To All, Replacing DSI. I have done some preliminary research and have narrowed the list down to 3 funds: TGG, GIF, and SGL. 1. GIF. With a 17% discount to NAV and a portfolio weighted in a lot of intriguing issues, GIF seems to be a natural. But then I was assaulted by the 3.5% expense ratio. Gag me with a spoon. I am planning to contact them to see if this was a one time thing or if they really are that inefficient and expensive. Also, I have never heard of CEF Advisors, who manages the money. The individual manager, Steve Landes, sounds familiar, but I may be thinking of former "Barney Miller" star, Steve Landesburg. <g>
2. Strategic Global, SGL, has a terrific portfolio filled with European bonds. You know I like that. And a 15.2% discount is nothing to sneeze at. Mitchell Hutchins is the manager and I have heard of them and some of what I've heard is good. <VBG> A 1.16% expense ratio is closer to the bone than GIF. Worth intense investigation.
3. TGG is an old favorite. The 13% discount is the lowest in the group, as is the 1.02% expense ratio. The portfolio looks interesting, though they have a tendency to hold more basket case country bonds than I prefer.
So, that is how it looks so far.
There are lots of good CEF income funds out there and plenty of good AAA CEF preferred shares. But with this intl. bond section of my income holdings, the list of good funds that actually hold solid intl. bonds is pretty slim. The conversion of DSI makes the list anarexic. |
