involve a longer time frame than originally contemplated, in which case the Fund may realize losses. Such risk is sometimes referred to as “merger arbitrage risk.” Among the factors that affect the level of risk with respect to the completion of the transaction are the deal spread and number of bidders, the friendliness of the buyer and seller, the strategic rationale behind the transaction, the existence of regulatory hurdles, the level of due diligence completed on the target company and the ability of the buyer to finance the transaction. If the spread between the purchase price and the current price of the seller’s stock is small, the risk that the transaction will not be completed may outweigh the potential return. If there is very little interest by other potential buyers in the target company, the risk of loss may be higher than where there are back-up buyers that would allow the arbitrageur to realize a similar return if the current deal falls through. Unfriendly management of the target company or change in friendly management in the middle of a deal increases the risk that the deal will not be completed even if the target company’s board has approved the transaction and may involve the risk of litigation expense if the target company pursues litigation in an attempt to prevent the deal from occurring. The underlying strategy behind the deal is also a risk consideration because the less a target company will benefit from a merger or acquisition, the greater the risk. There is also a risk that an acquiring company may back out of an announced deal if, in the process of completing its due diligence of the target company, it discovers something undesirable about such company. In addition, merger transactions are also subject to regulatory risk because a merger transaction often must be approved by a regulatory body or pass governmental antitrust review. All of these factors affect the timing and likelihood that the transaction will close. Even if the Investment Adviser selects announced deals with the goal of mitigating the risks that the transaction will fail to close, such risks may still delay the closing of such transaction to a date later than the Fund originally anticipated, reducing the level of desired return to the Fund. In recapitalizations, a corporation may restructure its balance sheet by selling specific assets, significantly leveraging other assets and creating new classes of equity securities to be distributed, together with a substantial payment in cash or in debt securities, to existing shareholders. In connection with such transactions, there is a risk that the value of the cash and new securities distributed will not be as high as the cost of the Fund’s original investment or that no such distribution will ultimately be made and the value of the Fund’s investment will decline. To the extent an investment in a company that has undertaken a recapitalization is retained by the Fund, the Fund’s risks will generally be comparable to those associated with investments in highly leveraged companies, generally including higher than average sensitivity to (i) short term interest rate fluctuations, (ii) downturns in the general economy or within a particular industry or (iii) adverse developments within the company itself. Merger arbitrage positions are also subject to the risk of overall market movements. To the extent that a general increase or decline in equity values affects the stocks involved in a merger arbitrage position differently, the position may be exposed to loss. Finally, merger arbitrage strategies depend for success on the overall volume of global merger activity, which has historically been cyclical in nature. During periods when merger activity is low, it may be difficult or impossible to identify opportunities for profit or to identify a sufficient number of such opportunities to provide balance among potential merger transactions. To the extent that the number of announced deals and corporate reorganizations decreases or the number of investors in such transactions increases, it is possible that merger arbitrage spreads will tighten, causing the profitability of investing in such transactions to diminish, which will in turn decrease the returns to the Fund from such investment activity. | | | | | | | | | |
Loans Of Portfolio Securities [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Loans of Portfolio Securities. A loan may generally be terminated by the borrower on one business day’s notice, or by the Fund at any time thereby requiring the borrower to redeliver the borrowed securities within the normal and customary settlement time for securities transactions. If the borrower fails to deliver the loaned securities within the normal and customary settlement time for securities transactions, the Fund could use the collateral to replace the securities while holding the borrower liable for any excess of replacement cost over the value of the collateral pledged by the borrower. As with any extensions of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery and in some cases even loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities violate the terms of the loan or fail financially. However, these loans of portfolio securities will only be made to firms deemed by the Investment Adviser to be creditworthy and when the income which can be earned from such loans justifies the attendant risks. The Board will oversee the creditworthiness of the contracting parties on an ongoing basis. Upon termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the securities to the Fund. Any gain or loss in the market price during the loan period would inure to the Fund. The risks associated with loans of portfolio securities are substantially similar to those associated with repurchase agreements. Thus, if the counterparty to the loan petitions for bankruptcy or becomes subject to the United States Bankruptcy Code, the law regarding the rights of the Fund is unsettled. As a result, under extreme circumstances, there may be a restriction on the Fund’s ability to sell the collateral and the Fund would suffer a loss. Moreover, because the Fund will reinvest any cash collateral it receives, as described above, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the investments it makes will decline and result in losses to the Fund. These losses, in extreme circumstances such as the 2007-2009 financial crisis, could be substantial and have a significant adverse impact on the Fund and its shareholders. When voting or consent rights which accompany loaned securities pass to the borrower, the Fund will follow the policy of calling the loaned securities, to be delivered within one day after notice, to permit the exercise of such rights if the matters involved would have a material effect on the Fund’s investment in such loaned securities. The Fund will pay reasonable finder’s, administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan of its securities, and may also pay fees to one or more securities lending agents and/or pay other fees or rebates to borrowers. | | | | | | | | | |
Additional Risks Relating To Derivative Investments [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Additional Risks Relating to Derivative Investments | | | | | | | | | |
Derivatives Transactions Subject To Rule 18f 4 [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Derivatives Transactions Subject to Rule 18f-4. Under Rule 18f-4, “Derivatives Transactions” include the following: (i) any swap, security-based swap (including a contract for differences), futures contract, forward contract, option (excluding purchased options), any combination of the foregoing, or any similar instrument, under which a Fund is or may be required to make any payment or delivery of cash or other assets during the life of the instrument or at maturity or early termination, whether as margin or settlement payment or otherwise; (ii) any short sale borrowing; (iii) reverse repurchase agreements and similar financing transactions, if a Fund elects to treat these transactions as Derivatives Transactions under Rule 18f-4; and (iv) when-issued or forward-settling securities (e.g., firm and standby commitments, including to-be-announced (“TBA”) commitments, and dollar rolls) and non-standard settlement cycle securities, unless the Fund intends to physically settle the transaction and the transaction will settle within 35 days of its trade date. Unless a fund is relying on the Limited Derivatives User Exception (as defined below), the fund must comply with Rule 18f-4 with respect to its Derivatives Transactions. Rule 18f-4, among other things, requires a fund to (i) appoint a Derivatives Risk Manager, (ii) maintain a Derivatives Risk Management Program designed to identify, assess, and reasonably manage the risks associated with Derivatives Transactions; (iii) comply with certain value-at-risk (VaR)-based leverage limits (VaR is an estimate of an instrument’s or portfolio’s potential losses over a given time horizon and at a specified confidence level); and (iv) comply with certain reporting and recordkeeping requirements of the fund’s board of directors. Rule 18f-4 provides an exception from the requirements to appoint a Derivatives Risk Manager, adopt a Derivatives Risk Management Program, comply with certain VaR-based leverage limits, and comply with certain Board oversight and reporting requirements if a fund’s “derivatives exposure” (as defined in Rule 18f-4) is limited to 10% of its net assets (as calculated in accordance with Rule 18f-4) and the fund adopts and implements written policies and procedures reasonably designed to manage its derivatives risks (the “Limited Derivatives User Exception”). Pursuant to Rule 18f-4, if the Fund enters into reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions, the Fund will (i) aggregate the amount of indebtedness associated with all of its reverse repurchase agreements or similar financing transactions with the amount of any other “senior securities” representing indebtedness (e.g., bank borrowings, if applicable) when calculating the Fund’s asset coverage ratio or (ii) treat all such transactions as Derivatives Transactions. The requirements of Rule 18f-4 may limit the Fund’s ability to engage in Derivatives Transactions as part of its investment strategies. These requirements may also increase the cost of the Fund’s investments and cost of doing business, which could adversely affect the value of the Fund’s investments and/or the performance of the Fund. | | | | | | | | | |
Derivatives Regulation Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Derivatives Regulation Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
Special Risk Considerations Relating To Futures And Options Thereon [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Special Risk Considerations Relating to Futures and Options Thereon. Successful use of futures contracts and options thereon and forward contracts by the Fund is subject to the ability of the Investment Adviser to predict correctly movements in the direction of interest and foreign currency rates. If the Investment Adviser’s expectations are not met, the Fund will be in a worse position than if a hedging strategy had not been pursued. For example, if the Fund has hedged against the possibility of an increase in interest rates that would adversely affect the price of securities in its portfolio and the price of such securities increases instead, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of its securities because it will have offsetting losses in its futures positions. In addition, in such situations, if the Fund has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it may have to sell securities to meet the requirements. These sales may be, but will not necessarily be, at increased prices which reflect the rising market. The Fund may have to sell securities at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so. | | | | | | | | | |
Additional Risks Of Foreign Options Futures Contracts Options On Futures Contracts And Forward Contracts [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Additional Risks of Foreign Options, Futures Contracts, Options on Futures Contracts and Forward Contracts. Exchanges on which options, futures and options on futures are traded may impose limits on the positions that the Fund may take in certain circumstances. | | | | | | | | | |
Risks Of Currency Transactions [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Risks of Currency Transactions. | | | | | | | | | |