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 | | | | | | | | | | 0000921671 | | | | | | | | | |
Amendment Flag | | | | | | | | | | false | | | | | | | | | |
Document Type | | | | | | | | | | N-CSR | | | | | | | | | |
Entity Registrant Name | | | | | | | | | | The Gabelli Multimedia Trust Inc. | | | | | | | | | |
Fee Table [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Shareholder Transaction Expenses [Table Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Stockholder Transaction Expenses Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price) - % (a) Offering Expenses Borne by the Fund - % (a) Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan Fees - Purchase Transactions $ 0.75 (b) One-time Fee for Deposit of Stock Certificates $ 2.50 (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 stock) Percentages of Net Assets Management Fees 1.76 % (c) Interest on Borrowed Funds - % (d) Other Expenses 0.70 % (e) Total Annual Expenses 2.46 % Dividends on Preferred Shares 3.90 % (f) Total Annual Expenses and Dividends on Preferred 6.36 % (c) | | | | | | | | | |
Management Fees [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | 1.76% | | | | | | | | | |
Interest Expenses on Borrowings [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | (0.00%) | | | | | | | | | |
Other Annual Expenses [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Annual Expense 3 [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | 0.70% | | | | | | | | | |
Total Annual Expenses [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | 2.46% | | | | | | | | | |
Waivers and Reimbursements of Fees [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | 3.90% | | | | | | | | | |
Net Expense over Assets [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | 6.36% | | | | | | | | | |
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 $63 $187 $307 $894 * The example should not be considered a representation of future expenses. The example is based on Total Annual Expenses and Dividends on Preferred Stock 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 above example includes Dividends on Preferred Stock. If Dividends on Preferred Stock was not included in the example calculation, the expenses would be as follows (based on the same assumptions as above). 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10 Year Total Expenses Incurred $ 25 $ 77 $ 131 $ 279 | | | | | | | | | |
Expense Example, Year 01 | | | | | | | | | | $ 63 | | | | | | | | | |
Expense Example, Years 1 to 3 | | | | | | | | | | 187 | | | | | | | | | |
Expense Example, Years 1 to 5 | | | | | | | | | | 307 | | | | | | | | | |
Expense Example, Years 1 to 10 | | | | | | | | | | $ 894 | | | | | | | | | |
Purpose of Fee Table , Note [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | The following table shows the Fund’s expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock. All expenses of the Fund are borne, directly or indirectly, by the common stockholders. 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 stock, would bear directly or indirectly. | | | | | | | | | |
Other Expenses, Note [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | “Other Expenses” are 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 The Fund’s primary investment objective is to achieve long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in the common stock and other securities of foreign and domestic companies involved in the telecommunications, media, publishing, and entertainment industries. Income is the secondary investment objective. The investment objectives of long-term growth of capital and income are fundamental policies of the Fund. The Fund’s policy of concentration in companies in the telecommunications, media, publishing, and entertainment industries is also a fundamental policy of the Fund. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of the value of its net assets, plus borrowings for investment purposes, in common stock and other securities, including convertible securities, preferred stock, options, and warrants of companies in the telecommunications, media, publishing, and entertainment industries (the “80% Policy”). The Fund may invest in companies of any size market capitalization. The Fund may invest, without limitation, in foreign securities. The Fund may also invest in securities of companies located in emerging markets. A company will be considered to be in these industries if it derives at least 50% of its revenues or earnings from, or devotes at least 50% of its assets to, the indicated activities or multimedia related activities. The 80% Policy may be changed without stockholder approval. The Fund will provide stockholders with notice at least sixty days prior to the implementation of any change in the 80% Policy. The telecommunications companies in which the Fund may invest are engaged in the development, manufacture, or sale of communications services or equipment throughout the world, including the following products or services: regular telephone service; wireless communications services and equipment, including cellular telephone, microwave and satellite communications, paging, and other emerging wireless technologies; equipment and services for both data and voice transmission, including computer hardware and software; electronic components and communications equipment; video conferencing; electronic mail; local and wide area networking, and linkage of data and word processing systems; publishing and information systems; video text and teletext; emerging technologies combining television, telephone and computer systems; broadcasting, including television and radio, satellite and microwave transmission and cable television. The entertainment, media and publishing companies in which the Fund may invest are engaged in providing the following products or services: the creation, packaging, distribution, and ownership of entertainment programming throughout the world, including pre-recorded music, feature-length motion pictures, made-for-TV movies, television series, documentaries, animation, game shows, sports programming, and news programs; live events such as professional sporting events or concerts, theatrical exhibitions, television and radio broadcasting, satellite and microwave transmission, cable television systems and programming, broadcast and cable networks, wireless cable television and other emerging distribution technologies; home video, interactive and multimedia programming, including home shopping and multiplayer games; publishing, including newspapers, magazines and books, advertising agencies and niche advertising mediums such as in-store or direct mail; emerging technologies combining television, telephone, and computer systems, computer hardware and software; and equipment used in the creation and distribution of entertainment programming such as that required in the provision of broadcast, cable, or telecommunications services. Investing in securities of foreign issuers, which generally are denominated in foreign currencies, may involve certain risk and opportunity considerations not typically associated with investing in domestic companies and could cause the Fund to be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency exchange rates and revaluations of currencies. The Investment Adviser believes that at the present time investment by the Fund in the securities of companies located throughout the world presents great potential for accomplishing the Fund’s investment objectives. While the Investment Adviser expects that a substantial portion of the Fund’s portfolio may be invested in the securities of domestic companies, a significant portion of the Fund’s portfolio may also be comprised of the securities of issuers headquartered outside the United States. No assurance can be given that the Fund’s investment objectives will be achieved. Investment Methodology of the Fund In selecting securities for the Fund, the Investment Adviser normally will consider the following factors, among others: ● the Investment Adviser’s own evaluations of the private market value (as defined below), cash flow, earnings per share, and other fundamental aspects of the underlying assets and business of the company; ● the potential for capital appreciation of the securities; ● the interest or dividend income generated by 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 diversification of the portfolio of the Fund as to issuers. The Investment Adviser’s investment philosophy with respect to equity securities is to identify assets that are selling in the public market at a discount to their private market value. The Investment Adviser defines private market value as the value informed purchasers are willing to pay to acquire assets with similar characteristics. The Investment Adviser also normally evaluates an issuer’s free cash flow and long-term earnings trends. Finally, the Investment Adviser looks for a catalyst, something indigenous to the company, its industry, or country that will surface additional value. Principal Investment Practices and Policies Equity Securities. 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 stockholders 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. Equity securities also include preferred stock (whether or not convertible into common stock) and debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for common or preferred stock. Preferred stock has a preference over common stock in liquidation (and generally dividends as well) but is subordinated to the liabilities of the issuer in all respects. As a general rule the market value of preferred stock with a fixed dividend rate and no conversion element varies inversely with interest rates and perceived credit risk, while the market price of convertible preferred stock generally also reflects some element of conversion value. Because preferred stock is junior to debt securities and other obligations of the issuer, deterioration in the credit quality of the issuer will cause greater changes in the value of a preferred stock than in a more senior debt security with similarly stated yield characteristics. The market value of preferred stock will also generally reflect whether (and if so when) the issuer may force holders to sell their preferred stock back to the issuer and whether (and if so when) the holders may force the issuer to buy back their preferred stock. Generally speaking, the right of the issuer to repurchase the preferred stock tends to reduce any premium at which the preferred stock might otherwise trade due to interest rate or credit factors, while the right of the holders to require the issuer to repurchase the preferred stock tends to reduce any discount at which the preferred stock might otherwise trade due to interest rate or credit factors. In addition, some preferred stocks are non-cumulative, meaning that the dividends do not accumulate and need not ever be paid. A portion of the portfolio may include investments in non-cumulative preferred stocks, whereby the issuer does not have an obligation to make up any arrearages to its stockholders. There is no assurance that dividends or distributions on non-cumulative preferred stocks in which the Fund invests will be declared or otherwise made payable. Securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for preferred or common stock are liabilities of the issuer but are generally subordinated to more senior elements of the issuer’s balance sheet. Although such securities also generally reflect an element of conversion value, their market value also varies with interest rates and perceived credit risk. Many convertible securities are not investment grade, that is, not rated “BBB” or better by S&P or “Baa” or better by Moody’s or considered by the Investment Adviser to be of similar quality. Preferred stocks and convertible securities may have many of the same characteristics and risks as nonconvertible debt securities. The Fund is also permitted to invest in certain other securities with innovative structures in the convertible securities market. These include “mandatory conversion” securities, which consist of debt securities or preferred stocks that convert automatically into common stock of the same or a different issuer at a specified date and conversion ratio. The market value of a convertible security may be viewed as comprised of two components: its “investment value,” which is its value based on its yield without regard to its conversion feature; and its “conversion value,” which is its value attributable to the underlying common stock obtainable on conversion. The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates and the yield of similar non-convertible securities, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decrease. The conversion value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in the market price of the underlying common stock. If, because of a low price of the underlying common stock, the conversion value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. To the extent the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the convertible security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value, and the convertible security may sell at a premium over its conversion value to the extent investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security. Accordingly, convertible securities have unique investment characteristics because (i) they have relatively high yields as compared to common stocks, (ii) they have defensive characteristics since they provide a fixed return even if the market price of the underlying common stock declines, and (iii) they provide the potential for capital appreciation if the market price of the underlying common stock increases. A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option of the issuer at a price established in the charter provision or indenture pursuant to which the convertible security is issued. If a convertible security held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to surrender the security for redemption, convert it into the underlying common stock or sell it to a third party. Before the Fund purchases a convertible security it will review carefully the redemption provisions of the security. There may be additional types of convertible securities with features not specifically referred to herein in which the Fund may invest consistent with its investment objectives and policies. For a discussion of risk factors of convertible securities, see “Risk Factors and Special Considerations—Convertible Securities Risk.” Options. If the Fund has written an option, it may terminate its obligation by effecting a closing purchase transaction. This is accomplished by purchasing an option of the same series as the option previously written. However, with respect to exchange-traded options, 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 on an exchange. This is accomplished by selling an option of the same series 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 received from writing the option or is more than the premium 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 received from writing the option or is less than the premium 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, prevailing 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 options cannot serve as a complete hedge since the price movement of securities underlying the options will not necessarily follow the price movements of the portfolio securities subject to the hedge. An option position may be closed out only on an exchange which provides a secondary market for an option of the same series or in a private transaction. Although the Fund will generally purchase or write only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will persist for any particular option. In such event, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options, so that 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 of put and call options, there can be no assurance that the Fund will succeed in any option-writing program it undertakes. The Fund may write covered call options on common stocks that it owns or has an immediate right to acquire through conversion or exchange of other securities in an amount not to exceed 25% of total assets or invest up to 10% of its total assets in the purchase of put options on common stocks that the Fund owns or may acquire through the conversion or exchange of other securities that it owns. Warrants. 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) and the maintenance of collateral with its custodian. Although the Fund’s gain is limited to the price at which it sold the security short, its potential loss is theoretically unlimited. Foreign Securities. The following considerations comprise both risks and opportunities not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities: fluctuations in exchange rates of foreign currencies; possible imposition of exchange control regulations or currency restrictions that would prevent cash from being brought back to the United States; less public information with respect to issuers of securities; less government supervision of stock exchanges, securities brokers and issuers of securities; lack of uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards; lack of uniform settlement periods and trading practices; less liquidity and frequently greater price volatility in foreign markets than in the United States; possible imposition of foreign taxes; the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, seizure or nationalization of foreign bank deposits or other assets; the adoption of foreign government restrictions and other adverse political, social or diplomatic developments that could affect investment; difficulty in obtaining or enforcing a court judgment abroad; sometimes less advantageous legal, operational and financial protections applicable to foreign sub-custodial arrangements; and the historically lower level of responsiveness of foreign management to stockholder concerns (such as dividends and return on investment). The Fund may also invest in the debt securities of foreign governments. Although such investments are not a principal strategy of the Fund, there is limitation on its ability to invest in the debt securities of foreign governments. Emerging Market Countries. Other Investment Practices 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 stockholders 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. Temporary Defensive Investments. 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 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 non-investment grade securities is more volatile than that of higher quality securities, and the markets in which such lower rated 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 in order to respond to changes in the economy or the financial markets. Non-investment grade securities 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 nonconvertible bonds and preferred stocks 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. 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 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 otherwise appreciate. In addition to using statistical rating agencies and other sources, the Investment Adviser also performs 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 lower grade 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 experienced periods of significantly adverse price and liquidity several times, particularly at or around times of economic recession. Past market recessions have adversely affected the value of such securities and 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 may react in a similar fashion in the future. Limitations on the Purchase and Sale of Futures Contracts, Certain Options and Swaps. unrealized losses on any such transactions, or (b) the aggregate net notional value of the Fund’s commodity interest transactions would exceed 100% of the market value of the Fund’s liquidating value, after taking into account unrealized profits and unrealized losses on any such transactions. In addition to meeting one of the foregoing trading limitations, the Fund may not market itself as a commodity pool or otherwise as a vehicle for trading in the futures, options or swaps markets. Therefore, in order to claim the Rule 4.5 exemption, the Fund is limited in its ability to invest in commodity futures, options, and certain types of swaps (including securities futures, broad based stock index futures, and financial futures contracts). As a result, the Fund is more limited in its ability to use these instruments than in the past, and these limitations may have a negative impact on the ability of the Investment Adviser to manage the Fund, and on the Fund’s performance. If the Investment Adviser was required to register as a commodity pool operator with respect to the Fund, compliance with additional registration and regulatory requirements would increase Fund expenses. Other potentially adverse regulatory initiatives could also develop. Futures Contracts and Options on Futures. Forward Currency Exchange Contracts. 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. Short Sales. The Fund will normally close out a short position by purchasing and delivering an equal amount of the securities sold short, rather than by delivering securities already held by the Fund. The Fund may, however, close out any short sale of common stock through the conversion or exchange of securities or the exercise of warrants or rights it owns, or through the delivery of common stock already held by the Fund. The short sale of a security is considered a speculative investment technique. The Fund may make a short sale in order to hedge against market risks when it believes that the price of a security may decline, causing a decline in the value of a long position the Fund may have in such security or a security convertible into or exchangeable for such security, or when, for tax or other reasons, the Fund does not want to sell the security it owns. In such case, any future losses in the Fund’s long position should be reduced by a gain in the short position. Conversely, any gain in the long position should be reduced by a loss in the short position. The extent to which such gains or losses are reduced will depend upon the amount of the security sold short relative to the amount the Fund owns, either directly or indirectly, and, in the case where the Fund owns convertible securities, changes with the conversion premiums. When the Fund makes a short sale, it must borrow the security sold short and deliver it 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. The Fund may have to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and is often obligated to deliver any payments received on such borrowed securities, such as dividends. Repurchase Agreements. Loans of Portfolio Securities. If the borrower fails to maintain the requisite amount of collateral, the loan automatically terminates and 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. As with any extension of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery and in some cases even loss of rights in collateral should the borrower of the securities violate the terms of the loan or fail financially. There can be no assurance that borrowers will not fail financially. On termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the securities to the Fund, and any gain or loss in the market price during the loan would inure to the Fund. If the other party 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. Borrowing. Leveraging. 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 stock or principal or interest payments on debt securities, or to redeem preferred stock 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 rais | | | | | | | | | |
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. 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 stock 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. 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 stock. 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. Convertible Securities Risk. 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 common stock, 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. ● Market Risk. ● Interest Rate Risk for Convertible Securities. conversion price is much higher than the issuing company’s common stock. See “— General Risks—Interest Rate Risks Generally.” ● Sector Risk. Equity Risk. Common Stock Risk. Preferred Stock Risk. ● Deferral. ● Non-Cumulative Dividends. be adversely affected. There is no assurance that dividends or distributions on non-cumulative preferred securities in which the Fund invests will be declared or otherwise made payable. ● Subordination. ● Liquidity. ● Limited Voting Rights. ● Special Redemption Rights. Warrants and Rights Risk. 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. Non-Investment Grade Securities Risk. 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 prices of these non-investment grade securities are more sensitive to negative developments, such as a decline in the issuer’s revenues or a general economic downturn, than are the prices of higher grade securities. Non-investment grade securities tend to be less liquid than investment grade securities. The market value of non-investment grade securities may be more volatile than the market value of investment grade securities and generally tends to reflect the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and short-term market developments to a greater extent than investment grade securities, which primarily reflect fluctuations in general levels of interest rates. Ratings are relative and 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 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. 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. 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. Industry Concentration Risk. Various types of ownership restrictions are imposed by the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, on investment in media companies and cellular licensees. For example, the FCC’s broadcast and cable multiple-ownership and cross ownership rules, which apply to the radio, television, and cable industries, provide that investment advisers are deemed to have an “attributable” interest whenever the adviser has the right to determine how five percent or more of the issued and outstanding voting stock of a broadcast company or cable system operator may be voted. These rules limit the number of broadcast stations both locally and nationally that a single entity is permitted to own, operate, or control and prohibit ownership of certain competitive communications providers in the same location. The FCC also applies limited ownership restrictions on cellular licensees serving rural areas. An attributable interest in a cellular company arises from the right to control 20% or more of its voting stock. Attributable interests that may result from the role of the Investment Adviser and its principals in connection with other funds, managed accounts and companies may limit the Fund’s ability to invest in certain mass media and cellular companies. In the event that the Investment Adviser and its affiliates may be deemed to have such an attributable interest, the Board of the Fund may delegate, from time to time, to the Fund’s Proxy Voting Committee, voting power over certain shares of securities held by the Fund in view of these ownership limitations to ensure compliance with certain FCC regulations. The costs of complying with governmental regulations, delays or failure to receive required regulatory approvals, or the enactment of new regulatory requirements may negatively affect the business of communications companies. Government actions around the world, specifically in the area of pre-marketing clearance of products and prices, can be arbitrary and unpredictable. The telecommunications, media, publishing, and entertainment industries can also be significantly affected by intense competition for market share, including competition with alternative technologies such as wireless communications, product compatibility and standardization, consumer preferences, rapid product obsolescence, research and development of new products, lack of standardization or compatibility with existing technologies, and a dependency on patent and copyright protections. Communication services companies may encounter distressed cash flows due to the need to commit substantial capital to meet increasing competition, particularly in developing new products and services using new technology. Technological innovations may make the products and services of certain communications companies obsolete. Telecommunications providers with exposure to the U.S. are generally required to obtain franchises or licenses in order to provide services in a given location. Licensing and franchise rights in the telecommunications sector are limited, which may provide an advantage to certain participants. Limited availability of such rights, high barriers to market entry and regulatory oversight, among other factors, have led to consolidation of companies within the sector, which could lead to further regulation or other negative effects in the future. Telecommunication providers investing in non-U.S. countries may be subject to similar risks. Additional risks include those related to competitive challenges in the U.S. from non-U.S. competitors engaged in strategic joint ventures with U.S. companies and in non-U.S. markets from both U.S. and non-U.S. competitors. Companies in the media and entertainment industries can be significantly affected by several factors, including competition, particularly in formulation of products and services using new technologies, cyclicality of revenues and earnings, a potential decrease in the discretionary income of targeted individuals, changing consumer tastes and interests, and the potential increase in government regulation. Companies in the media and entertainment industries may become obsolete quickly. Advertising spending can be an important revenue source for media and entertainment companies. During economic downturns advertising spending typically decreases and, as a result, media and entertainment companies tend to generate less revenue. Smaller Companies Investment Risk. 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. 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. Securities of emerging companies may lack an active secondary market and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than securities of larger, more established companies or stock market averages in general. Competitors of certain companies, which may or may not be in the same industry, may have substantially greater financial resources than the companies in which the Fund may invest. Market Value and Net Asset Value. 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 stockholder 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. or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned. This treatment could increase or decrease the Fund’s ordinary income distributions to you, and may cause some or all of the 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 transacti | | | | | | | | | |
Effects of Leverage [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | The following table is furnished in response to requirements of the SEC. It is designed to illustrate the effect of leverage on common stock total return, assuming investment portfolio total returns (comprised of net investment income of the Fund, realized gains or losses of the Fund and changes in the value of the securities held in the Fund’s portfolio) of -10%, -5%. 0%, 5% and 10%. These assumed investment portfolio returns are hypothetical figures and are not necessarily indicative of the investment portfolio returns experienced or expected to be experienced by the Fund. The table further reflects leverage representing 43% of the Fund’s net assets, the Fund’s current projected blended annual average leverage dividend or interest rate of 5.14%, a management fee at an annual rate of 1.00% of the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred stock and estimated annual incremental expenses attributable to any outstanding preferred stock 0.08% of the Fund’s net assets attributable to common stock. Assumed Return on Portfolio (Net of Expenses) (10.0 )% (5.0 )% 0.0 % 5.0 % 10.0 % Corresponding Return to Common Shareholder (22.32 )% (13.52 )% (4.72 )% 4.08 % 12.87 % The following factors associated with leveraging could increase the investment risk and volatility of the price of the shares of common stock: ● leveraging exaggerates any increase or decrease in the net asset value of the shares of common stock; ● the dividend requirements on the Fund’s shares of preferred stock may exceed the income from the portfolio securities purchased with the proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock; ● a decline in net asset value results if the investment performance of the additional securities purchased fails to cover their cost to the Fund (including any dividend requirements of preferred stock); ● a decline in net asset value could affect the ability of the Fund to make dividend payments on shares of common stock; Pursuant to Section 18 of the 1940 Act, it is unlawful for the Fund, as a registered closed-end investment company, to issue any class of senior security, or to sell any senior security that it issues, unless it can satisfy certain “asset coverage” ratios. The asset coverage ratio with respect to a senior security representing indebtedness means the ratio of the value of the Fund’s total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) to the aggregate amount of the Fund’s senior securities representing indebtedness. The asset coverage ratio with respect to a senior security representing stock means the ratio of the value of the Fund’s total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) to the aggregate amount of the Fund’s senior securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate liquidation preference of the Fund’s outstanding shares of preferred stock. If, as is the case with the Fund, a registered investment company’s senior securities are equity securities, such securities must have an asset coverage of at least 200% immediately following its issuance. If a registered investment company’s senior securities represent indebtedness, such indebtedness must have an asset coverage of at least 300% immediately after their issuance. Subject to certain exceptions, during any period following issuance that the Fund fails to satisfy these asset coverage ratios, it will, among other things, be prohibited from declaring any dividend or declaring any other distribution in respect of its common stock except a dividend payable in shares of common stock issued by the Fund. | | | | | | | | | |
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 stock and the net asset value and the premium or discount from net asset value per share at which the common stock was trading, expressed as a percentage of net asset value, at each of the high and low sale prices provided. Common Share Corresponding Corresponding Quarter Ended High Low High Low High Low March 31, 2022 $9.33 $7.89 $6.74 $7.32 38.43% 9.13% June 30, 2022 $9.18 $6.63 $7.35 $5.43 24.90% 22.10% September 30, 2022 $7.87 $6.07 $4.69 $3.72 67.80% 63.17% December 31, 2022 $6.62 $5.17 $4.01 $3.89 65.09% 32.19% March 31, 2023 $6.08 $5.34 $4.31 $4.00 41.07% 33.50% June 30, 2023 $6.90 $5.57 $3.96 $4.23 74.24% 31.68% September 30, 2023 $6.78 $5.79 $4.09 $3.87 65.77% 49.61% December 31, 2023 $6.18 $4.36 $3.62 $3.38 70.72% 28.99% | | | | | | | | | |
NAV Per Share | $ 5.67 | $ 5.67 | | | | | | | | $ 5.67 | | | | | | | | | |
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital Stock [Table Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | 6. Capital. Year Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, Shares Amount Shares Amount Increase in net assets from common shares issued upon reinvestment of distributions 370,322 $ 2,163,733 272,128 $ 1,759,964 The Fund’s Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of up to 12,001,000 shares of $0.001 par value Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock is senior to the common stock and results in the financial leveraging of the common stock. Such leveraging tends to magnify both the risks and opportunities to common stockholders. Dividends on shares of the Preferred Stock are cumulative. The Fund is required by the 1940 Act and by the Articles Supplementary to meet certain asset coverage tests with respect to the Preferred Stock. 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 C, Series E, and Series G Preferred at redemption prices of $25,000, $25, and $25, respectively, per share plus an amount equal to the accumulated and unpaid dividends whether or not declared on such shares in order to meet these requirements. Additionally, failure to meet the foregoing asset coverage requirements could restrict the Fund’s ability to pay dividends to common stockholders 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 and variable rates, which could have either a beneficial or detrimental impact on net investment income and gains available to common stockholders. The Fund has the authority to purchase its auction rate preferred shares through negotiated private transactions. The Fund is not obligated to purchase any dollar amount or number of auction rate preferred shares, and the timing and amount of any auction rate preferred shares purchased will depend on market conditions, share price, capital availability, and other factors. The Fund is not soliciting holders to sell these shares nor recommending that holders offer them to the Fund. Any offers can be accepted or rejected in the Fund’s discretion. For Series C Preferred Stock, the dividend rates, as set by the auction process that is generally held every seven days, are expected to vary with short term interest rates. Since February 2008, the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock subject to bid orders by potential holders has been less than the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock subject to sell orders. Holders that have submitted sell orders have not been able to sell any or all of the Series C Preferred Stock for which they have submitted sell orders. Therefore the weekly auctions have failed, and the dividend rate has been the maximum rate, which is 175% of the “AA” Financial Composite Commercial Paper Rate on the day of such auction. Existing Series C stockholders may submit an order to hold, bid, or sell such shares on each auction date, or trade their shares in the secondary market. The Fund may redeem at any time, in whole or in part, the Series C Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock at their respective redemption prices per share. In addition, the Board has authorized the repurchase of the Series E and Series G Preferred Stock in the open market at prices less than the $25 liquidation value per share. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Fund repurchased and retired 93,612 and 184,154 Series E Preferred at investments of $2,198,952 and $4,402,156, respectively, and at average discounts of approximately 6.08% and 4.42%, from its liquidation preference. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Fund repurchased and retired 165,397 and 368,698 Series G Preferred at investments of $3,864,002 and $8,822,681, respectively, at average discounts of approximately 6.62% and 4.32%, respectively, from its liquidation preference. The following table summarizes Cumulative Preferred Stock information: Series Issue Date Authorized Number of Net 2023 Dividend Dividend Accrued C Auction Rate March 31, 2003 1,000 10 $ 24,547,465 7.514% to 9.337% 9.320 % $ 319 E 5.125% September 26, 2017 2,000,000 1,718,934 $ 48,192,240 Fixed Rate 5.125 % $ 30,589 G 5.125% December 20, 2019 2,000,000 1,456,106 $ 48,148,000 Fixed Rate 5.125 % $ 25,912 The holders of Preferred Shares generally are entitled to one vote per share held on each matter submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Fund and will vote together with holders of common stock as a single class. The holders of Preferred Shares voting together as a single class also have the right currently to elect two Directors and, under certain circumstances, are entitled to elect a majority of the Board of Directors. 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 stock, and the approval of two-thirds of each class, voting separately, of the Fund’s outstanding voting stock 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 Stock 196,750,000 – 28,073,830 Series C Cumulative Preferred Stock 1,000 – 10 Series E Cumulative Preferred Stock 2,000,000 – 1,718,934 Series G Cumulative Preferred Stock 2,000,000 1,456,106 | | | | | | | | | |
Document Period End Date | | | | | | | | | | Dec. 31, 2023 | | | | | | | | | |
Common Stocks [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Return at Minus Ten [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | (22.32%) | | | | | | | | | |
Return at Minus Five [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | (13.52%) | | | | | | | | | |
Return at Zero [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | (4.72%) | | | | | | | | | |
Return at Plus Five [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | 4.08% | | | | | | | | | |
Return at Plus Ten [Percent] | | | | | | | | | | 12.87% | | | | | | | | | |
Lowest Price or Bid | | 4.36 | $ 5.79 | $ 5.57 | $ 5.34 | $ 5.17 | $ 6.07 | $ 6.63 | $ 7.89 | | | | | | | | | | |
Highest Price or Bid | | 6.18 | 6.78 | 6.90 | 6.08 | 6.62 | 7.87 | 9.18 | 9.33 | | | | | | | | | | |
Lowest Price or Bid, NAV | | 3.38 | 3.87 | 4.23 | 4 | 3.89 | 3.72 | 5.43 | 7.32 | | | | | | | | | | |
Highest Price or Bid, NAV | | $ 3.62 | $ 4.09 | $ 3.96 | $ 4.31 | $ 4.01 | $ 4.69 | $ 7.35 | $ 6.74 | | | | | | | | | | |
Highest Price or Bid, Premium (Discount) to NAV [Percent] | | 70.72% | 65.77% | 74.24% | 41.07% | 65.09% | 67.80% | 24.90% | 38.43% | | | | | | | | | | |
Lowest Price or Bid, Premium (Discount) to NAV [Percent] | | 28.99% | 49.61% | 31.68% | 33.50% | 32.19% | 63.17% | 22.10% | 9.13% | | | | | | | | | | |
NAV Per Share | $ 3.73 | $ 3.73 | | | | | | | | $ 3.73 | | | | | | | | | |
Latest Premium (Discount) to NAV [Percent] | 51.60% | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Title [Text Block] | Common Stock | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Authorized [Shares] | 196,750,000 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Held [Shares] | 0 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Not Held [Shares] | 28,073,830 | | | | | | | | | 28,073,830 | | | | | | | | | |
Common Shares [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NAV Per Share | $ 3.73 | $ 3.73 | | | | | | | | $ 3.73 | | | | | | | | | |
Series C Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Senior Securities Amount | $ 250,000 | $ 250,000 | | | | $ 250,000 | | | | $ 250,000 | $ 250,000 | $ 250,000 | $ 250,000 | $ 250,000 | $ 250,000 | $ 250,000 | $ 15,000,000 | $ 15,000,000 | $ 15,000,000 |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit | $ 57,920 | $ 57,920 | | | | $ 56,302 | | | | $ 57,920 | $ 56,302 | $ 81,608 | $ 76,478 | $ 74,209 | $ 86,865 | $ 106,212 | $ 167,071 | $ 171,134 | $ 196,481 |
Preferred Stock Liquidating Preference | $ 25,000 | $ 25,000 | | | | $ 25,000 | | | | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
Senior Securities Average Market Value per Unit | | | | | | | | | | $ 25,000 | $ 25,000 | $ 25,000 | $ 25,000 | $ 25,000 | $ 25,000 | $ 25,000 | $ 25,000 | $ 25,000 | $ 25,000 |
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Title [Text Block] | Series C Cumulative Preferred Stock | | | | | | | | | C Auction Rate | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Authorized [Shares] | 1,000 | | | | | | | | | 1,000 | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Held [Shares] | 0 | | | | | | | | | 10 | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Not Held [Shares] | 10 | | | | | | | | | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
Series E Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Senior Securities Amount | $ 42,973,000 | $ 42,973,000 | | | | $ 45,314,000 | | | | $ 42,973,000 | $ 45,314,000 | $ 49,918,000 | $ 49,918,000 | $ 50,000,000 | $ 50,000,000 | $ 50,000,000 | | | |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit | $ 57.92 | $ 57.92 | | | | $ 56.30 | | | | $ 57.92 | $ 56.30 | $ 81.61 | $ 76.48 | $ 74.21 | $ 86.86 | $ 106.21 | | | |
Preferred Stock Liquidating Preference | $ 25 | $ 25 | | | | $ 25 | | | | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | | | |
Senior Securities Average Market Value per Unit | | | | | | | | | | $ 23.59 | $ 24.07 | $ 25.95 | $ 25.55 | $ 24.88 | $ 23.80 | $ 24.98 | | | |
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Title [Text Block] | Series E Cumulative Preferred Stock | | | | | | | | | E 5.125% | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Authorized [Shares] | 2,000,000 | | | | | | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Held [Shares] | 0 | | | | | | | | | 1,718,934 | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Not Held [Shares] | 1,718,934 | | | | | | | | | 1,719,000 | 1,813,000 | 1,997,000 | 1,997,000 | 2,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 2,000,000 | | | |
Series G Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Senior Securities Amount | $ 36,403,000 | $ 36,403,000 | | | | $ 40,538,000 | | | | $ 36,403,000 | $ 40,538,000 | $ 49,755,000 | $ 49,755,000 | $ 50,000,000 | | | | | |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit | $ 57.92 | $ 57.92 | | | | $ 56.30 | | | | $ 57.92 | $ 56.30 | $ 81.61 | $ 76.48 | $ 74.21 | | | | | |
Preferred Stock Liquidating Preference | $ 25 | $ 25 | | | | $ 25 | | | | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | | | | | |
Senior Securities Average Market Value per Unit | | | | | | | | | | $ 23.53 | $ 24.23 | $ 26.37 | $ 25.61 | $ 25.40 | | | | | |
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Title [Text Block] | Series G Cumulative Preferred Stock | | | | | | | | | G 5.125% | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Authorized [Shares] | 2,000,000 | | | | | | | | | 2,000,000 | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Held [Shares] | | | | | | | | | | 1,456,106 | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Not Held [Shares] | 1,456,106 | | | | | | | | | 1,456,000 | 1,622,000 | 1,990,000 | 1,990,000 | 2,000,000 | | | | | |
Cumulative Preferred Stocks [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Security Voting Rights [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | The holders of Preferred Shares generally are entitled to one vote per share held on each matter submitted to a vote of stockholders of the Fund and will vote together with holders of common stock as a single class. The holders of Preferred Shares voting together as a single class also have the right currently to elect two Directors and, under certain circumstances, are entitled to elect a majority of the Board of Directors. 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 stock, and the approval of two-thirds of each class, voting separately, of the Fund’s outstanding voting stock 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. | | | | | | | | | |
Preferred Stock Restrictions, Other [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | The Fund’s Articles of Incorporation authorize the issuance of up to 12,001,000 shares of $0.001 par value Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock is senior to the common stock and results in the financial leveraging of the common stock. Such leveraging tends to magnify both the risks and opportunities to common stockholders. Dividends on shares of the Preferred Stock are cumulative. The Fund is required by the 1940 Act and by the Articles Supplementary to meet certain asset coverage tests with respect to the Preferred Stock. 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 C, Series E, and Series G Preferred at redemption prices of $25,000, $25, and $25, respectively, per share plus an amount equal to the accumulated and unpaid dividends whether or not declared on such shares in order to meet these requirements. Additionally, failure to meet the foregoing asset coverage requirements could restrict the Fund’s ability to pay dividends to common stockholders 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 and variable rates, which could have either a beneficial or detrimental impact on net investment income and gains available to common stockholders. The Fund has the authority to purchase its auction rate preferred shares through negotiated private transactions. The Fund is not obligated to purchase any dollar amount or number of auction rate preferred shares, and the timing and amount of any auction rate preferred shares purchased will depend on market conditions, share price, capital availability, and other factors. The Fund is not soliciting holders to sell these shares nor recommending that holders offer them to the Fund. Any offers can be accepted or rejected in the Fund’s discretion. For Series C Preferred Stock, the dividend rates, as set by the auction process that is generally held every seven days, are expected to vary with short term interest rates. Since February 2008, the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock subject to bid orders by potential holders has been less than the number of shares of Series C Preferred Stock subject to sell orders. Holders that have submitted sell orders have not been able to sell any or all of the Series C Preferred Stock for which they have submitted sell orders. Therefore the weekly auctions have failed, and the dividend rate has been the maximum rate, which is 175% of the “AA” Financial Composite Commercial Paper Rate on the day of such auction. Existing Series C stockholders may submit an order to hold, bid, or sell such shares on each auction date, or trade their shares in the secondary market. The Fund may redeem at any time, in whole or in part, the Series C Preferred Stock and Series E Preferred Stock at their respective redemption prices per share. In addition, the Board has authorized the repurchase of the Series E and Series G Preferred Stock in the open market at prices less than the $25 liquidation value per share. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Fund repurchased and retired 93,612 and 184,154 Series E Preferred at investments of $2,198,952 and $4,402,156, respectively, and at average discounts of approximately 6.08% and 4.42%, from its liquidation preference. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Fund repurchased and retired 165,397 and 368,698 Series G Preferred at investments of $3,864,002 and $8,822,681, respectively, at average discounts of approximately 6.62% and 4.32%, respectively, from its liquidation preference. | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Securities [Table Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | The following table summarizes Cumulative Preferred Stock information: Series Issue Date Authorized Number of Net 2023 Dividend Dividend Accrued C Auction Rate March 31, 2003 1,000 10 $ 24,547,465 7.514% to 9.337% 9.320 % $ 319 E 5.125% September 26, 2017 2,000,000 1,718,934 $ 48,192,240 Fixed Rate 5.125 % $ 30,589 G 5.125% December 20, 2019 2,000,000 1,456,106 $ 48,148,000 Fixed Rate 5.125 % $ 25,912 | | | | | | | | | |
Purchase Transaction [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fee Table [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Fees | | | | | | | | | | $ 0.75 | | | | | | | | | |
Sale Transaction [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Fee Table [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Fees | | | | | | | | | | 2.50 | | | | | | | | | |
Dividends On Preferred Shares Not Included [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Annual Expenses [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Expense Example, Year 01 | | | | | | | | | | 25 | | | | | | | | | |
Expense Example, Years 1 to 3 | | | | | | | | | | 77 | | | | | | | | | |
Expense Example, Years 1 to 5 | | | | | | | | | | 131 | | | | | | | | | |
Expense Example, Years 1 to 10 | | | | | | | | | | $ 279 | | | | | | | | | |
Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Financial Highlights [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Senior Securities Amount | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ 19,775,000 | $ 19,775,000 | $ 19,775,000 | $ 19,775,000 | $ 19,775,000 |
Senior Securities Coverage per Unit | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ 86.86 | $ 106.21 | $ 167.07 | $ 171.13 | $ 196.48 |
Preferred Stock Liquidating Preference | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 |
Senior Securities Average Market Value per Unit | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | $ 25.81 | $ 26.36 | $ 26.42 | $ 25.80 | $ 25.41 |
Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding Security, Not Held [Shares] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 791,000 | 791,000 | 791,000 | 791,000 | 791,000 |
Market Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Market Risk. 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 stock 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. 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 stock. 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. | | | | | | | | | |
Convertible Securities Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Convertible Securities Risk. 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 common stock, 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. ● Market Risk. ● Interest Rate Risk for Convertible Securities. conversion price is much higher than the issuing company’s common stock. See “— General Risks—Interest Rate Risks Generally.” ● Sector Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
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. | | | | | | | | | |
Preferred Stock Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Preferred Stock Risk. ● Deferral. ● Non-Cumulative Dividends. be adversely affected. There is no assurance that dividends or distributions on non-cumulative preferred securities in which the Fund invests will be declared or otherwise made payable. ● Subordination. ● Liquidity. ● Limited Voting Rights. ● Special Redemption Rights. | | | | | | | | | |
Warrants And Rights Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Warrants and Rights Risk. 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. | | | | | | | | | |
Non Investment Grade Securities Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Non-Investment Grade Securities Risk. 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 prices of these non-investment grade securities are more sensitive to negative developments, such as a decline in the issuer’s revenues or a general economic downturn, than are the prices of higher grade securities. Non-investment grade securities tend to be less liquid than investment grade securities. The market value of non-investment grade securities may be more volatile than the market value of investment grade securities and generally tends to reflect the market’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and short-term market developments to a greater extent than investment grade securities, which primarily reflect fluctuations in general levels of interest rates. Ratings are relative and 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 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. 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. | | | | | | | | | |
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. | | | | | | | | | |
Industry Concentration Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Industry Concentration Risk. Various types of ownership restrictions are imposed by the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, on investment in media companies and cellular licensees. For example, the FCC’s broadcast and cable multiple-ownership and cross ownership rules, which apply to the radio, television, and cable industries, provide that investment advisers are deemed to have an “attributable” interest whenever the adviser has the right to determine how five percent or more of the issued and outstanding voting stock of a broadcast company or cable system operator may be voted. These rules limit the number of broadcast stations both locally and nationally that a single entity is permitted to own, operate, or control and prohibit ownership of certain competitive communications providers in the same location. The FCC also applies limited ownership restrictions on cellular licensees serving rural areas. An attributable interest in a cellular company arises from the right to control 20% or more of its voting stock. Attributable interests that may result from the role of the Investment Adviser and its principals in connection with other funds, managed accounts and companies may limit the Fund’s ability to invest in certain mass media and cellular companies. In the event that the Investment Adviser and its affiliates may be deemed to have such an attributable interest, the Board of the Fund may delegate, from time to time, to the Fund’s Proxy Voting Committee, voting power over certain shares of securities held by the Fund in view of these ownership limitations to ensure compliance with certain FCC regulations. The costs of complying with governmental regulations, delays or failure to receive required regulatory approvals, or the enactment of new regulatory requirements may negatively affect the business of communications companies. Government actions around the world, specifically in the area of pre-marketing clearance of products and prices, can be arbitrary and unpredictable. The telecommunications, media, publishing, and entertainment industries can also be significantly affected by intense competition for market share, including competition with alternative technologies such as wireless communications, product compatibility and standardization, consumer preferences, rapid product obsolescence, research and development of new products, lack of standardization or compatibility with existing technologies, and a dependency on patent and copyright protections. Communication services companies may encounter distressed cash flows due to the need to commit substantial capital to meet increasing competition, particularly in developing new products and services using new technology. Technological innovations may make the products and services of certain communications companies obsolete. Telecommunications providers with exposure to the U.S. are generally required to obtain franchises or licenses in order to provide services in a given location. Licensing and franchise rights in the telecommunications sector are limited, which may provide an advantage to certain participants. Limited availability of such rights, high barriers to market entry and regulatory oversight, among other factors, have led to consolidation of companies within the sector, which could lead to further regulation or other negative effects in the future. Telecommunication providers investing in non-U.S. countries may be subject to similar risks. Additional risks include those related to competitive challenges in the U.S. from non-U.S. competitors engaged in strategic joint ventures with U.S. companies and in non-U.S. markets from both U.S. and non-U.S. competitors. Companies in the media and entertainment industries can be significantly affected by several factors, including competition, particularly in formulation of products and services using new technologies, cyclicality of revenues and earnings, a potential decrease in the discretionary income of targeted individuals, changing consumer tastes and interests, and the potential increase in government regulation. Companies in the media and entertainment industries may become obsolete quickly. Advertising spending can be an important revenue source for media and entertainment companies. During economic downturns advertising spending typically decreases and, as a result, media and entertainment companies tend to generate less revenue. | | | | | | | | | |
Smaller Companies Investment Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Smaller Companies Investment Risk. 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. 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. Securities of emerging companies may lack an active secondary market and may be subject to more abrupt or erratic price movements than securities of larger, more established companies or stock market averages in general. Competitors of certain companies, which may or may not be in the same industry, may have substantially greater financial resources than the companies in which the Fund may invest. | | | | | | | | | |
Market Value And Net Asset Value [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Market Value and Net Asset Value. | | | | | | | | | |
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 stockholder 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. or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency concerned. This treatment could increase or decrease the Fund’s ordinary income distributions to you, and may cause some or all of the 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. In addition, certain European countries have recently 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 have 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. | | | | | | | | | |
Special Risks Related To Investment In Derivative Transactions [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Special Risks Related to Investment in Derivative Transactions. than if it had not used such strategies. Risks inherent in the use of options, swaps, foreign currency, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, securities indices and foreign currencies 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 hedged 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. Options, futures contracts, swaps contracts, and options thereon and forward contracts on securities and currencies 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 options, futures, swaps and options on futures or swaps are traded may impose limits on the positions that the Fund may take in certain circumstances. Many 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. Exchange-traded derivatives and OTC derivative transactions submitted for clearing through a central counterparty have become subject to minimum initial and variation margin requirements set by the relevant clearinghouse, as well as possible margin requirements mandated by the SEC or the CFTC. These regulators also have broad discretion to impose margin requirements on non-cleared OTC derivatives. These margin requirements will increase the overall costs for the Fund. 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. | | | | | | | | | |
Securities Of Investment Companies Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Securities of Investment Companies Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
Long Term Objective Not Complete Investment Program Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Long-Term Objective; Not a Complete Investment Program 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 Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
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 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. 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 the Fund’s ability to achieve its investment objectives. 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, on August 16, 2022, 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(s). | | | | | | | | | |
L I B O R Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | LIBOR Risk. 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. | | | | | | | | | |
Legal Tax And Regulatory Risk [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, meet certain asset diversification tests, 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 stock 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 stock, 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 stockholders, and such distributions would be taxable as ordinary dividends to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. The resulting corporate taxes would materially reduce the Fund’s net assets and the amount of cash available for distribution to stockholders. | | | | | | | | | |
Act 1940 Regulation [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | 1940 Act Regulation. | | | | | | | | | |
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. | | | | | | | | | |
Loans Of Portfolio Securities Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Loans of Portfolio Securities Risk. will not lend its portfolio securities if such loans are not permitted by the laws or regulations of any state in which its shares are qualified for sale. | | | | | | | | | |
Cyber Security Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Cybersecurity 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. the Fund’s business prospects or future marketing activities. Despite the Investment Adviser’s due diligence efforts, misconduct and intentional misrepresentations may be undetected or not fully comprehended, thereby 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. | | | | | | | | | |
Anti Takeover Provisions [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Anti-Takeover Provisions. | | | | | | | | | |
Special Risks To Holders Of Common Stock [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Special Risks to Holders of Common Stock Dilution Risk. Stockholders 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 stockholder 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 stockholder will experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value of such stockholder’s shares if the stockholder does not participate in such an offering and the stockholder will experience a reduction in the net asset value per share of such stockholder’s shares whether or not the stockholder participates in such an offering. The Fund cannot state precisely the extent of this dilution (if any) if the stockholder does not exercise such stockholder’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 stock. 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 stock or principal or interest payments on debt securities, or to redeem preferred stock 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 stock or otherwise de-leverage so as to maintain required asset coverage amounts or comply with the mandatory redemption terms of any outstanding preferred stock. 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 stock will result in a higher yield or return to the holders of the common stock. 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. Because the advisory fee paid to the Investment Adviser is calculated on the basis of the Fund’s Managed Assets rather than only on the basis of net assets attributable to the shares of common stock, the fee may be higher when leverage is utilized, giving the Investment Adviser an incentive to utilize leverage. However, the Investment Adviser has agreed to reduce any management fee on the incremental assets attributable to the cumulative preferred stock during the fiscal year if the total return of the net asset value of the outstanding shares of common stock, including distributions and advisory fee subject to reduction for that year, does not exceed the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each particular series of preferred stock. This fee waiver will not apply to any preferred stock issued from this offering. The Investment Adviser currently intends that the voluntary advisory fee waiver will remain in effect for as long as the Series C Auction Rate Preferred Stock, Series E Preferred and Series G Preferred are outstanding. The Investment Adviser, however, reserves the right to modify or terminate the voluntary advisory fee waiver at any time. ● Portfolio Guidelines of Rating Agencies for Preferred Stock and/or Credit Facility. The following table is furnished in response to requirements of the SEC. It is designed to illustrate the effect of leverage on common stock total return, assuming investment portfolio total returns (comprised of net investment income of the Fund, realized gains or losses of the Fund and changes in the value of the securities held in the Fund’s portfolio) of -10%, -5%. 0%, 5% and 10%. These assumed investment portfolio returns are hypothetical figures and are not necessarily indicative of the investment portfolio returns experienced or expected to be experienced by the Fund. The table further reflects leverage representing 43% of the Fund’s net assets, the Fund’s current projected blended annual average leverage dividend or interest rate of 5.14%, a management fee at an annual rate of 1.00% of the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred stock and estimated annual incremental expenses attributable to any outstanding preferred stock 0.08% of the Fund’s net assets attributable to common stock. Assumed Return on Portfolio (Net of Expenses) (10.0 )% (5.0 )% 0.0 % 5.0 % 10.0 % Corresponding Return to Common Shareholder (22.32 )% (13.52 )% (4.72 )% 4.08 % 12.87 % The following factors associated with leveraging could increase the investment risk and volatility of the price of the shares of common stock: ● leveraging exaggerates any increase or decrease in the net asset value of the shares of common stock; ● the dividend requirements on the Fund’s shares of preferred stock may exceed the income from the portfolio securities purchased with the proceeds from the issuance of preferred stock; ● a decline in net asset value results if the investment performance of the additional securities purchased fails to cover their cost to the Fund (including any dividend requirements of preferred stock); ● a decline in net asset value could affect the ability of the Fund to make dividend payments on shares of common stock; Pursuant to Section 18 of the 1940 Act, it is unlawful for the Fund, as a registered closed-end investment company, to issue any class of senior security, or to sell any senior security that it issues, unless it can satisfy certain “asset coverage” ratios. The asset coverage ratio with respect to a senior security representing indebtedness means the ratio of the value of the Fund’s total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) to the aggregate amount of the Fund’s senior securities representing indebtedness. The asset coverage ratio with respect to a senior security representing stock means the ratio of the value of the Fund’s total assets (less all liabilities and indebtedness not represented by senior securities) to the aggregate amount of the Fund’s senior securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate liquidation preference of the Fund’s outstanding shares of preferred stock. If, as is the case with the Fund, a registered investment company’s senior securities are equity securities, such securities must have an asset coverage of at least 200% immediately following its issuance. If a registered investment company’s senior securities represent indebtedness, such indebtedness must have an asset coverage of at least 300% immediately after their issuance. Subject to certain exceptions, during any period following issuance that the Fund fails to satisfy these asset coverage ratios, it will, among other things, be prohibited from declaring any dividend or declaring any other distribution in respect of its common stock except a dividend payable in shares of common stock issued by the Fund. | | | | | | | | | |
Common Stock Distribution Policy Risk [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Common Stock Distribution Policy Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
Special Risks To Holders Of Fixed Rate Preferred Shares [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Special Risks to Holders of Fixed Rate Preferred Stock Illiquidity Prior to Exchange Listing. Market Price Fluctuation. | | | | | | | | | |
Special Risks For Holders Of Auction Rate Preferred Stock [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Special Risks for Holders of Auction Rate Preferred Stock Auction Risk. Secondary Market Risk. | | | | | | | | | |
Special Risk For Holders Of Subscription Rights [Member] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
General Description of Registrant [Abstract] | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Risk [Text Block] | | | | | | | | | | Special Risks for Holders of Subscription Rights There is a risk that changes in market conditions may result in the underlying common or preferred stock 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 stock issued may be reduced, and the common or preferred stock may trade at less favorable prices than larger offerings for similar securities. | | | | | | | | | |
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. 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. Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Risk. 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. Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts Risk. The dealings of the Fund in forward foreign 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. 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 which the Investment Adviser believes to be creditworthy institutions. Interest Rate Transactions Risk. 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. Derivatives Regulation Risk. | | | | | | | | | |