Item 2. Code of Ethics.
The registrant has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the registrant’s
principal executive officer and principal financial officer. The registrant has not made any substantive amendments to its code of ethics
during the period covered by this report. The registrant has not granted any waivers from any provisions of the code of ethics during
the period covered by this report.
The registrant undertakes to provide to any person without charge,
upon request, a copy of its code of ethics by contacting Investor Relations at (855) 777-8001 or by writing to Secretary, Center Coast
Brookfield MLP & Energy Infrastructure Fund, Brookfield Place, 250 Vesey Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10281-1023.
Item 3. Audit Committee Financial Expert.
The registrant’s board of trustees has determined that there
is at least one audit committee financial expert serving on its audit committee. Stuart A. McFarland, Edward A. Kuczmarski, William H. Wright II and Heather S. Goldman each qualify as “audit committee financial experts” and are considered to be “independent” as each
term is defined in Item 3 of Form N-CSR.
Item 4. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
The registrant has engaged its principal accountant to perform audit
services, audit-related services, tax services and other services during the past two fiscal years. “Audit services” refer
to performing an audit of the registrant's annual financial statements or services that are normally provided by the accountant in connection
with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for those fiscal years. “Audit-related services” refer to the assurance
and related services by the principal accountant that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit. “Tax services”
refer to professional services rendered by the principal accountant for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning. The following table
details the aggregate fees billed or expected to be billed for each of the last two fiscal years for audit fees, audit-related fees, tax
fees and other fees by the principal accountant.
| |
FYE 9/30/2023 | | |
FYE 9/30/2022 | |
(a) Audit Fees | |
$ | 40,720 | | |
$ | 55,650 | |
(b) Audit-Related Fees | |
$ | 0 | | |
$ | 0 | |
(c) Tax Fees1 | |
$ | 131,418 | | |
$ | 84,525 | |
(d) All Other Fees | |
$ | 0 | | |
$ | 0 | |
1 The 2023 Tax fees includes Tax Fees of $80,650 and fees related to the sale
of the Fund’s interest in KKR Eagle Co-Invest LP (“KKR Eagle”) after close of business on March 31, 2023.
(e)(1) The audit committee has adopted pre-approval policies and
procedures that require the audit committee to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services of the registrant, including services provided
to any entity affiliated with the registrant.
(e)(2) The percentage of fees billed by Deloitte & Touche
LLP (“Deloitte”) applicable to non-audit services pursuant to waiver of pre-approval requirement were as follows:
| |
FYE 9/30/2023 | | |
FYE 9/30/2022 | |
Audit-Related Fees | |
| 0 | % | |
| 0 | % |
Tax Fees | |
| 0 | % | |
| 0 | % |
All Other Fees | |
| 0 | % | |
| 0 | % |
(f) All of the principal accountant’s hours spent on auditing
the registrant’s financial statements were attributed to work performed by full-time permanent employees of the principal accountant.
(g) The aggregate fees billed by Deloitte for the fiscal years
ended September 30, 2023 and September 30, 2022, for non-audit services rendered to the registrant and the registrant’s
investment adviser and administrator were $131,418 and $243,525, respectively. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2023 and
September 30, 2022, these amounts reflect the amounts disclosed above in (b), (c) and (d), plus $0 and $159,000, respectively,
in fees billed to the registrant’s investment adviser for non-audit services that did not relate directly to the operations and
financial reporting of the registrant, including fees billed by Deloitte to Brookfield Public Securities Group LLC that were associated
with Deloitte’s SSAE 16 Review (formerly, SAS No. 70).
(h) The audit committee of the board of trustees has considered
whether the provision of non-audit services that were rendered to the registrant's investment adviser and administrator is compatible
with maintaining the principal accountant's independence and has concluded that the provision of such non-audit services by the accountant
has not compromised the accountant’s independence.
(i) Not applicable.
(j) Not applicable.
Item 5. Audit Committee of Listed Registrants.
(a) The registrant is an issuer as defined in Rule 10A-3
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, (the “Act”) and has a separately-designated standing audit committee established
in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Act. The independent members of the committee are as follows: Stuart A. McFarland,
Edward A. Kuczmarski, Heather S. Goldman and William H. Wright II.
(b) Not applicable.
Item 6. Investments.
| (a) | Schedule of Investments is included as part of the report to shareholders filed under Item 1 of this Form. |
Item 7. Disclosure of Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures for
Closed-End Management Investment Companies.
The Portfolio Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures
(the “Policies and Procedures”) set forth the proxy voting policies, procedures and guidelines to be followed by Brookfield
Public Securities Group LLC and its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively, “PSG”) in voting portfolio proxies relating
to securities that are held in the portfolios of the investment companies or other clients (“Clients”) for which PSG has been
delegated such proxy voting authority.
A. Proxy Voting Committee
PSG’s internal proxy voting committee (the
“Committee”) is responsible for overseeing the proxy voting process and ensuring that PSG meets its regulatory and corporate
governance obligations in voting of portfolio proxies.
The Committee shall oversee the proxy voting agent’s
compliance with these Policies and Procedures, including any deviations by the proxy voting agent from the proxy voting guidelines (“Guidelines”).
B. Administration and Voting of Portfolio Proxies
1. Fiduciary Duty and Objective
As an investment adviser that has been granted
the authority to vote on portfolio proxies, PSG owes a fiduciary duty to its Clients to monitor corporate events and to vote portfolio
proxies consistent with the best interests of its Clients. In this regard, PSG seeks to ensure that all votes are free from unwarranted
and inappropriate influences. Accordingly, PSG generally votes portfolio proxies in a uniform manner for its Clients and in accordance
with these Policies and Procedures and the Guidelines.
In meeting its fiduciary duty, PSG generally view
proxy voting as a way to enhance the value of the company’s stock held by the Clients. Similarly, when voting on matters for which
the Guidelines dictate a vote be decided on a case-by-case basis, PSG’s primary consideration is the economic interests of its Clients.
2. Proxy Voting Agent
PSG may retain an independent third party proxy
voting agent to assist PSG in its proxy voting responsibilities in accordance with these Policies and Procedures and in particular, with
the Guidelines. As discussed above, the Committee is responsible for monitoring the proxy voting agent.
In general, PSG may consider the proxy voting
agent’s research and analysis as part of PSG’s own review of a proxy proposal in which the Guidelines recommend that the vote
be considered on a case-by-case basis. PSG bears ultimate responsibility for how portfolio proxies are voted. Unless instructed otherwise
by PSG, the proxy voting agent, when retained, will vote each portfolio proxy in accordance with the Guidelines. The proxy voting agent
also will assist PSG in maintaining records of PSG’s portfolio proxy votes, including the appropriate records necessary for registered
investment companies to meet their regulatory obligations regarding the annual filing of proxy voting records on Form N-PX with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
3. Material Conflicts of Interest
PSG votes portfolio proxies without regard to
any other business relationship between PSG and the company to which the portfolio proxy relates. To this end, PSG must identify material
conflicts of interest that may arise between a Client and PSG, such as the following relationships:
|
● |
PSG provides significant investment advisory or other services to a portfolio company or its affiliates (the “Company”) whose management is soliciting proxies or PSG is seeking to provide such services; |
|
● |
PSG serves as an investment adviser to the pension or other investment account of the Company or PSG is seeking to serve in that capacity; or |
|
● |
PSG and the Company have a lending or other financial-related relationship. |
In each of these situations, voting against the
Company management’s recommendation may cause PSG a loss of revenue or other benefit.
PSG generally seeks to avoid such material conflicts
of interest by maintaining separate investment decision-making and proxy voting decision-making processes. To further minimize possible
conflicts of interest, PSG and the Committee employ the following procedures, as long as PSG determines that the course of action is consistent
with the best interests of the Clients:
|
● |
If the proposal that gives rise to a material conflict is specifically addressed in the Guidelines, PSG will vote the portfolio proxy in accordance with the Guidelines, provided that the Guidelines do not provide discretion to PSG on how to vote on the matter (i.e., case-by-case); or |
|
● |
If the previous procedure does not provide an appropriate voting recommendation, PSG may retain an independent fiduciary for advice on how to vote the proposal or the Committee may direct PSG to abstain from voting because voting on the particular proposal is impracticable and/or is outweighed by the cost of voting. |
4. Certain Foreign Securities
Portfolio proxies relating to foreign securities
held by Clients are subject to these Policies and Procedures. In certain foreign jurisdictions, however, in accordance with local law
or business practices, many foreign companies prevent the sales of shares that have been voted for a certain period beginning prior to
the shareholder meeting and ending on the day following the meeting. The costs of voting proxies with respect to shares of foreign companies
include the potentially serious portfolio management consequences of reduced flexibility to sell the shares at the most advantageous time
for the Fund. As a result, such proxies generally will not be voted in the absence of an unusual, significant vote of compelling economic
importance. In determining whether to vote proxies under these circumstances, PSG, in consultation with the Committee, considers whether
the costs of voting proxies with respect to such shares of foreign companies generally outweigh any benefits that may be achieved by voting
such proxies.
C. Fund Board Reporting and Recordkeeping
PSG will prepare periodic reports for submission
to the Boards of Directors/Trustees of its affiliated funds (the “Funds”) describing:
|
● |
any issues arising under these Policies and Procedures since the last report to the Funds’ Boards of Directors/Trustees and the resolution of such issues, including but not limited to, information about conflicts of interest not addressed in the Policies and Procedures; and |
|
● |
any proxy votes taken by PSG on behalf of the Funds since the last report to such Funds’ Boards of Directors/Trustees that deviated from these Policies and Procedures, with reasons for any such deviations In addition, no less frequently than annually, PSG will provide the Boards of Directors/Trustees of the Funds with a written report of any recommended changes based upon PSG’s experience under these Policies and Procedures, evolving industry practices and developments in the applicable laws or regulations. |
PSG will maintain all records that are required
under, and in accordance with, all applicable regulations, including the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940, which include, but not limited to:
|
● |
these Policies and Procedures, as amended from time to time; |
|
● |
records of votes cast with respect to portfolio proxies, reflecting the information required to be included in Form N-PX, as applicable; |
|
● |
records of written client requests for proxy voting information and any written responses of PSG to such requests; and |
|
● |
any written materials prepared by PSG that were material to making a decision in how to vote, or that memorialized the basis for the decision. |
D. Amendments to these Procedures
The Committee shall periodically review and update
these Policies and Procedures as necessary. Any amendments to these Procedures and Policies (including the Guidelines) shall be provided
to the Board of Directors of PSG and to the Boards of Directors/Trustees of the Funds for review and approval.
E. Proxy Voting Guidelines
Guidelines are available upon request.
Item 8. Portfolio Managers of Closed-End Management Investment
Companies.
Investment Team – Portfolio Managers
Tom Miller, CFA - Managing Director and
Portfolio Manager
Tom Miller has 13 years of industry experience
and is a Portfolio Manager on the Public Securities Group’s Energy Infrastructure Securities team. In this role, he oversees and
contributes to the portfolio construction process, including execution of buy/sell decisions. Before focusing on his portfolio manager
duties, he was responsible for covering North American infrastructure securities focusing on MLPs and the Energy Infrastructure sector.
Prior to joining the firm in 2013, Mr. Miller worked at FactSet. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and earned
a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University.
Boran Buturovic – Director and Portfolio
Manager
Boran Buturovic has 13 years of industry
experience and is a Portfolio Manager on the Brookfield Public Securities Group’s Energy Infrastructure Securities team. He is responsible
for conducting MLP and energy infrastructure research and analysis. Prior to joining the Adviser in 2014, he was an Associate with UBS
Investment Bank, focusing on midstream and MLPs. Mr. Buturovic started his career with Ernst & Young in their Assurance
practice. He holds a CPA license in the state of Texas and he earned Bachelor of Business Administration and Master in Professional Accounting
degrees from The University of Texas School at Austin.
Joe Herman – Director and Portfolio
Manager
Joe Herman has 12 years of industry experience
and is a Portfolio Manager on the Brookfield Public Securities Group’s Energy Infrastructure Securities team. He is responsible
for conducting MLP and energy infrastructure research and analysis. Prior to joining the Adviser in 2014, he was an Equity Research Associate
with Tudor, Pickering, Holt & Co., focusing on midstream and MLPs. Prior to that, Mr. Herman was an Investment Banking Analyst
at UBS Investment Bank. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with majors in Business Honors and Finance and a Bachelor
of Arts degree with majors in Plan II Honors and History from The University of Texas School at Austin.
Management of Other Accounts
Mr. Miller manages other investment companies
and/or investment vehicles and accounts in addition to the Registrant. The tables below show the number of other accounts managed by Mr. Miller
as of September 30, 2023 and the total assets in each of the following categories: (a) registered investment companies; (b) other
pooled investment vehicles; and (c) other accounts. For each category, the table also shows the number of accounts and the total
assets in the accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on account performance.
| |
Registered Investment Companies | | |
Other Pooled Investment Companies | | |
Other Accounts | |
Number of Accounts Managed | |
| 4 | | |
| 12 | | |
| 340 | |
Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Fees | |
| – | | |
| 1 | | |
| 1 | |
Assets Managed (assets in millions) | |
$ | 1,133.8 | | |
$ | 5,112.3 | | |
$ | 2,211.2 | |
Assets Managed with Performance-Based Fees (assets in millions) | |
$ | – | | |
$ | 125.7 | | |
$ | 8.5 | |
Mr. Buturovic manages other investment
companies and/or investment vehicles and accounts in addition to the Registrant. The tables below show the number of other accounts managed
by Mr. Buturovic as of September 30, 2023 and the total assets in each of the following categories: (a) registered investment
companies; (b) other pooled investment vehicles; and (c) other accounts. For each category, the table also shows the number
of accounts and the total assets in the accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on account performance.
| |
Registered Investment Companies | | |
Other Pooled Investment Companies | | |
Other Accounts | |
Number of Accounts Managed | |
| 4 | | |
| 3 | | |
| 329 | |
Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Fees | |
| – | | |
| 1 | | |
| – | |
Assets Managed (assets in millions) | |
$ | 909.0 | | |
$ | 6.3 | | |
$ | 180.2 | |
Assets Managed with Performance-Based Fees (assets in millions) | |
$ | – | | |
$ | 4.4 | | |
$ | – | |
Mr. Herman manages other investment companies
and/or investment vehicles and accounts in addition to the Registrant. The tables below show the number of other accounts managed by Mr. Herman
as of September 30, 2023 and the total assets in each of the following categories: (a) registered investment companies; (b) other
pooled investment vehicles; and (c) other accounts. For each category, the table also shows the number of accounts and the total
assets in the accounts with respect to which the advisory fee is based on account performance.
| |
Registered Investment Companies | | |
Other Pooled Investment Companies | | |
Other Accounts | |
Number of Accounts Managed | |
| 4 | | |
| 3 | | |
| 329 | |
Number of Accounts Managed with Performance-Based Fees | |
| – | | |
| 1 | | |
| – | |
Assets Managed (assets in millions) | |
$ | 909.0 | | |
$ | 6.3 | | |
$ | 180.2 | |
Assets Managed with Performance-Based Fees (assets in millions) | |
$ | – | | |
$ | 4.4 | | |
$ | – | |
Share Ownership
The following table indicates the dollar range
of securities of the Registrant owned by the Registrant’s portfolio managers as of September 30, 2023.
| |
Dollar Range of Securities Owned |
Tom Miller, CFA | |
None |
Boran Buturovic | |
$1 - $10,000 |
Joe Herman | |
$10,001 - $50,000 |
Potential Conflicts of Interest
Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise
when the portfolio managers also have day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to one or more other accounts. The Registrant’s
investment adviser, Brookfield Public Securities Group LLC (the “Adviser”), has adopted policies and procedures that are reasonably
designed to identify and minimize the effects of these potential conflicts, however, there can be no guarantee that these policies and
procedures will be effective in detecting potential conflicts, or in eliminating the effects of any such conflicts. These potential conflicts
include:
Allocation of Limited Time and Attention. As
indicated above, each portfolio manager manages multiple accounts. As a result, a portfolio manager will not be able to devote all of
his time to management of the Fund. A portfolio manager, therefore, may not be able to formulate as complete a strategy or identify equally
attractive investment opportunities for the Fund as might be the case if he were to devote all of his attention to the management of only
the Fund.
Allocation of Limited Investment Opportunities. As
indicated above, each portfolio manager manages accounts with investment strategies and/or policies that are similar to the Fund. If a
portfolio manager identifies an investment opportunity that may be suitable for multiple accounts, the Fund may not be able to take full
advantage of that opportunity because the opportunity may be allocated among these accounts or other accounts managed primarily by other
portfolio managers of the Adviser and its affiliates. In addition, in the event a portfolio manager determines to purchase a security
for more than one account in an aggregate amount that may influence the market price of the security, accounts that purchased or sold
the security first may receive a more favorable price than accounts that made subsequent transactions.
Pursuit of Differing Strategies. At
times, a portfolio manager may determine that an investment opportunity may be appropriate for only some of the accounts for which the
manager exercises investment responsibility, or may decide that certain of these funds or accounts should take differing positions with
respect to a particular security. In these cases, a portfolio manager may execute differing or opposite transactions for one or more accounts
which may affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment of one or more other
accounts. For example, the sale of a long position or establishment of a short position by an account may impair the price of the same
security sold short by (and therefore benefit) the Adviser and its affiliates, or other accounts, and the purchase of a security or covering
of a short position in a security by an account may increase the price of the same security held by (and therefore benefit) the Adviser
and its affiliates, or other accounts.
Selection of Broker/Dealers. A portfolio
manager may be able to select or influence the selection of the brokers and dealers that are used to execute securities transactions for
the funds or accounts that he supervises. In addition to providing execution of trades, some brokers and dealers provide portfolio managers
with brokerage and research services which may result in the payment of higher brokerage fees than might otherwise be available. These
services may be more beneficial to certain funds or accounts of the Adviser and its affiliates than to others. Although the payment of
brokerage commissions is subject to the requirement that the Adviser determines in good faith that the commissions are reasonable in relation
to the value of the brokerage and research services provided to the fund, a portfolio manager’s decision as to the selection of
brokers and dealers could yield disproportionate costs and benefits among the funds or other accounts that the Adviser and its affiliates
manage. In addition, with respect to certain types of accounts (such as pooled investment vehicles and other accounts managed for organizations
and individuals) the Adviser may be limited by the client concerning the selection of brokers or may be instructed to direct trades to
particular brokers. In these cases, the Adviser or its affiliates may place separate, non-simultaneous transactions in the same security
for the Fund and another account that may temporarily affect the market price of the security or the execution of the transaction, or
both, to the detriment of the Fund or the other accounts.
Variation in Compensation. A conflict
of interest may arise where the financial or other benefits available to a portfolio manager differ among the accounts that he manages.
If the structure of the Adviser’s management fee or a portfolio manager’s compensation differs among accounts (such as where
certain accounts pay higher management fees or performance based management fees), the portfolio manager may be motivated to favor certain
accounts over others. A portfolio manager also may be motivated to favor accounts in which he has investment interests, or in which the
Adviser or its affiliates have investment interests. Similarly, the desire to maintain assets under management or to enhance a portfolio
manager’s performance record or to derive other rewards, financial or otherwise, could influence a portfolio manager in affording
preferential treatment to those accounts that could most significantly benefit the portfolio manager. For example, as reflected above,
if a portfolio manager manages accounts which have performance fee arrangements, certain portions of his compensation will depend on the
achievement of performance milestones on those accounts. A portfolio manager could be incented to afford preferential treatment to those
accounts and thereby be subject to a potential conflict of interest.
Certain Business Relationships. The Adviser and the Fund have adopted compliance policies and procedures that are reasonably designed
to address the various conflicts of interest that may arise for the Adviser and its staff members. However, there is no guarantee that
such policies and procedures will be able to detect and prevent every situation in which an actual or potential conflict may arise.
Portfolio Manager Compensation
The portfolio managers are compensated based on
the scale and complexity of their portfolio responsibilities, the total return performance of funds and accounts managed by the portfolio
manager on an absolute basis and when compared to appropriate peer groups of similar size and strategy, as well as the management skills
displayed in managing their portfolio teams and the teamwork displayed in working with other members of the firm. Since the portfolio
managers are responsible for multiple funds and accounts, investment performance is evaluated on an aggregate basis almost equally weighted
among performance, management and teamwork. Base compensation for the portfolio managers varies in line with a portfolio manager’s
seniority and position. The compensation of portfolio managers with other job responsibilities (such as acting as an executive officer
of their firm or supervising various departments) includes consideration of the scope of such responsibilities and the portfolio manager’s
performance in meeting them. The Adviser seeks to compensate portfolio managers commensurate with their responsibilities and performance,
and in a manner that is competitive with other firms within the investment management industry. Salaries, bonuses and stock-based compensation
in the industry also are influenced by the operating performance of their respective firms and their parent companies. While the salaries
of the portfolio managers are comparatively fixed, cash bonuses and stock-based compensation may fluctuate significantly from year to
year. Bonuses are determined on a discretionary basis by the senior executives of the firm and measured by individual and team-oriented
performance guidelines. Awards under the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) are approved annually and there is a rolling vesting schedule
to aid in retention of key people. A key component of this program is achievement of client objectives in order to properly align interests
with our clients. Further, the incentive compensation of all investment personnel who work on each strategy is directly tied to the relative
performance of the strategy and its clients.
The compensation structure of the portfolio managers
and other investment professionals has four primary components:
|
● |
A base salary; |
|
● |
An annual cash bonus; |
|
● |
If applicable, long-term compensation consisting of restricted stock or stock options of the Adviser’s ultimate parent company, Brookfield Asset Management Inc.; and |
|
● |
If applicable, long-term compensation consisting generally of restricted share units tied to the performance of funds managed by Brookfield. |
The portfolio managers also receive certain retirement,
insurance and other benefits that are broadly available to all employees. Compensation of the portfolio managers is reviewed on an annual
basis by senior management.
Each portfolio manager was compensated for the
sale of his equity interests in Center Coast to Brookfield, and may receive additional contingent payments to be paid within the first
five years following the closing of the transaction calculated based, in part, on the assets under management of the business and subject
to certain conditions.
Item 9. Purchases of Equity Securities by Closed-End Management
Investment Company and Affiliated Purchasers.
None.
Item 10. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders
may recommend nominees to the registrant’s board of trustees.
Item 11. Controls and Procedures.
| (a) | The registrant’s President/Principal Executive Officer and Treasurer/Principal Financial Officer have reviewed the registrant's
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 30a-3(c) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the “Act”))
as of a date within 90 days of the filing of this report, as required by Rule 30a-3(b) under the Act and Rules 13a-15(b) or
15d-15(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based on their review, such officers have concluded that the disclosure controls
and procedures are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in this report is appropriately recorded, processed,
summarized and reported and made known to them by others within the registrant and by the registrant’s service provider. |
| (b) | There were no changes in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 30a-3(d) under the
Act) that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect,
the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. |
Item 12. Disclosure of Securities Lending Activities for Closed-End
Management Investment Companies
The registrant did not engage in securities lending activities during
the fiscal year reported on this Form N-CSR.
Item 13. Exhibits.
| (a) | (1) Any code of ethics or amendment thereto, that is the subject of the disclosure required by Item 2, to the extent
that the registrant intends to satisfy Item 2 requirements through filing an exhibit. Not applicable. |
(2) A separate certification for each principal executive officer and principal financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
(3) Any written solicitation to purchase securities
under Rule 23c-1 under the Act sent or given during the period covered by the report by or on behalf of the registrant to 10 or more
persons. Not applicable.
(4) Change in the registrant’s independent
public accountant. There was no change in the registrant’s independent public accountant for the period covered by this report.
I, Brian F. Hurley, certify that:
I, Casey P. Tushaus, certify that:
N-2 - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands |
2 Months Ended |
10 Months Ended |
12 Months Ended |
|
Nov. 30, 2013 |
[1] |
Sep. 30, 2018 |
[2],[3] |
Sep. 30, 2023 |
Sep. 30, 2022 |
[4] |
Sep. 30, 2021 |
[4] |
Sep. 30, 2020 |
[4] |
Sep. 30, 2019 |
[4] |
Nov. 30, 2017 |
[5] |
Nov. 30, 2016 |
[5] |
Nov. 30, 2015 |
[5] |
Nov. 30, 2014 |
[5] |
Sep. 26, 2013 |
[1] |
Cover [Abstract] |
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Entity Central Index Key |
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0001576340
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Amendment Flag |
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false
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Document Type |
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N-CSR
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Entity Registrant Name |
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Center
Coast Brookfield MLP & Energy Infrastructure Fund
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Document Period End Date |
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Sep. 30, 2023
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Financial Highlights [Abstract] |
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Senior Securities Amount |
|
$ 100,500
|
|
$ 79,100
|
$ 20,000
|
[4] |
$ 21,500
|
$ 21,600
|
|
$ 82,500
|
$ 66,500
|
|
$ 81,700
|
$ 79,600
|
$ 129,000
|
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Senior Securities Coverage per Unit |
[6] |
$ 3,846
|
|
$ 3,224
|
$ 6,230
|
[4] |
$ 5,322
|
$ 5,004
|
$ 3,713
|
$ 3,325
|
$ 2,973
|
|
$ 2,770
|
$ 3,949
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$ 3,310
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Preferred Stock Liquidating Preference |
|
0
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|
25,000
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$ 0
|
[4] |
0
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0
|
25,000
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25,000
|
25,000
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|
25,000
|
0
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Investment Objectives and Practices [Text Block] |
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INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
The Fund's investment objective is to seek
provide a high level of total return with an emphasis on distributions to shareholders. The "total return" sought by the Fund includes
appreciation in the net asset value ("NAV") of the Fund's common shares and all distributions made by the Fund to its common shareholders,
regardless of the tax characterization of such distributions, including distributions paid out of the distributions received by the Fund
from its portfolio investments, but characterized as return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the tax characterization
of the distributions received by the Fund from the MLPs in which the Fund invests.
The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective
by investing primarily in a portfolio of master limited partnerships ("MLPs") and energy infrastructure companies. Under normal market
conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of its Managed Assets (as defined in this Proxy Statement/Prospectus) in securities of MLPs
and energy infrastructure companies.
Entities commonly referred to as master limited
partnerships or MLPs are generally organized under state law as limited partnerships or limited liability companies and treated as partnerships
for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The Fund considers investments in MLPs to include investments that offer economic exposure to public
and private MLPs in the form of equity securities of MLPs, securities of entities holding primarily general or limited partner or managing
member interests in MLPs, securities that represent indirect investments in MLPs, including I-Shares (which represent an ownership interest
issued by an affiliated party of a MLP) and debt securities of MLPs.
The Fund considers a company to be an "infrastructure
company" if (i) at least 50% of its assets, income, sales or profits are committed to or derived from the development, construction, distribution,
management, ownership, operation or financing of infrastructure assets; or (ii) a third party classification has given the company an
industry or sector classification consistent with the infrastructure company designation. Infrastructure assets consist of those assets
which provide the underlying foundation of basic services, facilities and institutions, including the production, processing, storage,
transportation, manufacturing, servicing and distribution of oil and gas, petrochemicals and other energy resources, physical structures,
networks, systems of transportation and water and sewage. The Fund considers an infrastructure company to be an "energy infrastructure
company" if it (i) owns or operates, or is involved in the development, construction, distribution, management, ownership, operation or
financing of, infrastructure assets within the energy sector, or (ii) provides material products or services to companies operating in
the energy sector.
The Fund currently expects that under normal
market conditions a significant portion of its investments will be in "midstream" MLPs. Midstream MLPs are engaged in the treating, gathering,
compression, processing, transportation, transmission, fractionation, storage and terminalling of natural gas, natural gas liquids (including
propane, ethane, butane and natural gasoline), crude oil, refined petroleum products (including gasoline, diesel fuel and jet fuel), other
hydrocarbon by-products and other energy resources and their byproducts in a form that is usable by wholesale power generation, utility,
petrochemical, industrial and gasoline customers, including pipelines, gas processing plants, liquefied natural gas facilities and other
energy infrastructure.
The Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed
Assets in unregistered or restricted securities, including securities issued by private energy infrastructure companies. At any given
time the Fund anticipates making investments in a limited number of carefully selected private company investments that the Fund may need
to hold for several years. The Fund may invest in equity securities or debt securities, including debt securities issued with warrants
to purchase equity securities or that are convertible into equity securities, of private companies. The Fund's private company investments
may include investments in entities formed to own and operate particular energy infrastructure assets. The Fund may enter into private
company investments identified by the Adviser or may co-invest in private company investment opportunities owned or identified by other
third party investors, such as private equity firms. However, the Fund will not invest in private equity funds or other privately offered
pooled investment funds.
The Fund may invest up to 10% of its Managed
Assets in securities of issuers located outside of North America.
The Fund invests primarily in equity securities,
but may invest up to 10% of its Managed Assets in debt securities, including debt securities rated below investment grade (that is, rated
Ba or lower by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), BB or lower by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") or comparably
rated by another statistical rating organization) or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable credit quality. Below
investment grade securities, which are commonly referred to as "high yield" securities or "junk bonds" are considered predominantly speculative
with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due. Investments in debt securities of MLPs or energy infrastructure
companies are included for purposes of the Fund's policy of investing at least 80% of its Managed Assets in securities of MLPs and energy
infrastructure companies (the "80% Policy").
Investment Process. The Adviser
combines energy sector operational expertise with financial market expertise to identify investments in securities of MLPs and energy
infrastructure companies. The Adviser seeks to draw upon its unique experience to conduct thorough due diligence from an owner-operator
perspective, utilizing its extensive network of relationships to identify both public and private MLP and energy infrastructure company
investment opportunities. The Adviser's due diligence process includes financial and valuation analysis centered on quantitative factors
including cash flow, yield and relative valuation to establish a valuation target. Next the Adviser evaluates asset quality, considering
factors such as contract structure, operating risk, competitive environment and growth potential. The Adviser also assesses management
quality drawing on its previous experience with many of the management teams to evaluate their financial discipline, level of general
partner support, operational expertise and strength of their business plan and their ability to execute it. Included in the diligence
process is also an assessment of trading dynamics, including liquidity, identity and concentration of large holders, equity overhang and
float.
The Adviser intends to construct the Fund's
portfolio utilizing a three-pronged approach.
The Adviser targets a "core" portfolio in
which it seeks to own the highest quality midstream MLPs. Core investments possess the most durable long term cash flows in order to seek
to maximize risk-adjusted total returns to shareholders with an emphasis on cash distributions. Generally, the Fund anticipates making
core investments in MLPs and energy infrastructure companies that have (i) traditional fee-based businesses, (ii) high barriers to entry,
(iii) low direct commodity price exposure and (iv) low demand elasticity or the potential for demand destruction. Examples include interstate
pipelines, intrastate pipelines with long-term contracts and diversified revenue streams, and crude and gas storage and terminal facilities.
In addition to this "core" portfolio, the
Fund may invest a portion of its portfolio in shorter-term investments. These opportunistic transactions may be based on the Adviser's
view of factors including, but not limited to, market dislocations, projected trading demand imbalances, short-term market catalysts,
commodity price volatility and interest rates and credit spreads along with other issuer-specific developments.
Finally, the Fund may allocate up to 20% of
its portfolio to private investment opportunities. At any given time the Fund anticipates making investments in a limited number of carefully
selected private investments that the Fund may need to hold for several years. The Adviser believes it is uniquely positioned to analyze
private investment opportunities sourced directly or co-investment opportunities made available to the Adviser by private equity firms
or other sources. The breadth of Adviser personnel's mergers and acquisitions background provides for a network of deep relationships
with investment banking groups, management teams, private equity firms and significant shareholders seeking liquidity. The Fund's private
investments may include investments in entities formed to own and operate particular energy infrastructure assets, but will not include
interests in private investment funds. Many of the private investment opportunities are centered around assets or companies which may
not have a great deal of publicly available information. The experience of the Adviser's senior professionals in owning and operating
midstream and energy infrastructure assets gives it the unique ability to assess the operating environment of private investment opportunities
including, but not limited to, competitive environment, contract structure and operating risk.
Master Limited Partnerships or MLPs.
Entities commonly referred to as MLPs are generally organized under state law as limited partnerships or limited liability companies and
treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income
tax purposes. The securities issued by many
MLPs are listed and traded on a securities exchange. If publicly traded, to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes,
the MLP must receive at least 90% of its income from qualifying sources as set forth in the Code. These qualifying sources include interest,
dividends, real estate rents, gain from the sale or disposition of real property, income and gain from mineral or natural resources activities,
income and gain from the transportation or storage of certain fuels, gain from the sale or disposition of a capital asset held for the
production of income described in the foregoing, and, in certain circumstances, income and gain from commodities or futures, forwards
and options with respect to commodities. Mineral or natural resources activities include exploration, development, production, mining,
processing, refining, marketing and transportation (including pipelines), of oil and gas, minerals, geothermal energy, fertilizer, timber
or carbon dioxide.
MLPs typically have two classes of interests—general
partner interests and limited partner interests. The general partner typically controls the operations and management of the MLP through
an equity interest in the MLP. Limited partners own the remainder of the MLP and have a limited role in the MLP's operations and management.
MLPs currently operate primarily within the
energy sector. The Fund currently expects that under normal market conditions a significant portion of its investments will be in "midstream"
MLPs. Pipeline MLPs are common carrier transporters of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil or refined petroleum products. Pipeline
MLPs derive revenue from capacity and transportation fees. Historically, pipeline output has been less exposed to cyclical economic forces
due to its low cost structure and government-regulated nature. In addition, many pipeline MLPs may have less direct commodity price exposure
relative to energy companies that own the relevant commodities because they do not own the product being shipped, but pipeline MLPs may
nonetheless be indirectly impacted by fluctuations in commodity prices. Processing MLPs are gatherers and processors of natural gas as
well as providers of transportation, fractionation and storage of natural gas liquids. Processing MLPs derive revenue from providing services
to natural gas producers, which require treatment or processing before their natural gas commodity can be marketed to utilities and other
end user markets. Revenue for the processor is fee based, although it is not uncommon to have some participation in the prices of the
natural gas and natural gas liquids commodities for a portion of revenue. Midstream MLPs may also operate ancillary businesses including
the marketing of the products and logistical services.
Other MLPs in which the Fund may invest may
be classified as upstream MLPs, downstream MLPs, services MLPs, propane MLPs, coal MLPs, marine transportation MLPs or natural resources
MLPs.
Upstream MLPs are businesses engaged in the
exploration, extraction, production and acquisition of natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil from geological reservoirs. An upstream
MLP's cash flow and distributions are driven by the amount of oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids and crude oil produced and the demand
for and price of such commodities.
Downstream MLPs are businesses engaged in
refining, marketing and other "end-customer" distribution activities relating to refined energy sources, such as: customer-ready natural
gas, propane and gasoline; the production and manufacturing of petrochemicals including olefins, polyolefins, ethylene and similar co-products
as well as intermediates and derivatives; and the generation, transmission and distribution of power and electricity.
Services MLPs are engaged in the provision
of services to energy-related businesses, such as oilfield services companies, which provide services to the petroleum exploration and
production industry but do not produce or distribute petroleum themselves, gas compression companies and producers and providers of sand
used in hydraulic fracturing.
Propane MLPs are engaged in the distribution
of propane to homeowners for space and water heating and to commercial, industrial and agricultural customers.
Coal MLPs are engaged in the owning, leasing,
managing, and production and sale of various grades of steam and metallurgical coal. The primary use of steam coal is for electrical generation,
as a fuel for steam-powered generators by electrical utilities. The primary use of metallurgical coal is in the production of steel.
Marine transportation MLPs provide transportation
and distribution services for energy-related products through the ownership and operation of several types of vessels, such as crude oil
tankers, refined product tankers, liquefied natural gas tankers, tank barges and tugboats.
Natural resources MLPs include MLPs principally
engaged in owning or developing non-energy natural resources, including timber and minerals.
Energy Infrastructure Companies.
The Fund considers a company to be an "infrastructure company" if (i) at least 50% of its assets, income, sales or profits are committed
to or derived from the development, construction, distribution, management, ownership, operation or financing of infrastructure assets;
or (ii) a third party classification has given the company an industry or sector classification consistent with the infrastructure company
designation. Infrastructure assets consist of those assets which provide the underlying foundation of basic services, facilities and institutions,
including the production, processing, storage, transportation, manufacturing, servicing and distribution of oil and gas, petrochemicals
and other energy resources, physical structures, networks, systems of transportation and water and sewage. The Fund considers an infrastructure
company to be an "energy infrastructure company" if it (i) owns or operates, or is involved in the development, construction, distribution,
management, ownership, operation or financing of, infrastructure assets within the energy sector, or (ii) provides material products or
services to companies operating in the energy sector.
Energy infrastructure companies in which the
Fund will invest may include companies involved in (i) exploration, development, production, gathering, treating, transportation, processing,
fractionation, storage, refining, distribution, mining or marketing of natural gas, natural gas liquids (including propane), crude oil,
refined petroleum products, petrochemicals, plastics and other hydrocarbon products, coal or other natural resources used to produce energy
sources; (ii) provision of services and logistics with respect to the foregoing activities; and/or (iii) generation, transmission, sale
or distribution of electric energy.
Short Sales. The Fund may
engage in short sales. A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own in anticipation that the market
price of that security will decline. To the extent the Fund engages in short sales, the Fund will not make a short sale, if, after giving
effect to such sale, the market value of all securities sold short exceeds 20% of the value of its Managed Assets. The Fund may also make
short sales "against the box" without respect to such limitations. In this type of short sale, at the time of the sale, the Fund owns,
or has the immediate and unconditional right to acquire at no additional cost, the identical security. 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 and liquid 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. The Fund may engage in short sales in connection with paired long-short trades to arbitrage
pricing disparities in securities issued by MLPs and energy infrastructure companies or between MLPs and energy infrastructure companies
and their affiliates.
Financial Leverage. The Fund
currently intends to seek to enhance the level of its current distributions by utilizing financial leverage through borrowing, including
loans from financial institutions, or the issuance of commercial paper or other forms of debt ("Borrowings"), through the issuance of
senior securities such as preferred shares ("Preferred Shares"), through reverse repurchase agreements, dollar rolls or similar transactions
or through a combination of the foregoing (collectively "Financial Leverage"). The Fund may utilize Financial Leverage up to the limits
imposed by the 1940 Act. Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may utilize Financial Leverage in the form of Borrowings in an aggregate amount
up to 331/3% of the Fund's total assets immediately after such Borrowing and may utilize Financial Leverage in the form of Preferred Shares
in an aggregate amount of up to 50% of the Fund's total assets immediately after such issuance. Under current market conditions, the Fund
intends to utilize Financial Leverage through Borrowings from certain financial institutions and through the issuance of Preferred Shares
in an amount ranging from 25% to 33% of the Fund's Managed Assets, including the proceeds of such Financial Leverage. The
Fund may also utilize Borrowings in excess
of such limits for temporary purposes such as the settlement of transactions.
The Fund has established a revolving credit
agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International, Ltd. ("BNPP") for investment purposes subject to the
limitations of the 1940 Act for borrowings by registered investment companies. Effective June 1, 2022, the Fund pays interest in the amount
of 1.05% plus the Overnight Bank Funding Rate on the amount outstanding. Prior to June 1, 2022, the Fund paid interest in the amount of
0.95% plus the 1-month London Interbank Offered Rate on the amount outstanding. As of September 30, 2022, the Fund had outstanding borrowings
of $21,500,000. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, the Fund had an outstanding average daily loan balance of $21,040,000
at a weighted average borrowing cost of 1.87%. The maximum amount outstanding during the fiscal year was $22,600,000 and the interest
expense amounted to $393,499. As of September 30, 2022, the total value of the collateral was $47,994,790.
So long as the net rate of return on the Fund's
investments purchased with the proceeds of Financial Leverage exceeds the cost of such Financial Leverage, such excess amounts will be
available to pay higher distributions to holders of the Fund's common shares. Any use of Financial Leverage must be approved by the Board.
There can be no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be implemented or that it will be successful during any period during which
it is employed. During the time in which the Fund is utilizing Financial Leverage, the amount of the fees paid to the Adviser for investment
advisory services will be higher than if the Fund did not utilize Financial Leverage because the fees paid will be calculated based on
the Fund's Managed Assets, which may create a conflict of interest between the Adviser and common shareholders. Because the Financial
Leverage costs are borne by the Fund at a specified rate, only the Fund's common shareholders will bear the cost associated with Financial
Leverage. Borrowings (and any Preferred Shares) have seniority over common shares.
In connection with the Fund's use of Financial
Leverage, the Fund may enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions. The Fund would use interest rate swaps or caps to seek to reduce
or eliminate the risk that an increase in short-term interest rates could have on common share net earnings as a result of leverage.
Other Policies and Strategies
Derivatives Transactions.
The Fund may, but is not required to, use various derivatives transactions in order to earn income or enhance total return, facilitate
portfolio management and mitigate risks. Generally, a derivative is a financial contract the value of which depends upon, or is derived
from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate, or index, and may relate to individual debt or equity instruments, interest rates,
currencies or currency exchange rates, commodities, related indexes, and other assets. The use of derivatives transactions to earn income
or enhance total return may be particularly speculative. In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, the Fund may purchase
and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on securities, equity and debt indices and other instruments, purchase
and sell futures contracts and options thereon, and enter into various transactions such as swaps, caps, floors or collars. In addition,
derivative transactions may also include new techniques, instruments or strategies that are permitted as regulatory changes occur.
Other Investment Funds. The
Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets in securities of other investment funds, including registered closed-end or open-end investment
companies, including exchange-traded funds. The Adviser generally expects that it may invest in other investment funds either during periods
when it has large amounts of uninvested cash, such as the period shortly after the Fund receives the proceeds from an offering of common
shares or during periods when there is a shortage of attractive securities available in the market. To the extent that the Fund invests
in other investment companies that invest primarily in MLPs or energy infrastructure companies, the value of such investments will be
counted for purposes of the Fund's 80% Policy.
When Issued, Delayed Delivery Securities
and Forward Commitments. The Fund may enter into forward commitments for the purchase or sale of securities, including on a "when
issued" or "delayed delivery" basis, in excess of customary settlement periods for the type of security involved. The Fund will segregate
with its custodian cash or liquid securities in an aggregate amount at least equal to the amount of its outstanding forward commitments.
Repurchase Agreements. The
Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements may be seen as loans by the Fund collateralized by underlying debt securities.
Under the terms of a typical repurchase agreement, the Fund would acquire an underlying debt obligation for a relatively short period
(usually not more than one week) subject to an obligation of the seller to repurchase, and the Fund to resell, the obligation at an agreed
price and time.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements.
The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. Under a reverse repurchase agreement, the Fund temporarily transfers possession
of a portfolio instrument to another party, such as a bank or broker-dealer, in return for cash. At the same time, the Fund agrees to
repurchase the instrument at an agreed upon time (normally within seven days) and price, which reflects an interest payment. Such agreements
will be treated as subject to investment restrictions regarding "borrowings."
Loans of Portfolio Securities.
To increase income, the Fund may lend its portfolio securities to securities broker-dealers or financial institutions if (i) the loan
is collateralized in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and (ii) no loan will cause the value of all loaned securities
to exceed 33% of the value of the Fund's Managed Assets.
Temporary Defensive Investments.
At any time when a temporary defensive posture is believed by the Adviser to be warranted (a "temporary defensive period"), the Fund may,
without limitation, hold cash or invest its assets in money market instruments and repurchase agreements in respect of those instruments.
The Fund may not achieve its investment objective during a temporary defensive period or be able to sustain its historical distribution
levels.
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Risk Factors [Table Text Block] |
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Investment Risks
The Fund may be subject to certain risks associated
with its investments and investment strategies, including:
Not a Complete Investment Program.
An investment in the common shares of the Fund should not be considered a complete investment program. The Fund is not meant to provide
a vehicle for those who wish to exploit short-term swings in the stock market and is intended for long-term investors. Each common shareholder
should take into account the Fund's investment objective as well as the common shareholder's other investments when considering an investment
in the Fund.
Investment and Market Risk.
An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk, particularly under current economic, financial, labor and health conditions,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest. An investment in the common shares of the Fund represents
an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund. The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the Fund are
subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation. These movements may result from factors affecting individual companies,
or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates, changes in inflation or expectations about
inflation, investor confidence or economic, political, social or financial market conditions (such as the current contentious political
climate in the United States following the presidential election), environmental disasters, governmental actions, public health emergencies
(such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics) and other similar events, that each of which may be temporary or
last for extended periods of time.
Different sectors, industries and security types
may react differently to such developments and, when the market performs well, there is no assurance that the Fund's investments will
increase in value along with the broader markets. Volatility of financial markets, including potentially extreme volatility caused by
the events described above, can expose the Fund to greater market risk than normal, possibly resulting in greatly reduced liquidity. Moreover,
changing economic, political, social or financial market conditions in one country or geographic region could adversely affect the value,
yield and return of the investments held by the Fund in a different country or geographic region because of the increasingly interconnected
global economies and financial markets. The Adviser potentially could be prevented from considering, managing and executing investment
decisions at an advantageous time or price or at all as a result of any domestic or global market or other disruptions, particularly disruptions
causing heightened market volatility and reduced market liquidity, such as the current conditions, which have also resulted
in impediments to the normal functioning of
workforces, including personnel and systems of the Fund's service providers and market intermediaries.
The value of the securities owned by the Fund
will affect the value of the common shares. At any point in time, your common shares may be worth less than your original investment,
including the reinvestment of Fund dividends and distributions.
Management Risk. The Fund
is subject to management risk because it has an actively managed portfolio. The Adviser will apply investment techniques and risk analyses
in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these will produce the desired results.
Risks of Investing in MLP Units.
An investment in MLP units involves additional risks from a similar investment in equity securities, such as common stock, of a corporation.
As compared to common shareholders of a corporation, holders of MLP units generally have more limited control and limited rights to vote
on matters affecting the partnership. Holders of units issued by an MLP are exposed to a remote possibility of liability for all of the
obligations of that MLP in the event that a court determines that the rights of the holders of MLP units to vote to remove or replace
the general partner of that MLP, to approve amendments to that MLP's partnership agreement, or to take other action under the partnership
agreement of that MLP would constitute "control" of the business of that MLP, or a court or governmental agency determines that the MLP
is conducting business in a state without complying with the partnership statute of that state. Holders of MLP units are also exposed
to the risk that they will be required to repay amounts to the MLP that are wrongfully distributed to them. Additional risks include cash
flow risk, tax risk, risk associated with a potential conflict of interest between unit holders and the MLP's general partner, and capital
markets risk.
MLPs generally are organized by the owners
of an existing business who determine that use of an MLP structure will allow the operations of the business to be conducted in a tax-efficient
manner. As these owners may retain other businesses that are not transferred to the MLP, conflicts of interest may arise between the MLP
and the other businesses retained by its sponsor. Business opportunities that arise that are desirable for both the MLP and the retained
businesses, for example, may cause significant conflicts of interest. It is impossible to predict whether these conflicts will be resolved
to the detriment of the limited partners of the MLP.
In addition, the use of capital to seek to
increase incentive distribution payments to the general partner may conflict with the interests of limited partners. Generally, incentive
distribution payments involve the general partner receiving an increasing progressive share of MLP distributions. Although limited partners
will receive an increased total distribution if the general partner achieves its incentive benchmarks, the percentage of the increased
distribution received by the limited partners generally decreases at each benchmark level. As a result, any increased risk associated
with the management of the MLP for the purpose of increasing distributions may not correspond with the incremental benefit received by
the limited partners.
Tax Risks. The Fund is treated
as a regular corporation, or "C" corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as a result, unlike most investment companies,
is subject to corporate income tax to the extent the Fund recognizes taxable income. As a result of the unique characteristics of MLP
investments, the Fund will be subject to certain tax-related risks.
MLP Tax Risk. The Fund's ability to meet
its investment objective will depend largely on the amount of the distributions it receives (in relation to the taxable income it recognizes)
with respect to its investments in the MLPs, which is something over which the Fund will have no control. Much of the benefit the Fund
derives from its investment in equity securities of MLPs is a result of MLPs generally being treated as partnerships for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. Partnerships generally do not pay U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. Rather, each partner of a partnership,
in computing its U.S. federal income tax liability, will include its allocable share of the partnership's income, gains, losses, deductions
and expenses. A change in current tax law, or a change in the business of a given MLP, could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation
for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would result in such MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income.
The classification of an MLP as a
corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes
would have the effect of reducing the amount of cash available for distribution by the MLP and generally causing such distributions received
by the Fund to be taxed as dividend income. Thus, if any of the MLPs owned by the Fund were treated as corporations for U.S. federal income
tax purposes, the after-tax return to the Fund with respect to its investment in such MLPs would be materially reduced, which could cause
a substantial decline in the value of the common shares.
In addition, the U.S. tax code and regulations
generally require that taxes, penalties, and interest associated with an audit of a partnership be assessed and collected at the partnership
level. Accordingly, even if an MLP in which we invest were to remain classified as a partnership, it could be required to pay additional
taxes, interest and penalties as a result of an audit adjustment, and we, as a direct or indirect partner of such MLP, could be required
to bear the economic burden of those taxes, interest and penalties (even if the Fund was not a direct or indirect partner of such MLP
during the period corresponding to the audit adjustment), which would reduce the value of the common shares.
Deferred Tax Risks of MLP Investments.
To the extent that the Fund invests in the equity securities of an MLP, the Fund will be a partner in such MLP. Accordingly, the Fund
will be required to include in its taxable income the Fund's allocable share of the income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses recognized
by each such MLP, regardless of whether the MLP distributes cash to the Fund. Historically, MLPs have been able to offset a significant
portion of their income with tax deductions. The portion, if any, of a distribution received by the Fund from an MLP that is offset by
the MLP's tax deductions is essentially treated as tax-deferred return of capital. However, any such deferred tax will be reflected by
a reduction in the Fund's adjusted basis in the equity securities of the MLP, which will result in an increase in the amount of gain (or
decrease in the amount of loss) that will be recognized by the Fund for tax purposes on the sale of any such equity securities. In addition,
the Fund will incur a current income tax liability on the portion of its allocable share of an MLP's income that is not offset by its
allocable share of tax deductions. The percentage of an MLP's income that is offset by the MLP's tax deductions will fluctuate over time.
For example, new acquisitions by MLPs generate accelerated depreciation and other tax deductions, and therefore a decline in acquisition
activity by the MLPs owned by the Fund could increase the Fund's current tax liability. If the percentage of the distributions received
by the Fund that is offset by tax deductions declines, the portion of the distributions paid by the Fund that is treated as tax-deferred
return of capital and/or capital gain, as the case may be, would be reduced and the portion treated as taxable dividend income would be
increased. In addition, if the Fund's portfolio turnover increases, the Fund may realize more gains on the disposition of portfolio investments,
increasing the Fund's earnings and profits and decreasing the portion of the Fund's distributions characterized as tax- deferred return
of capital. This generally would result in lower after-tax distributions to shareholders.
Unlike MLPs, which are generally treated as
partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, non-MLP energy infrastructure companies in which the Fund invests are generally taxed
as corporations. Such companies thus pay corporate-level taxes on their net taxable income and may not offer certain other advantageous
tax characteristics of MLP investments.
For example, a significant portion of the
distributions received by the Fund from the MLPs in which it invests have historically consisted of return of capital for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. To the extent that the Fund increases its investments in non-MLP energy infrastructure companies, a greater portion
of the distributions the Fund receives may consist of taxable income, which may result in the Fund having a larger corporate income tax
expense, which may result in less cash available to distribute to common shareholders.
In addition, as a result of the character
of the distributions received by the Fund from the MLPs in which it invests, historically a significant portion of the distributions made
by the Fund to the holders of its common shares have consisted of return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To the extent
that the Fund increases its investments in non-MLP energy infrastructure companies, a lesser percentage of future distributions by the
Fund to holders of its common shares may be treated as a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes and a greater percentage
of future distributions may be treated as dividend payments taxable as ordinary income or qualified dividend income to Fund shareholders.
Because the Fund is treated as a regular corporation,
or "C" corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund will incur tax expenses. In calculating the Fund's net asset value
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Fund will, among other things, account for its deferred tax liability
and/or asset balances.
The Fund will accrue a deferred income tax
liability balance, at the currently effective statutory U.S. federal income tax rate plus an estimated state and local income tax rate,
for its future tax liability associated with the capital appreciation of its investments and the distributions received by the Fund on
equity securities of MLPs considered to be return of capital and for any net operating gains. Any deferred tax liability balance will
reduce the Fund's net asset value. The portion, if any, of a distribution on an MLP equity security received by the Fund that is offset
by the MLP's tax deductions or losses will be treated as a return of capital. However, those distributions will reduce the Fund's adjusted
tax basis in the equity securities of the MLP, which will result in an increase in the amount of income or gain (or a decrease in the
amount of loss) that will be recognized on the sale of the equity security in the MLP by the Fund. Upon the Fund's sale of a portfolio
security, the Fund will be liable for previously deferred taxes. No assurance can be given that such taxes will not exceed the Fund's
deferred tax liability assumptions for purposes of computing the Fund's net asset value per share, which would result in an immediate
reduction of the Fund's net asset value per share, which could be material.
The Fund will accrue a deferred tax asset
balance which reflects an estimate of the Fund's future tax benefit associated with net operating losses and unrealized losses. Any deferred
tax asset balance will increase the Fund's net asset value. A deferred tax asset may be used to reduce a subsequent period's income tax
expense, subject to certain limitations. To the extent the Fund has a deferred tax asset balance, the Fund will assess whether a valuation
allowance, which would offset some or all of the value of the Fund's deferred tax asset balance, is required, considering all positive
and negative evidence related to the realization of the Fund's deferred tax asset. The Fund will assess whether a valuation allowance
is required to offset some or all of any deferred tax asset balance based on estimates of the Fund in connection with the calculation
of the Fund's net asset value per share; however, to the extent the final valuation allowance differs from the estimates of the Fund used
in calculating the Fund's net asset value, the application of such final valuation allowance could have a material impact on the Fund's
net asset value.
The Fund's deferred tax liability and/or asset
balances are estimated using estimates of effective tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years such balances are realized.
The Fund will rely to some extent on information provided by MLPs regarding the tax characterization of the distributions made by such
MLPs, which may not be provided to the Fund on a timely basis, to estimate the Fund's deferred tax liability and/or asset balances for
purposes of financial statement reporting and determining its net asset value. The Fund's estimates regarding its deferred tax liability
and/or asset balances will be made in good faith; however, the estimate of the Fund's deferred tax liability and/or asset balances used
to calculate the Fund's net asset value could vary dramatically from the Fund's actual tax liability, and, as a result, the determination
of the Fund's actual tax liability may have a material impact on the Fund's net asset value. From time to time, the Fund may modify its
estimates or assumptions regarding its deferred tax liability and/or asset balances as new information becomes available. Modifications
of the Fund's estimates or assumptions regarding its deferred tax liability and/or asset balances and any applicable valuation allowance,
changes in generally accepted accounting principles or related guidance or interpretations thereof, limitations imposed on net operating
losses (if any) and changes in applicable tax law could result in increases or decreases in the Fund's net asset value per share, which
could be material.
Tax Law Change Risk. Changes in the
tax laws, or interpretations thereof, could adversely affect the Fund, the MLPs in which the Fund invests and/or the Fund's shareholders.
For example, if as a result of a change in the tax laws, MLPs are required to be treated as corporations rather than partnerships for
tax purposes, MLPs would be subject to entity level tax at corporate tax rates and any distributions received by the Fund from an MLP
would be treated as dividend income to the extent it was attributable to the MLP's current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such treatment
would negatively impact the amount and tax characterization of distributions received by the Fund and its shareholders.
Tax Reporting Risk. Shareholders in
the Fund will receive a single Form 1099 from the Fund annually, while the Fund will receive Schedules K-1 from each MLP in which they
are invested. However, the MLPs in which the Fund invests generally will not deliver their Schedule K-1s to the Fund until after the Fund
must deliver Forms 1099 to its shareholders. If the Schedule K-1s received by the Fund show that the Fund's estimates regarding its income
attributable to such MLPs were incorrect, the Fund may have to send corrected Form 1099s to its shareholders, which may result in a shareholder
being required to request an extension to file its tax return or to amend a previously filed tax return.
Affiliated Party Risk. Certain
MLPs and energy infrastructure companies in which the Fund may invest depend upon their parent or sponsor entities for the majority of
their revenues. Were their parent or sponsor entities to fail to make such payments or satisfy their obligations, the revenues and cash
flows of such entities and ability of such entities to make distributions to unit holders, such as the Fund, would be adversely affected.
Equity Securities Risk. A
substantial percentage of the Fund's assets will be invested in equity securities, including MLP common units, MLP subordinated units,
MLP preferred units, equity securities of MLP affiliates, including I-Shares, and common stocks and other equity securities of energy
infrastructure companies. Equity risk is the risk that MLP units or other equity securities held by the Fund will fall due to general
market or economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, changes
in interest rates, and the particular circumstances and performance of particular companies whose securities the Fund holds. The price
of an equity security of an issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market; or a drop in the stock market
may depress the price of most or all of the equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, MLP units or other equity securities held
by the Fund may decline in price if the issuer fails to make anticipated distributions or dividend payments because, among other reasons,
the issuer experiences a decline in its financial condition.
MLP subordinated units typically are convertible
to MLP common units at a one-to-one ratio. The price of MLP subordinated units is typically tied to the price of the corresponding MLP
common unit, less a discount. The size of the discount depends upon a variety of factors, including the likelihood of conversion, the
length of time remaining until conversion and the size of the block of subordinated units being purchased or sold.
The Fund may invest in equity securities issued
by affiliates of MLP, including general partners of MLPs. Such issuers may be organized and/or taxed as corporations and therefore may
not offer the advantageous tax characteristics of MLP units. Investments in such MLP affiliates would be expected by the Adviser to provide
economic exposure to the MLP asset class; however, such investments may not exhibit precise price correlation to any particular MLP or
the MLP asset class generally.
I-Shares represent an indirect investment
in MLP I-units. Prices and volatilities of I-Shares tend to correlate to the price of common unit, although the price correlation may
not be precise. I-Shares differ from MLP common units primarily in that instead of receiving cash distributions, holders of I-Shares will
receive distributions of additional I-Shares, in an amount equal to the cash distributions received by common unit holders. I-Shares have
limited voting rights. Holders of I-Shares are subject to the same risks as holders of MLP common units.
The Fund may invest in equity securities of
other energy infrastructure companies. Non-MLP energy infrastructure companies in which the Fund invests are generally taxed as corporations.
Such companies thus pay corporate-level taxes on their net taxable income and may not offer certain other advantageous tax characteristics
of MLP investments. The prices of equity securities are also sensitive to general movements in the stock market, so a drop in the stock
market may depress the prices of equity securities in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are structurally subordinated to preferred
stock, bonds and other debt instruments in a company's capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income and are therefore inherently
more risky and may experience significantly greater price volatility than preferred stock or debt instruments of such issuers.
Non-Diversification and Private Investment
Risk. The Fund is a non-diversified investment company under the 1940 Act and will not elect to be treated as a regulated investment
company under the Code. Accordingly, the Fund
may invest a greater portion of its assets
in a more limited number of issuers than a diversified fund. The Fund's portfolio is currently concentrated in a limited number of holdings.
As a result, an investment in the Fund may present a greater risk to an investor than an investment in a diversified portfolio because
changes in the financial condition or market assessment of a single issuer may cause greater fluctuations in the value of the Fund's shares.
Pembina Gas Infrastructure, Inc. focuses on
providing natural gas gathering and natural gas liquids processing service solutions to the producer community in Alberta and British
Columbia, Canada. In addition to the risks generally applicable to energy sector companies, as set forth under "Energy Sector Risks,"
gathering and processing companies are subject to natural declines in the production of oil and natural gas fields, which utilize their
gathering and processing facilities as a way to market their production, prolonged declines in the price of natural gas or crude oil,
which curtails drilling activity and therefore production, and declines in the prices of natural gas liquids and refined petroleum products,
which cause lower processing margins. In addition, some gathering and processing contracts subject the gathering or processing company
to direct commodities price risk.
The Fund's investment in private companies
cause the Fund to be more susceptible to risks associated with such investment. Private companies are not subject to SEC reporting requirements,
are not required to maintain their accounting records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and are not required
to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting. Private companies are more likely to depend on the management talents
and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons
could have a material adverse impact on the company. Private investments are typically illiquid and the Fund may not be able to readily
dispose of such investments at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell them if they were more widely traded. Further,
the Fund values private company investments in accordance with valuation guidelines adopted by the Board. Due to the inherent uncertainty
and subjectivity of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the
Fund's private investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed
for such investments and may differ materially from the amounts the Fund may realize on any dispositions of such investments. The Fund
may be a co-investor in private investment opportunities sourced by third party investors. While the Adviser will conduct independent
due diligence before entering into any such investment, the Fund may have limited, if any governance, voting or consent rights, and the
Fund's ability to realize a profit on such investments will be particularly reliant on the expertise of the lead investor in the transaction.
See "Risks Associated with Private Company Investments" below.
Concentration Risk. Because
the Fund is concentrated in MLP and energy infrastructure companies operating in the industry or group of industries that make up the
energy sector of the economy, the Fund may be more susceptible to risks associated with such sector. A downturn in such sector could have
a larger impact on the Fund than on an investment company that does not concentrate in such sector. At times, the performance of securities
of companies in the energy sector may lag the performance of other sectors or the broader market as a whole.
Energy Sector Risks. The
MLPs and energy infrastructure companies in which the Fund invests operate in the energy sector of the economy. As a result, the Fund
will be more susceptible to adverse economic, political, legislative or regulatory occurrences affecting the energy sector. A downturn
in the energy sector of the economy could have a larger impact on the Fund than on an investment company that is broadly diversified across
many sectors of the economy. Recently, the performance of securities of companies in the energy sector has lagged the performance of other
sectors and the broader market as a whole. Risks associated with investments in MLPs and energy infrastructure companies include the following:
Commodity Price Risk. MLPs and energy infrastructure
companies may be affected by fluctuations in the prices of energy commodities, including, for example, natural gas, natural gas liquids,
crude oil and coal, in the short-and long-term. Fluctuations in energy commodity prices would directly impact companies that own such
commodities and could indirectly impact MLPs and energy infrastructure companies that engage in transportation, storage, processing, distribution
or marketing of such commodities. Fluctuations in energy commodity prices can result from
changes in general economic conditions or
political circumstances (especially of key energy producing and consuming countries), market conditions, weather patterns, domestic production
levels, volume of imports, energy conservation, domestic and foreign governmental regulation, international politics, policies of the
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries ("OPEC"), taxation, tariffs, and the availability and costs of local, intrastate and interstate
transportation methods, among others.
Companies engaged in crude oil and natural
gas exploration, development or production, natural gas gathering and processing, crude oil refining and transportation and coal mining
or sales may be directly affected by their respective natural resources commodity prices. The volatility of commodity prices may also
indirectly affect certain companies engaged in the transportation, processing, storage or distribution of such commodities. Some companies
that own the underlying commodities may be unable to effectively mitigate or manage direct margin exposure to commodity price levels.
The energy sector as a whole may also be impacted by the perception that the performance of energy sector companies is directly linked
to commodity prices. High commodity prices may drive further energy conservation efforts and a slowing economy may adversely impact energy
consumption which may adversely affect the performance of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. Recently, oil prices have declined
significantly and experienced significant volatility. This may adversely impact MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. Such companies'
growth prospects and ability to pay high dividends may be negatively impacted, which could adversely impact the net asset value of the
common shares and the ability of the Fund to continue to pay dividends at current levels.
Supply and Demand Risk. MLPs and energy
infrastructure companies may be impacted by the levels of supply and demand for energy commodities. MLPs and energy infrastructure companies
could be adversely affected by reductions in the supply of or demand for energy commodities. The volume of production of energy commodities
and the volume of energy commodities available for transportation, storage, processing or distribution could be affected by a variety
of factors, including depletion of resources, depressed commodity prices, catastrophic events, pandemic, labor relations, increased environmental
or other governmental regulation, equipment malfunctions and maintenance difficulties, import volumes, international politics, policies
of OPEC, and increased competition from alternative energy sources, among others. Alternatively, a decline in demand for energy commodities
could result from factors such as adverse economic conditions (especially in key energy-consuming countries), increased taxation, increased
environmental or other governmental regulation, increased fuel economy, increased energy conservation or use of alternative energy sources,
legislation intended to promote the use of alternative energy sources, and increased commodity prices, among others.
Depletion Risk. MLPs and energy infrastructure
companies engaged in the exploration, development, management, gathering or production of energy commodities face the risk that commodity
reserves are depleted over time. Such companies seek to increase their reserves through expansion of their current businesses, acquisitions,
further development of their existing sources of energy commodities or exploration of new sources of energy commodities or by entering
into long-term contracts for additional reserves; however, there are risks associated with each of these potential strategies. If such
companies fail to acquire additional reserves in a cost-effective manner and at a rate at least equal to the rate at which their existing
reserves decline, their financial performance may suffer. Additionally, failure to replenish reserves could reduce the amount and affect
the tax characterization of the distributions paid by such companies.
Lack of Diversification of Customers and
Suppliers. Certain MLPs and energy infrastructure companies depend upon a limited number of customers for substantially all of their
revenue. Similarly, certain MLPs and energy infrastructure companies depend upon a limited number of suppliers of goods or services to
continue their operations. The loss of any such customers or suppliers could materially adversely affect such companies' results of operations
and cash flow, and their ability to make distributions to unit holders, such as the Fund, would therefore be materially adversely affected.
Regulatory Risk. The energy sector
is highly regulated. MLPs and energy infrastructure companies are subject to significant regulation of nearly every aspect of their operations
by federal, state and local governmental agencies.
Examples of governmental regulations which
impact MLPs and energy infrastructure companies include regulation of the construction, maintenance and operation of facilities, environmental
regulation, safety regulation, labor regulation, trade regulation and the regulation of the prices charged for products and services.
Compliance with these regulations and permits issued under them is enforced by numerous governmental agencies and authorities through
administrative, civil and criminal penalties including civil fines, injunctions or both. Stricter laws or regulations or stricter enforcement
policies with respect to existing regulations would likely increase the costs of regulatory compliance and could have an adverse effect
on the financial performance of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. MLPs and energy infrastructure companies may be adversely affected
by additional regulatory requirements enacted in response to environmental disasters, which may impose additional costs or limit certain
operations by MLPs operating in various sectors.
Environmental Risk. There is an inherent
risk that MLPs and energy infrastructure companies may incur environmental costs and liabilities due to the nature of their businesses
and the substances they handle. For example, an accidental release from wells or gathering pipelines could subject them to substantial
liabilities for environmental cleanup and restoration costs, claims made by neighboring landowners and other third parties for personal
injury and property damage, and fines or penalties for related violations of environmental laws or regulations. Moreover, the possibility
exists that stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could significantly increase the compliance costs of MLPs and energy infrastructure
companies, and the cost of any remediation that may become necessary. MLPs or energy infrastructure companies may not be able to recover
these costs from insurance.
Specifically, the operations of wells, gathering
systems, pipelines, refineries and other facilities are subject to stringent and complex federal, state and local environmental laws and
regulations. These include, for example: (i) the Federal Clean Air Act ("Clean Air Act") and comparable state laws and regulations that
impose obligations related to air emissions, (ii) the Federal Clean Water Act and comparable state laws and regulations that impose obligations
related to discharges of pollutants into regulated bodies of water, (iii) the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA")
and comparable state laws and regulations that impose requirements for the handling and disposal of waste from facilities; and (iv) the
federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA"), also known as "Superfund," and comparable
state laws and regulations that regulate the cleanup of hazardous substances that may have been released at properties currently or previously
owned or operated by MLPs or at locations to which they have sent waste for disposal.
Failure to comply with these laws and regulations
may trigger a variety of administrative, civil and criminal enforcement measures, including the assessment of monetary penalties, the
imposition of remedial requirements, and the issuance of orders enjoining future operations. Certain environmental statutes, including
RCRA, CERCLA, the federal Oil Pollution Act and analogous state laws and regulations, impose strict, joint and several liability for costs
required to clean up and restore sites where hazardous substances have been disposed of or otherwise released. Moreover, it is not uncommon
for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the release
of hazardous substances or other waste products into the environment. There is an inherent risk that MLPs and energy infrastructure companies
may incur environmental costs and liabilities due to the nature of their businesses and the substances they handle. For example, an accidental
release from wells or gathering pipelines could subject them to substantial liabilities for environmental cleanup and restoration costs,
claims made by neighboring landowners and other third parties for personal injury and property damage, and fines or penalties for related
violations of environmental laws or regulations. Moreover, the possibility exists that stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies
could significantly increase the compliance costs of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. For example, hydraulic fracturing, a technique
used in the completion of certain oil and gas wells, has become a subject of increasing regulatory scrutiny and may be subject in the
future to more stringent, and more costly to comply with, requirements. Similarly, the implementation of more stringent environmental
requirements could significantly increase the cost of any remediation that may become necessary. MLPs and energy infrastructure companies
may not be able to recover these costs from insurance.
Voluntary initiatives and mandatory controls
have been adopted or are being discussed both in the United States and worldwide to reduce emissions of "greenhouse gases" such as carbon
dioxide, a by-product of burning fossil fuels, and methane, the major constituent of natural gas, which many scientists and policymakers
believe contribute to global climate change. Such measures, including carbon taxes or future emission restrictions or regulations, could
result in increased costs to certain companies in which the Fund may invest to operate and maintain facilities and administer and manage
a greenhouse gas emissions program and may reduce demand for fuels that generate greenhouse gases and that are managed or produced by
companies in which the Fund may invest. The potential for the imposition of such measures may negatively impact energy infrastructure
entities generally.
In the wake of a Supreme Court decision holding
that the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") has some legal authority to deal with climate change under the Clean Air Act, the EPA
and the Department of Transportation jointly wrote regulations to cut gasoline use and control greenhouse gas emissions from cars and
trucks. The EPA has also taken action to require certain entities to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions and certain facilities
may be required to control emissions of greenhouse gases pursuant to EPA air permitting and other regulatory programs. These measures,
and other programs addressing greenhouse gas emissions, could reduce demand for energy or raise prices, which may adversely affect the
total return of certain of the Fund's investments.
Acquisition Risk. MLPs and energy infrastructure
companies owned by the Fund may depend on their ability to make acquisitions that increase adjusted operating surplus per unit in order
to increase distributions to unit holders. The ability of such MLPs and energy infrastructure companies to make future acquisitions is
dependent on their ability to identify suitable targets, negotiate favorable purchase contracts, obtain acceptable financing and outbid
competing potential acquirers. To the extent that MLPs and other Fund investments are unable to make future acquisitions, or such future
acquisitions fail to increase the adjusted operating surplus per unit, their growth and ability to make distributions to unit holders
will be limited. There are risks inherent in any acquisition, including erroneous assumptions regarding revenues, acquisition expenses,
operating expenses, cost savings and synergies, assumption of liabilities, indemnification, customer losses, key employee defections,
distraction from other business operations, and unanticipated difficulties in operating or integrating new product areas and geographic
regions, among others.
Interest Rate Risk. Rising interest
rates could increase the costs of capital thereby increasing operating costs and reducing the ability of MLPs and energy infrastructure
companies to carry out acquisitions or expansions in a cost- effective manner. As a result, rising interest rates could negatively affect
the financial performance of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies in which the Fund invests. Rising interest rates may also impact
the price of the securities of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies as the yields on alternative investments increase. The Fund may
be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates due to the current period of historically low interest rates.
Weather Risks. Weather plays a role
in the seasonality of some MLPs' and energy infrastructure companies' cash flows. MLPs and energy infrastructure companies in the propane
industry, for example, rely on the winter season to generate almost all of their earnings. In an unusually warm winter season, propane
MLPs and energy infrastructure companies experience decreased demand for their product. Although most MLPs and energy infrastructure companies
can reasonably predict seasonal weather demand based on normal weather patterns, extreme weather conditions, such as the hurricanes that
severely damaged cities along the U.S. Gulf Coast in recent years, demonstrate that no amount of preparation can protect MLPs and energy
infrastructure companies from the unpredictability of the weather. Further, climate change may result in increases in the frequency and
severity of adverse weather events. The damage done by extreme weather also may serve to increase many MLPs' and energy infrastructure
companies' insurance premiums and could adversely affect such companies' financial condition and ability to pay distributions to shareholders.
Catastrophic Event Risk. MLPs and energy
infrastructure companies are subject to many dangers inherent in the production, exploration, management, transportation, processing and
distribution of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined petroleum, petrochemicals and petroleum products and other hydrocarbons.
These dangers include leaks, fires, explosions, damage to facilities and equipment resulting from natural disasters, inadvertent damage
to
facilities and equipment and terrorist acts.
Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, the U.S. government has issued warnings that energy assets, specifically U.S. pipeline infrastructure,
may be targeted in future terrorist attacks. These dangers give rise to risks of substantial losses as a result of loss or destruction
of commodity reserves; damage to or destruction of property, facilities and equipment; pollution and environmental damage; and personal
injury or loss of life. Any occurrence of such catastrophic events could bring about a limitation, suspension or discontinuation of the
operations of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. MLPs and energy infrastructure companies may not be fully insured against all
risks inherent in their business operations and therefore accidents and catastrophic events could adversely affect such companies' financial
conditions and ability to pay distributions to shareholders.
Risks Relating to Expansions and Acquisitions.
MLPs and energy infrastructure companies employ a variety of means to increase cash flow, including increasing utilization of existing
facilities, expanding operations through new construction or development activities, expanding operations through acquisitions, adding
additional services or securing additional long-term contracts. Thus, some MLPs and energy infrastructure companies may be subject to
construction risk, development risk, acquisition risk or other risks arising from their specific business strategies. MLPs and energy
infrastructure companies that attempt to grow through acquisitions may not be able to effectively integrate acquired operations with their
existing operations. In addition, acquisition or expansion projects may not perform as anticipated. A significant slowdown in merger and
acquisition activity in the energy sector could reduce the growth rate of cash flows received by the Fund from MLPs and energy infrastructure
companies that grow through acquisitions.
Technology Risk. Some MLPs and energy
infrastructure companies are focused on developing new technologies and are strongly influenced by technological changes. Technology development
efforts by MLPs and energy infrastructure companies may not result in viable methods or products. Energy Companies may bear high research
and development costs, which can limit their ability to maintain operations during periods of organizational growth or instability. Some
MLPs and energy infrastructure companies may be in the early stages of operations and may have limited operating histories and smaller
market capitalizations on average than companies in other sectors. As a result of these and other factors, the value of investments in
such MLPs and energy infrastructure companies may be considerably more volatile than that in more established segments of the economy.
Legislation Risk. There have been proposals
in Congress to eliminate certain tax incentives widely used by oil and gas companies and to impose new fees on certain energy producers.
The elimination of such tax incentives and imposition of such fees could adversely affect MLPs and energy infrastructure companies in
which the Fund invests and/or the energy sector generally.
Cyclical Industry Risk. The energy
industry is cyclical and from time to time may experience a shortage of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies, or qualified personnel, or
due to significant demand, such services may not be available on commercially reasonable terms. An MLP's or energy infrastructure company's
ability to successfully and timely complete capital improvements to existing or other capital projects is contingent upon many variables.
Should any such efforts be unsuccessful, an energy infrastructure entity could be subject to additional costs and/or the write-off of
its investment in the project or improvement. The marketability of oil and gas production depends in large part on the availability, proximity
and capacity of pipeline systems owned by third parties. Oil and gas properties are subject to royalty interests, liens and other burdens,
encumbrances, easements or restrictions, all of which could impact the production of a particular energy infrastructure entity. Oil and
gas energy infrastructure companies operate in a highly competitive and cyclical industry, with intense price competition. A significant
portion of their revenues may depend on a relatively small number of customers, including governmental entities and utilities.
Recent Developments Regarding the
Energy Sector.
Recent Developments Regarding Commodity Prices.
Prices of oil and other energy commodities have experienced significant volatility during recent years, including a period where an oil-price
futures contract fell into negative territory for the first time in history. Companies engaged in crude oil and natural gas exploration,
development or production, natural gas gathering and processing, crude oil refining and transportation and coal mining or sales may be
directly
affected by their respective natural resources
commodity prices. The volatility of commodity prices may also indirectly affect certain companies engaged in the transportation, processing,
storage or distribution of such commodities. Some companies that own the underlying commodities may be unable to effectively mitigate
or manage direct margin exposure to commodity price levels. The energy sector as a whole may also be impacted by the perception that the
performance of energy sector companies is directly linked to commodity prices. As a result, many companies in which the Fund may invest
have been and may continue to be adversely impacted by declines in, and volatility of, prices of energy commodities. Demand for energy
commodities may decline from time-to-time. Reductions in production of oil and other energy commodities may lag decreases in demand or
declines in commodity prices, resulting in global oversupply in such commodities. Slower global growth may lower demand for oil and other
energy commodities, exacerbating oversupply of such commodities and further reducing commodity prices. Continued low prices for energy
commodities, or continued volatility of such prices, could further erode such companies' growth prospects and negatively impact such companies'
ability to sustain attractive distribution levels, would could adversely impact the net asset value of the common shares and the ability
of the Fund to continue to pay distributions on the common shares at current levels. Because the Fund is focused in MLP and energy infrastructure
companies operating in the industry or group of industries that make up the energy sector of the economy, the Fund may be more susceptible
to risks associated with energy commodity prices than an investment company that does not concentrate in such sector.
Recent Developments Regarding MLP Distributions.
The Fund expects that a substantial portion of the cash flow it receives will be derived from its investments in equity securities of
MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. The amount and tax characterization of cash available for distribution will depend upon the
amount of cash generated by such entity's operations. Cash available for distribution may vary widely from quarter to quarter and is affected
by various factors affecting the entity's operations. Recently, a number of MLPs have reduced, suspended or eliminated their distributions.
Such distribution reductions could adversely impact the ability of the Fund to continue to pay distributions on the common shares at current
levels.
Recent Developments Regarding MLP Debt
Restructurings. Adverse developments in the energy sector may result in MLPs seeking to restructure debt or file for bankruptcy. Limited
partners in such MLPs, such as the Fund, may owe taxes on debt that is forgiven in a bankruptcy or an out-of-court restructuring, as cancellation
of debt income, which creates a tax liability for investors without an associated cash distribution. While an MLP facing a debt restructuring
may seek to implement structures that would limit the tax liability associated with the debt restructuring, there can be no assurance
that such structures could be successfully implemented or would not have other adverse impacts on the Fund as an investor in the MLP.
Industry Specific Risks.
MLPs and other issuers are also subject to risks that are specific to the industry in which they operate.
Midstream. Midstream MLPs and energy
infrastructure companies that provide crude oil, refined product and natural gas services are subject to supply and demand fluctuations
in the markets they serve which will be impacted by a wide range of factors, including fluctuating commodity prices, weather, increased
conservation or use of alternative fuel sources, increased governmental or environmental regulation, depletion, rising interest rates,
declines in domestic or foreign production, accidents or catastrophic events, and economic conditions, among others. For example, the
COVID-19 pandemic has drastically reduced the demand for various natural resources, including crude oil, and has drastically increased
the price volatility of natural resources and midstream MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. An extended period of reduced (or negative)
prices may significantly lengthen the time that midstream MLPs and energy infrastructure companies would need to recover after a stabilization
of prices.
Pipelines. Pipeline companies are subject
to the demand for natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil or refined products in the markets they serve, changes in the availability
of products for gathering, transportation, processing or sale due to natural declines in reserves and production in the supply areas serviced
by the companies' facilities, sharp decreases in crude oil or natural gas prices that cause producers to curtail production or reduce
capital spending for exploration activities, and environmental regulation. Demand for gasoline, which accounts for a substantial portion
of refined product transportation, depends on price, prevailing economic conditions in the markets
served, and demographic and seasonal factors.
Companies that own interstate pipelines that transport natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil or refined petroleum products are subject
to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") with respect to the tariff rates they may charge for transportation
services. An adverse determination by FERC with respect to the tariff rates of such a company could have a material adverse effect on
its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and its ability to pay cash distributions or dividends. In addition,
FERC has a tax allowance policy, which permits such companies to include in their cost of service an income tax allowance to the extent
that their owners have an actual or potential tax liability on the income generated by them. If FERC's income tax allowance policy were
to change in the future to disallow a material portion of the income tax allowance taken by such interstate pipeline companies, it would
adversely impact the maximum tariff rates that such companies are permitted to charge for their transportation services, which would in
turn adversely affect the results of operations and cash flows of those companies and their ability to pay cash distributions or dividends
to their unit holders or shareholders.
Gathering and Processing. Gathering
and processing companies are subject to natural declines in the production of oil and natural gas fields, which utilize their gathering
and processing facilities as a way to market their production, prolonged declines in the price of natural gas or crude oil, which curtails
drilling activity and therefore production, and declines in the prices of natural gas liquids and refined petroleum products, which cause
lower processing margins. In addition, some gathering and processing contracts subject the gathering or processing company to direct commodities
price risk.
Upstream. Exploration, development
and production companies are particularly vulnerable to declines in the demand for and prices of crude oil and natural gas. Reductions
in prices for crude oil and natural gas can cause a given reservoir to become uneconomic for continued production earlier than it would
if prices were higher, resulting in the plugging and abandonment of, and cessation of production from, that reservoir.
In addition, lower commodity prices not only
reduce revenues but also can result in substantial downward adjustments in reserve estimates. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is
a function of the quality of available data, the accuracy of assumptions regarding future commodity prices and future exploration and
development costs and engineering and geological interpretations and judgments. Different reserve engineers may make different estimates
of reserve quantities and related revenue based on the same data. Actual oil and gas prices, development expenditures and operating expenses
will vary from those assumed in reserve estimates, and these variances may be significant. Any significant variance from the assumptions
used could result in the actual quantity of reserves and future net cash flow being materially different from those estimated in reserve
reports. In addition, results of drilling, testing and production and changes in prices after the date of reserve estimates may result
in downward revisions to such estimates. Substantial downward adjustments in reserve estimates could have a material adverse effect on
a given exploration and production company's financial position and results of operations. In addition, due to natural declines in reserves
and production, exploration and production companies must economically find or acquire and develop additional reserves in order to maintain
and grow their revenues and distributions.
Downstream. Downstream companies are
businesses engaged in refining, marketing and other "end-customer" distribution activities relating to refined energy sources, such as:
customer-ready natural gas, propane and gasoline; the production and manufacturing of petrochemicals including olefins, polyolefins, ethylene
and similar co-products as well as intermediates and derivatives; and the generation, transmission and distribution of power and electricity.
In addition to the other risks described herein, downstream companies may be more susceptible to risks associated with reduced customer
demand for the products and services they provide.
Oil and Gas Production. In addition to
other risks described herein, companies involved in the transportation, gathering, processing, exploration, development or production
of crude oil, natural gas and/or refined petroleum products are subject to supply and demand fluctuations in the markets they serve which
will be impacted by a wide range of factors, including fluctuating commodity prices, weather, increased conservation or use of alternative
fuel sources, increased governmental or environmental regulation, depletion, rising interest rates, declines in domestic or foreign production,
accidents or catastrophic events and economic conditions, among others. An extended period
of reduced (or negative) prices may significantly
lengthen the time that companies within the natural resources industries would need to recover after a stabilization of prices. In addition,
hydraulic fracturing, a technique used in the completion of some oil and gas wells, has become a subject of increasing regulatory scrutiny
and may be subject in the future to more stringent, and more costly to comply with, regulations. The oil and gas industries may be adversely
affected by increased regulations, increased operating costs and reductions in the supply of and/or demand for crude oil, natural gas
and refined petroleum products as a result of accidents or catastrophic events and the reactions thereto, among others.
Fracturing Services. Changes in laws
or government regulations regarding hydraulic fracturing could increase a company's costs of doing business, limit the areas in which
it can operate and reduce oil and natural gas production by the company. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of water, sand or
an alternative proppant and chemicals under pressure into target geological formations to fracture the surrounding rock and stimulate
production. Recently, there has been increased public concern regarding an alleged potential for hydraulic fracturing to adversely affect
drinking water supplies, and proposals have been made to enact separate federal, state and local legislation that would increase the regulatory
burden imposed on hydraulic fracturing. Congress has in recent legislative sessions considered legislation to amend the Safe Water Drinking
Act (the "SDWA"), including legislation that would repeal the exemption for hydraulic fracturing from the definition of "underground injection"
and require federal permitting and regulatory control of hydraulic fracturing, as well as legislative proposals to require disclosure
of the chemical constituents of the fluids used in the fracturing process. The U.S. Congress may consider similar SDWA legislation in
the future. In addition, the EPA has asserted federal regulatory authority pursuant to the SDWA over certain hydraulic fracturing activities
involving the use of diesel fuels and published permitting guidance on February 11, 2014 addressing the performance of such activities
using diesel fuels in those states where EPA is the permitting authority.
Presently, hydraulic fracturing is regulated
primarily at the state level, typically by state oil and natural gas commissions and similar agencies. Several states, such as Texas and
Pennsylvania, have either adopted or proposed laws and/or regulations to require oil and natural gas operators to disclose chemical ingredients
and water volumes used to hydraulically fracture wells, in addition to more stringent well construction and monitoring requirements. The
availability of information regarding the constituents of hydraulic fracturing fluids could make it easier for third parties opposing
the hydraulic fracturing process to initiate legal proceedings based on allegations that specific chemicals used in the fracturing process
could adversely affect groundwater. Disclosure of proprietary chemical formulas to third parties or to the public, even if inadvertent,
could diminish the value of those formulas and could result in competitive harm to companies. Various federal, state and local limitations
may prohibit or restrict drilling and hydraulic fracturing operations in certain locales including geographic locales considered environmentally
sensitive such as wetlands, endangered species habitats, floodplains, and the like. If hydraulic fracturing becomes regulated at the federal
level as a result of federal legislation or regulatory initiatives by the EPA, fracturing activities could become subject to additional
permitting requirements, and also to attendant permitting delays and potential increases in cost, which could adversely affect a company's
business.
Propane. Propane MLPs and energy infrastructure
companies are subject to earnings variability based upon weather conditions in the markets they serve, fluctuating commodity prices, increased
use of alternative fuels, increased governmental or environmental regulation, and accidents or catastrophic events, among others.
Coal. MLPs and energy infrastructure
companies with coal assets are subject to supply and demand fluctuations in the markets they serve which may be impacted by a wide range
of factors including, fluctuating commodity prices, the level of their customers' coal stockpiles, weather, increased conservation or
use of alternative fuel sources, increased governmental or environmental regulation, depletion, rising interest rates, declines in domestic
or foreign production, mining accidents or catastrophic events, health claims and economic conditions, among others. MLPs and energy infrastructure
companies with coal assets are also subject to supply variability based on geological conditions that reduce the productivity of mining
operations, the availability of regulatory permits for mining activities and the availability of coal that meets the standards of the
Clean Air Act.
Marine Transportation. Marine transportation
companies are exposed to the highly cyclical nature of the tanker industry and may be subject to volatile changes in charter rates and
vessel values, which may adversely affect the earnings of tanker companies. Fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values result from
changes in the supply and demand for tanker capacity and changes in the supply and demand for oil and oil products. Historically, the
tanker markets have been volatile due to the many conditions and factors that may affect the supply and demand for tanker capacity. Changes
in demand for transportation of oil over longer distances and the supply of tankers to carry that oil may materially affect the revenues,
profitability and cash flows of tanker companies. The successful operation of vessels in the charter market depends upon, among other
things, obtaining profitable spot charters and minimizing time spent waiting for charters and traveling unladen to pick up cargo. The
value of tanker vessels may fluctuate and could adversely affect the value of tanker company securities in the Fund's portfolio. Declining
tanker values could affect the ability of tanker companies to raise cash by limiting their ability to refinance their vessels, thereby
adversely impacting tanker company liquidity. Tanker company vessels are at risk of damage or loss because of events such as mechanical
failure, collision, human error, war, terrorism, piracy, cargo loss and bad weather. In addition, changing economic, regulatory and political
conditions in some countries, including political and military conflicts, have from time to time resulted in attacks on vessels, mining
of waterways, piracy, terrorism, labor strikes, boycotts and government requisitioning of vessels. These sorts of events could interfere
with shipping lanes and result in market disruptions and a significant loss of tanker company earnings.
Natural Resources. The natural resources
sector includes companies principally engaged in owning or developing non-energy natural resources (including timber and minerals) and
industrial materials, or supplying goods or services to such companies. The Fund's investments in MLPs and energy infrastructure companies
in the natural resources sector will be subject to the risk that prices of these securities may fluctuate widely in response to the level
and volatility of commodity prices; exchange rates; import controls; domestic and global competition; environmental regulation and liability
for environmental damage; mandated expenditures for safety or pollution control; the success of exploration projects; depletion of resources;
tax policies; and other governmental regulation. Investments in the natural resources sector can be significantly affected by changes
in the supply of or demand for various natural resources. An extended period of reduced (or negative) prices may significantly lengthen
the time that companies within the natural resources sector would need to recover after a stabilization of prices. The stock prices of
companies in the natural resources sector may also experience greater price volatility than other types of common stocks. The value of
investments in the natural resources sector may be adversely affected by a change in inflation.
Services. In addition to other risks
associated with energy companies described herein, MLPs and energy infrastructure companies engaged in the provision of services to energy-related
businesses may be subject to more volatile income streams relative to other types of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. Service
companies may not have long term service contracts with their customers.
Small Capitalization Risk.
The Fund may invest in securities of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies that have comparatively smaller capitalizations relative
to issuers whose securities are included in major benchmark indices, which present unique investment risks. These companies often have
limited product lines, markets, distribution channels or financial resources; and the management of such companies may be dependent upon
one or a few key people. The market movements of equity securities issued by MLPs and energy infrastructure companies with smaller capitalizations
may be more abrupt or erratic than the market movements of equity securities of larger, more established companies or the stock market
in general. Historically, smaller capitalization MLPs and energy infrastructure companies have sometimes gone through extended periods
when they did not perform as well as larger companies. In addition, equity securities of smaller capitalization companies generally are
less liquid than those of larger companies. This means that the Fund could have greater difficulty selling such securities at the time
and price that the Fund would like.
Liquidity Risk. Under normal
market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets, measured at the time of investment, in unregistered or restricted
securities, including securities issued by private companies. The illiquidity of such investments may make it difficult for the Fund to
sell such investments if required. As a result, the Fund may realize significantly less than the value at which it values such investments.
In addition, significant
changes in the capital markets, including
recent disruption and volatility, have had, and may in the future have, a negative effect on the valuations of certain illiquid investments.
Although certain illiquid investments are not publicly traded, applicable accounting standards and valuation principles require the Fund
to assume as part of its valuation process that such investments are sold in a principal market to market participants (even if the Fund
plans on holding such investments to maturity).
Because a significant portion of the Fund's
Managed Assets consist of illiquid investments, to the extent that the Fund needs to dispose of portfolio holdings, including to generate
cash to pay distributions, pay operating expenses of the Fund or fund reductions of leverage, either at the discretion of the Fund or
to maintain asset coverage levels required by the 1940 Act or the terms of any such leverage instruments, the Fund may be required to
dispose of more liquid holdings at times or on terms that the Fund would otherwise consider undesirable. These risks may be greater during
periods of adverse or volatile market conditions such as have been experienced recently.
Restricted Securities Risk.
The Fund may invest in unregistered or otherwise restricted securities. The term "restricted securities" refers to securities that are
unregistered, held by control persons of the issuer or are subject to contractual restrictions on their resale. Restricted securities
are often purchased at a discount from the market price of unrestricted securities of the same issuer reflecting the fact that such securities
may not be readily marketable without some time delay.
Such securities are often more difficult to
value and the sale of such securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling
expenses than does the sale of liquid securities trading on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. Contractual
restrictions on the resale of securities result from negotiations between the issuer and purchaser of such securities and therefore vary
substantially in length and scope. To dispose of a restricted security that the Fund has a contractual right to sell, the Fund may first
be required to cause the security to be registered. A considerable period may elapse between a decision to sell the securities and the
time when the Fund would be permitted to sell, during which time the Fund would bear market risks.
Risks Associated with Private Company
Investments. The Fund intends to invest in a limited number of private investments, and at times may devote its assets allocable
to private investments to a single investment opportunity. Such a focus of the Fund's private investments in a single or small number
of investment opportunities will cause the Fund to be more susceptible to risks associated with each such investment. Private companies
are not subject to SEC reporting requirements, are not required to maintain their accounting records in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, and are not required to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting. As a result, the Adviser
may not have timely or accurate information about the business, financial condition and results of operations of the private companies
in which the Fund invests. There is risk that the Fund may invest on the basis of incomplete or inaccurate information, which may adversely
affect the Fund's investment performance. Private companies in which the Fund may invest may have limited financial resources, shorter
operating histories, more asset concentration risk, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend
to render them more vulnerable to competitors' actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns. These companies generally
have less predictable operating results, may from time to time be parties to litigation, may be engaged in rapidly changing businesses
with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence, and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations,
finance expansion or maintain their competitive position. These companies may have difficulty accessing the capital markets to meet future
capital needs, which may limit their ability to grow or to repay their outstanding indebtedness upon maturity. In addition, the Fund's
investment also may be structured as pay-in-kind securities with minimal or no cash interest or dividends until the company meets certain
growth and liquidity objectives.
Private Company Management Risk. Private
companies are more likely to depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the death, disability,
resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on the company. The Fund generally does
not intend to hold
controlling positions in the private companies
in which it invests. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that a company may make business decisions with which the Fund disagrees,
and that the management and/or stockholders of a portfolio company may take risks or otherwise act in ways that are adverse to the Fund's
interests. Due to the lack of liquidity of such private investments, the Fund may not be able to dispose of its investments in the event
it disagrees with the actions of a portfolio company and may therefore suffer a decrease in the value of the investment.
Private Company Liquidity Risk. Securities
issued by private companies are typically illiquid. If there is no readily available trading market for privately issued securities, the
Fund may not be able to readily dispose of such investments at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell them if they
were more widely traded.
Private Company Valuation Risk. There
is typically not a readily available market value for the Fund's private investments. The Fund values private company investments in accordance
with valuation guidelines adopted by the Board that the Board believes are designed to accurately reflect the fair value of securities
valued in accordance with such guidelines. The Fund is not required to but may utilize the services of one or more independent valuation
firms to aid in determining the fair value of these investments. Valuation of private company investments may involve application of one
or more of the following factors: (i) analysis of valuations of publicly traded companies in a similar line of business, (ii) analysis
of valuations for comparable merger or acquisition transactions, (iii) yield analysis and (iv) discounted cash flow analysis. Due to the
inherent uncertainty and subjectivity of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value,
the fair value of the Fund's private investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available
market value existed for such investments and may differ materially from the amounts the Fund may realize on any dispositions of such
investments. In addition, the impact of changes in the market environment and other events on the fair values of the Fund's investments
that have no readily available market values may differ from the impact of such changes on the readily available market values for the
Fund's other investments. The Fund's net asset value could be adversely affected if the Fund's determinations regarding the fair value
of the Fund's investments were materially higher than the values that the Fund ultimately realizes upon the disposal of such investments.
Private Debt Securities Risk. Private
companies in which the Fund invests may be unable to meet their obligations under debt securities held by the Fund, which may be accompanied
by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of the Fund realizing any guarantees it may have obtained
in connection with its investment. Private companies in which the Fund will invest may have, or may be permitted to incur, other debt
that ranks equally with, or senior to, debt securities in which the Fund invests. Privately issued debt securities are often of below
investment grade quality and frequently are unrated.
Reliance on the Adviser Risk. The Fund
may enter into private investments identified by the Adviser, in which case the Fund will be more reliant upon the ability of the Adviser
to identify, research, analyze, negotiate and monitor such investments, than is the case with investments in publicly traded securities.
As little public information exists about many private companies, the Fund will be required to rely on the Adviser's diligence efforts
to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential risks and returns involved in investing in these companies. The costs of diligencing,
negotiating and monitoring private investments will be borne by the Fund, which may reduce the Fund's returns.
Co-Investment Risk. The Fund may also co-invest
in private investments sourced by third party investors, such as private equity firms. While the Adviser will conduct independent due
diligence before entering into any such investment, the Fund's ability to realize a profit on such investments will be particularly reliant
on the expertise of the lead investor in the transaction. To the extent that the lead investor in such a co-investment opportunity assumes
control of the management of the private company, the Fund will be reliant not only upon the lead investor's ability to research, analyze,
negotiate and monitor such investments, but also on the lead investor's ability to successfully oversee the operation of the company's
business. The Fund's ability to dispose of such investments is typically severely limited, both by the fact that the securities are unregistered
and illiquid and by contractual restrictions that
may preclude the Fund from selling such investment.
Often the Fund may exit such investment only in a transaction, such as an initial public offering or sale of the company, on terms arranged
by the lead investor. Such investments may be subject to additional valuation risk, as the Fund's ability to accurately determine the
fair value of the investment may depend upon the receipt of information from the lead investor. The valuation assigned to such an investment
through application of the Fund's valuation procedures may differ from the valuation assigned to that investment by other co-investors.
Risks Associated with Direct Investment
in Energy Infrastructure Assets. The Fund may invest in entities formed to own and operate particular energy infrastructure assets.
Such investments will be dependent upon the success of third-party operators retained by the investors, including the Fund, to manage
such assets. Such investments may subject the Fund to increased operational risks associated with the operation of infrastructure assets.
Investments in infrastructure assets may be subject to greater risks associated with their illiquidity and valuation.
Greenfield Projects Risks. Greenfield
projects are energy-related projects built by private joint ventures formed by energy infrastructure companies. Greenfield projects may
include the creation of a new pipeline, processing plant or storage facility or other energy infrastructure asset that is integrated with
the company's existing assets. The Fund may invest in the equity of greenfield projects or the secured debt of greenfield projects. However,
the Fund's investment also may be structured as pay-in-kind securities with minimal or no cash interest or dividends until construction
is completed, at which time interest payments or dividends would be paid in cash. Greenfield projects involve less investment risk than
typical private equity financing arrangements. The primary risk involved with greenfield projects is execution risk or construction risk.
Changing project requirements, elevated costs for labor and materials, and unexpected construction hurdles all can increase construction
costs. Financing risk exists should changes in construction costs or financial markets occur. Regulatory risk exists should changes in
regulation occur during construction or the necessary permits are not secured prior to beginning construction.
Private Company Competition Risk. Many
entities may potentially compete with the Fund in making private investments. Many of these competitors are substantially larger and have
considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than the Fund. Some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access
to funding sources that are not available to the Fund. In addition, some competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk
assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of, or different structures for, private investments than the Fund. Furthermore,
many competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on the Fund. As a result of this competition,
the Fund may not be able to pursue attractive private investment opportunities from time to time.
Risks Associated with an Investment
in Initial Public Offerings. Securities purchased in initial public offerings ("IPOs") are often subject to the general risks
associated with investments in companies with small market capitalizations, and typically to a heightened degree. Securities issued in
IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of
securities sold in an IPO may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in IPOs,
or to invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may
be available to the Fund. In addition, under certain market conditions, a relatively small number of companies may issue securities in
IPOs. The Fund's investment performance during periods when it is unable to invest significantly or at all in IPOs may be lower than during
periods when it is able to do so. IPO securities may be volatile, and the Fund cannot predict whether investments in IPOs will be successful.
Unseasoned Companies Risk.
The Fund may invest in companies that (together with their predecessors) have limited operating histories. The securities of such companies
may have limited liquidity, which can result in their being priced higher or lower than might otherwise be the case. In addition, investments
in unseasoned companies are more speculative and entail greater risk than investments in companies with an established operating record.
Risks Associated with a Private Investment
in Public Equity Transactions. Investors in private investment in public equity ("PIPE") transactions purchase securities directly
from a publicly traded company in a private placement transaction, typically at a discount to the market price of the company's common
stock. Because the sale of the securities is not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), the securities
are "restricted" and cannot be immediately resold by the investors into the public markets. Until the Fund can sell such securities into
the public markets, its holdings will be less liquid and any sales will need to be made pursuant to an exemption under the Securities
Act.
Cash Flow Risk. The Fund
expects that a substantial portion of the cash flow it receives will be derived from its investments in equity securities of MLPs and
energy infrastructure companies. The amount and tax characterization of cash available for distribution will depend upon the amount of
cash generated by such entity's operations. Cash available for distribution may vary widely from quarter to quarter and is affected by
various factors affecting the entity's operations. In addition to the risks described herein, operating costs, capital expenditures, acquisition
costs, construction costs, exploration costs and borrowing costs may reduce the amount of cash that an MLP or energy infrastructure company
has available for distribution in a given period. Reductions in distributions paid by energy infrastructure entities held by the Fund
may reduce the value of such holdings, and as a result, the value of the Fund's common shares and Preferred Shares. In addition, any such
reductions in distributions paid by energy infrastructure entities may adversely impact the Fund's ability to maintain its distribution
rate.
Valuation Risk. Market prices
generally will be unavailable for some of the Fund's investments, including MLP subordinated units, direct ownership of general partner
interests, restricted or unregistered securities of certain MLPs (including private MLPs) and other private issuers and direct investments
in infrastructure assets. The value of such investments will be determined by fair valuations determined by the Board or its designee
in accordance with procedures governing the valuation of portfolio securities adopted by the Board. Proper valuation of such investments
may require more reliance on the judgment of the Adviser than for valuation of securities for which an active trading market exists.
In calculating the Fund's net asset value,
the Fund will account for deferred tax assets or liabilities, which reflect taxes on unrealized gains or losses, which are attributable
to the temporary differences between fair market value and tax basis of the Fund's assets, the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of the Fund's assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes relative to the amounts used for income
tax purposes and the net tax benefit of accumulated net operating losses and capital losses. A deferred tax liability is recognized for
temporary differences that will result in taxable amounts in future years. A deferred tax asset is recognized for temporary differences
that will result in deductible amounts in future years and for carryforwards. A deferred tax asset may be used to reduce a subsequent
period's income tax expense, subject to certain limitations. To the extent the Fund has a deferred tax asset, the Fund will periodically
assess whether a valuation allowance is required, considering all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred
tax asset. The Fund may rely to some extent on information provided by the MLPs, which may not necessarily be timely, to estimate taxable
income allocable to the MLP units held in the portfolio and to estimate the associated deferred tax asset or liability. Such estimates
are made in good faith. From time to time, as new information becomes available, the Fund modifies its estimates or assumptions regarding
the deferred tax asset or liability. Modifications of such estimates or assumptions or changes in applicable tax law could result in increases
or decreases in the Fund's net asset value per share.
Inflation/Deflation Risk.
Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investment will be worth less in the future, as inflation decreases
the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of the common shares and distributions on those shares can decline. In addition,
during any periods of rising inflation, interest rates on any borrowings by the Fund would likely increase, which would tend to further
reduce returns to the holders of common shares. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time, which
may have an adverse effect on the market valuation of companies, their assets and revenues. In addition, deflation may have an adverse
effect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer default more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the Fund's
portfolio.
Debt Securities Risks
Credit Risk. An issuer of a debt security
may be unable to make interest payments and repay principal. The Fund could lose money if the issuer of a debt obligation is, or is perceived
to be, unable or unwilling to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The downgrade of
a security may further decrease its value.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk
is the risk that debt securities, such as preferred and debt securities, and certain equity securities will decline in value because of
a rise in market interest rates. When market interest rates rise, the market value of such securities generally will fall. Prevailing
interest rates may be adversely impacted by market and economic factors. If interest rates rise the markets may experience increased volatility,
which may adversely affect the value and/or liquidity of certain of the Fund's investments. Increases in interest rates may adversely
affect the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.
During periods of rising interest rates, the
average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of a lower likelihood of prepayments. This may lock in a below market
interest rate, increase the security's duration and reduce the value of the security. This is known as extension risk.
In typical interest rate environments, prices
of debt securities with longer maturities generally fluctuate more in response to changes in interest rates than do the prices of debt
securities with shorter-term maturities. Because the Fund may invest a portion of its assets in debt securities without regard to their
maturities, to the extent the Fund invests in debt securities with longer maturities, the net asset value and market price of the common
shares would fluctuate more in response to changes in interest rates than if the Fund were to invest such portion of its assets in shorter-term
debt securities.
Market interest rates for investment grade
debt securities in which the Fund may invest are significantly below historical average rates for such securities. Interest rates below
historical average rates may result in increased risk that these rates will rise in the future (which would cause the value of the Fund's
net assets to decline) and may increase the degree to which asset values may decline in such events.
While interest rates are near historically
low levels, during periods of declining interest rates, the issuer of a debt security may exercise its option to prepay principal earlier
than scheduled, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities. This is known as call or prepayment risk. Preferred and debt
securities frequently have call features that allow the issuer to repurchase the security prior to its stated maturity. An issuer may
redeem such a security if the issuer can refinance it at a lower cost due to declining interest rates or an improvement in the credit
standing of the issuer.
Lower Grade Securities Risk. The Fund may
invest in debt securities rated below investment grade (that is, rated Ba or lower by Moody's, BB or lower by S&P or comparably rated
by another statistical rating organization) or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable credit quality. Below investment
grade securities are commonly referred to as "high yield" securities or "junk bonds." Investment in securities of below investment grade
quality involves substantial risk of loss, the risk of which is particularly acute under current conditions. Securities of below investment
grade quality are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due and therefore
involve a greater risk of default or decline in market value due to adverse economic and issuer-specific developments. Securities of below
investment grade quality display increased price sensitivity to changing interest rates and to a deteriorating economic environment. The
market values for debt securities of below investment grade quality tend to be more volatile and such securities tend to be less liquid
than investment grade debt securities. The ratings of Moody's, S&P and other statistical rating organizations generally represent
their opinions as to the quality of the bonds they rate. It should be emphasized, however, that such ratings are relative and subjective,
are not absolute standards of quality, are subject to change and do not evaluate the market risk and liquidity of the securities. Rating
agencies may fail to make timely changes in credit ratings and an issuer's current financial condition may be better or worse than a rating
indicates. To the extent that the issuer of a
security pays a rating agency for the analysis
of its security, an inherent conflict of interest may exist that could affect the reliability of the rating. Bonds with the same maturity,
coupon and rating may have different yields while obligations of the same maturity and coupon with different ratings may have the same
yield.
Preferred Securities Risks.
There are special risks associated with investing in preferred securities. Preferred securities may contain provisions that permit the
issuer, at its discretion, to defer distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. If the Fund owns
a preferred security that is deferring its distributions, the Fund may be required to report income for tax purposes although it has not
yet received such income. Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt securities in a company's capital structure in
terms of having priority to corporate income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than more
senior debt securities. Preferred securities may be less liquid than many other securities, such as common stocks. Generally, preferred
security holders have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless preferred dividends have been in arrears for a specified
number of periods, at which time the preferred security holders may elect a number of directors/trustees to the issuer's board. Generally,
once all the arrearages have been paid, the preferred security holders no longer have voting rights. In the case of trust preferred securities,
holders generally have no voting rights, except if (i) the issuer fails to pay dividends for a specified period of time or (ii) a declaration
of default occurs and is continuing. In certain varying circumstances, an issuer of preferred securities may redeem the securities prior
to a specified date. As with call provisions, a special redemption by the issuer may negatively impact the return of the security held
by the Fund.
Convertible Instruments Risk.
The Fund may invest in convertible instruments. A convertible instrument is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security
that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common shares of the same or a different issuer within a particular
period of time at a specified price or formula. Convertible debt securities have characteristics of both debt and equity investments.
Convertible instruments are subject both to the stock market risk associated with equity securities and to the credit and interest rate
risks associated with debt securities. As the market price of the equity security underlying a convertible instrument falls, the convertible
instrument tends to trade on the basis of its yield and other debt characteristics. As the market price of such equity security rises,
the convertible security tends to trade on the basis of its equity conversion features. The Fund may invest in convertible instruments
that have varying conversion values. Convertible instruments are typically issued at prices that represent a premium to their conversion
value. Accordingly, the value of a convertible instrument increases (or decreases) as the price of the underlying equity security increases
(or decreases). If a convertible instrument held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to permit the issuer
to redeem the instrument, or convert it into the underlying stock, and will hold the stock to the extent the Adviser determines that such
equity investment is consistent with the investment objective of the Fund.
Foreign Securities Risk.
Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve certain considerations and risks not ordinarily associated with investments in
securities of domestic issuers. Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards and
requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. The governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial
restrictions on foreign investments in their capital markets or in certain industries, and there may be greater levels of price volatility
in foreign markets. 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, and it may be difficult
to effect repatriation of capital invested in certain countries. 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.
There may be less publicly available information
about a foreign company than a U.S. company. Foreign securities markets may have substantially less volume than U.S. securities markets
and some foreign company securities are less liquid than securities of otherwise comparable U.S. companies. 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 a 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's investments in foreign securities
may include ADRs. ADRs are receipts issued by United States banks or trust companies in respect of securities of foreign issuers held
on deposit for use in the United States securities markets. While ADRs may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the
securities into which they may be converted, many of the risks associated with foreign securities may also apply to ADRs. In addition,
the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation
to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to
the deposited securities.
Continuing uncertainty as to the status of
the European Economic and Monetary Union ("EMU") and the potential for certain countries (such as those in the United Kingdom) to withdraw
from the institution has created significant volatility in currency and financial markets generally. Any partial or complete dissolution
of the EU could have significant adverse effects on currency and financial markets, and on the values of the Fund's portfolio investments.
On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom officially
withdrew from the EU and the two sides entered into a transition phase, scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2020, where the United Kingdom
effectively remains in the EU from an economic perspective, but no longer has any political representation in the EU parliament. During
this transition phase, which could be extended beyond December of 2020, the United Kingdom is expected to negotiate a new trade deal with
the EU. Due to political uncertainty, it is not possible to anticipate whether the United Kingdom and the EU will be able to agree and
implement a new trade agreement or what the nature of such trade arrangement will be. Throughout the withdrawal process and afterward,
the impact on the United Kingdom and EMU and the broader global economy is unknown but could be significant and could result in increased
volatility and illiquidity and potentially lower economic growth. The political divisions surrounding Brexit within the United Kingdom,
as well as those between the UK and the EU, may also have a destabilizing impact on the economies and currencies of the United Kingdom
and the EU. Any further exits from member states of the EU, or the possibility of such exits, would likely cause additional market disruption
globally and introduce new legal and regulatory uncertainties.
If one or more EMU countries were to stop
using the euro as its primary currency, the Fund's investments in such countries may be redenominated into a different or newly adopted
currency, possibly resulting in the value of those investments declining significantly and unpredictably. In addition, securities or other
investments that are redenominated may be subject to liquidity risk and the risk that the Fund may not be able to value investments accurately
to a greater extent than similar investments currently denominated in euros. To the extent a currency used for redenomination purposes
is not specified in respect of certain EMU-related investments, or should the euro cease to be used entirely, the currency in which such
investments are denominated may be unclear, making such investments particularly difficult to value or dispose of. The Fund may incur
additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek judicial or other clarification of the denomination or value of such securities.
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 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.
Derivatives Risks. Generally,
a derivative is a financial contract the value of which depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference
rate, or index, and may relate to individual debt or equity instruments, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates, commodities,
related indexes, and other assets. The Fund may, but is not required to, utilize derivatives transactions, including transactions involving
futures contracts, forwards, options and over-the-counter derivatives contracts, for purposes such as to seek to earn income or enhance
total return, facilitate portfolio management and mitigate risks. The use of derivatives transactions to earn income or enhance total
return may be particularly speculative. Participation in derivatives transactions involves investment risks and transaction costs to which
the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. Derivatives generally involve leverage in the sense that the investment
exposure created by the derivatives may be significantly greater than the Fund's initial investment in the derivative. Accordingly, if
the Fund enters into a derivative transaction, it could lose substantially more than the principal amount invested. If the Adviser's predictions
with respect to market conditions, liquidity, market values, interest rates and other applicable factors are inaccurate, the consequences
to the Fund may leave the Fund in a worse position than if it had not used such strategies. Risks inherent in the use of derivatives transactions
include:
• dependence on the Adviser's
ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of interest rates and securities prices;
• imperfect correlation between
the price of the derivative instrument and movements in the prices of the reference instrument;
• the fact that skills needed
to use these strategies are different from those needed to select portfolio securities;
• the possible absence of
a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time;
• the possible need to defer
closing out certain positions to avoid adverse tax consequences;
• the possible inability
of the Fund to purchase or sell a security at a time that otherwise would be favorable for it to do so, or the possible need for the Fund
to sell a security at a disadvantageous time due to a need for the Fund to maintain "cover" or to segregate securities in connection with
the hedging techniques;
• the creditworthiness of
counterparties;
• if used for hedging purposes,
the duration of the derivative instrument may be significantly different than the duration of the related liability or asset; and
• volatility of interest
rates and price of the reference instrument.
Certain derivatives transactions may be considered
senior securities for the purposes of the 1940 Act unless the Fund segregates liquid assets or otherwise covers its obligations. To the
extent the Fund segregates liquid assets or covers such obligations by entering into offsetting transactions or owning positions covering
its obligations, the instrument will not be considered a senior security for the purposes of the 1940 Act. The Fund may cover such
transactions using other methods currently
or in the future permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or orders issued by the SEC thereunder and interpretations
and guidance provided by the SEC staff. These segregation and coverage requirements could result in the Fund maintaining securities positions
that it would otherwise liquidate, segregating assets at a time when it might be disadvantageous to do so or otherwise restricting portfolio
management. Such segregation and coverage requirements will not limit or offset losses on related positions.
In late October 2020, the SEC published Rule
18f-4 related to the use of derivatives and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that, in part, rescinds the
SEC's asset segregation and coverage rules and guidance. To comply with the new rule, funds need to trade derivatives and other transactions
that potentially create senior securities subject to a value-at-risk ("VaR") leverage limit, certain other testing requirements and requirements
related to board reporting.
The Fund may be exposed to certain additional
risks should the Adviser use derivatives transactions as a means to synthetically implement the Fund's investment strategies. Customized
derivative instruments will likely be highly illiquid, and it is possible that the Fund will not be able to terminate such derivative
instruments prior to their expiration date or that the penalties associated with such a termination might impact the Fund's performance
in a materially adverse manner. Synthetic investments may be imperfectly correlated to the investment the Adviser is seeking to replicate.
There can be no assurance that the Adviser's judgments regarding the correlation of any particular synthetic investment will be correct.
Risks Associated with Options on Securities.
There are significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these
markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the
exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or
unexpected events. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when the Fund seeks to close out an option position. The
Fund's ability to terminate over-the-counter options is more limited than with exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that broker-dealers
participating in such transactions will not fulfill their obligations. The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during
which the underlying securities are traded. The Fund's options transactions will be subject to limitations established by each of the
exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities on which such options are traded. To the extent that the Fund writes covered put
options, the Fund will bear the risk of loss if the value of the underlying stock declines below the exercise price. If the option is
exercised, the Fund could incur a loss if it is required to purchase the stock underlying the put option at a price greater than the market
price of the stock at the time of exercise. While the Fund's potential gain in writing a covered put option is limited to the interest
earned on the liquid assets securing the put option plus the premium received from the purchaser of the put option, the Fund risks a loss
equal to the entire value of the stock. To the extent that the Fund writes a covered call option, the Fund forgoes, during the option's
life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the security covering the call option above the sum of the premium
and the strike price of the call, but has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. The writer of
an option has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation as a writer of the option. Once an option writer
has received an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option
and must deliver the underlying security at the exercise price. Thus, the use of options may require the Fund to sell portfolio securities
at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on an investment
or may cause the Fund to hold a security that it might otherwise sell.
Swaps Risk. Swap transactions are subject
to market risk, risk of default by the other party to the transaction and risk of imperfect correlation between the value of derivative
instruments and the underlying assets and may involve commissions or other costs. Swaps generally do not involve the delivery of securities,
other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swaps generally is limited to the net amount of payments
that the Fund is contractually obligated to make, or in the case of the other party to a swap defaulting, the net amount of payments that
the Fund is contractually entitled to receive. Total return swaps may effectively add leverage to the
Fund's portfolio because the Fund would be
subject to investment exposure on the full notional amount of the swap. Total return swaps are subject to the risk that a counterparty
will default on its payment obligations to the Fund thereunder.
Counterparty Risk. Counterparty
risk is the risk that a counterparty to a Fund transaction (e.g., prime brokerage or securities lending arrangement or derivatives transaction)
will be unable or unwilling to perform its contractual obligation to the Fund. The Fund is exposed to credit risks that the counterparty
may be unwilling or unable to make timely payments or otherwise meet its contractual obligations. If the counterparty becomes bankrupt
or defaults on (or otherwise becomes unable or unwilling to perform, the risk of which is particularly acute under current conditions)
its payment or other obligations to the Fund, the Fund may not receive the full amount that it is entitled to receive or may experience
delays in recovering the collateral or other assets held by, or on behalf of, the counterparty. The Fund bears the risk that counterparties
may be adversely affected by legislative or regulatory changes, adverse market conditions (such as the current conditions), increased
competition, and/or wide scale credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of the counterparties' other trading partners or borrowers.
The counterparty risk for cleared derivatives
is generally lower than for uncleared over-the-counter derivatives 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.
Other Investment Funds Risk.
The Fund may invest in securities of other open-end or closed-end investment companies, including exchange-traded funds. As a shareholder
in an investment company, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that investment company's expenses, and would remain subject to payment
of the Fund's investment advisory fees with respect to the assets so invested. common shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative
expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may also
be leveraged and will therefore be subject to the same leverage risks described in this Proxy Statement/ Prospectus. To the extent the
Fund invests in exchange-traded funds or other investment companies that seek to track a specified index, such investments will be subject
to tracking error risk.
ETNs Risk. ETNs are senior,
unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities whose returns are linked to the performance of a particular market benchmark or strategy minus
applicable fees. ETNs are traded on an exchange (e.g., the NYSE) during normal trading hours. ETNs are subject to credit risk, and the
value of the ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuer's credit rating, despite the underlying market benchmark or strategy remaining
unchanged. Investments in such securities will have different tax characteristics than equity securities. An ETN may not be able to replicate
and maintain exactly the composition and relative weighting of securities in the index. An ETN also incurs certain expenses not incurred
by its applicable index. Certain securities that are part of the index tracked by an ETN may, at times, be unavailable, which may impede
the ETN's ability to track its index. Although an ETN is a debt security, it is unlike a typical bond, in that there are no periodic interest
payments and principal is not protected. The value of an ETN may also be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for
the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying assets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer's credit
rating and economic, legal, political or geographic events that affect the referenced underlying asset.
Financial Leverage Risk.
Although the use of Financial Leverage by the Fund may create an opportunity for increased after-tax total return for the common shares,
it also results in additional risks and can magnify the effect of any losses. If the income and gains earned on securities purchased with
Financial Leverage proceeds are greater than the cost of Financial Leverage, the Fund's return will be greater than if Financial Leverage
had not been used. Conversely, if the income or gains from the securities purchased with such proceeds does not cover the cost of Financial
Leverage, the return to the Fund will be less than if Financial Leverage had not been used.
Financial Leverage involves risks and special
considerations for shareholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of NAV, market price and dividends on the common shares
than a comparable portfolio without leverage; the risk that fluctuations in interest rates on borrowings and short-term debt or in the
dividend rates on any Financial
Leverage that the Fund must pay will reduce
the return to common shareholders; and the effect of Financial Leverage in a declining market, which is likely to cause a greater decline
in the NAV of the common shares than if the Fund were not leveraged, which may result in a greater decline in the market price of the
common shares.
Certain Borrowings and Preferred Shares issued
by the Fund also may subject the Fund to asset coverage ratios and/or certain restrictions on investments imposed by guidelines of one
or more rating agencies, which may issue ratings for such Borrowings or Preferred Shares. Such guidelines may impose asset coverage or
portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants
or guidelines will impede the Adviser from managing the Fund's portfolio in accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies.
However, particularly during periods of adverse or volatile market conditions, the Fund may be required to sell assets in order to meet
payment obligations on any Financial Leverage or to redeem Financial Leverage in order to comply with asset coverage or portfolio composition
requirements.
The terms of Preferred Shares issued by the
Fund may contain provisions limiting certain activities of the Fund, including the declaration and payment of dividends or other distributions
to common shareholders unless the Preferred Shares have at the time of the declaration or payment of any such dividend or other distribution
an asset coverage of at least 200% after deducting the amount of such dividend or distribution and the Fund meets certain asset coverage
tests imposed by the rating agency rating the Preferred Shares. Any redemption of Preferred Shares by the Fund in order to meet such asset
coverage requirements will reduce any Financial Leverage applicable to the common shares. Because a significant portion of the Fund's
Managed Assets consist of illiquid investments, to the extent that the Fund needs to dispose of portfolio holdings to meet such asset
coverage requirements, the Fund may be required to dispose of more liquid holdings at times or on terms that the Fund would otherwise
consider undesirable. Additionally, the Fund may be unable to sell a sufficient amount of portfolio securities to redeem Preferred Shares
in order to maintain asset coverage ratios, which could cause an event of default on the Preferred Shares.
Holders of Preferred Shares have rights as
to the payment of dividends or interest on the Preferred Shares and the distribution of assets upon liquidation of the Fund, which rights
rank senior to those of the common shareholders.
During the time in which the Fund is utilizing
Financial Leverage, the amount of the fees paid to the Adviser for investment advisory services will be higher than if the Fund did not
utilize Financial Leverage because the fees paid will be calculated based on the Fund's Managed Assets, which may create a conflict of
interest between the Adviser and common shareholders. Because the Financial Leverage costs is borne by the Fund at a specified rate, only
the Fund's common shareholders will bear the cost associated with Financial Leverage. Borrowings (and any Preferred Shares) have seniority
over common shares.
If the cost of leverage is no longer favorable,
or if the Fund is otherwise required to reduce its leverage, the Fund may not be able to maintain distributions on common shares at historical
levels and common shareholders will bear any costs associated with selling portfolio securities.
Competition Risk. Recently
alternative vehicles for investment in a portfolio of MLPs and their affiliates, including other publicly traded investment companies
and private funds, have emerged. In addition, recent tax law changes have increased the ability of regulated investment companies or other
institutions to invest in MLPs. These competitive conditions may adversely impact the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective.
Affiliated Transaction Restrictions.
From time to time, the Fund may "control" or may be an "affiliate," each as defined in the 1940 Act, of one or more portfolio companies.
In general, under the 1940 Act, the Fund would "control" a portfolio company if it owned 25% or more of its outstanding voting securities
and would be an "affiliate" of a portfolio company if it owned 5% or more of its outstanding voting securities. The 1940 Act contains
prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions between investment companies and their affiliates (including the Adviser), principal
underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters. Under these restrictions, the Fund and any portfolio company that the
Fund controls are generally prohibited from knowingly participating in a joint transaction, including co-investments in a portfolio company,
with an affiliated person, including any Trustees or officers of the
Fund, the Adviser or any entity controlled
or advised by any of them. These restrictions also generally prohibit the Fund's affiliates, principal underwriters and affiliates of
those affiliates or underwriters from knowingly purchasing from or selling to the Fund or any portfolio company controlled by the Fund
certain securities or other property and from lending to and borrowing from the Fund or any portfolio company controlled by the Fund monies
or other properties. The Fund and its affiliates may be precluded from co-investing in private placements of securities, including in
any portfolio companies controlled by the Fund. The Fund, its affiliates and portfolio companies controlled by the Fund may from time
to time engage in certain joint transactions, purchases, sales and loans in reliance upon and in compliance with the conditions of certain
positions promulgated by the SEC. There can be no assurance that the Fund would be able to satisfy these conditions with respect to any
particular transaction. As a result of these prohibitions, restrictions may be imposed on the size of positions or the type of investments
that the Fund could make.
Potential Conflicts of Interest of
the Adviser. The Adviser and its affiliates are involved worldwide with a broad spectrum of financial services and asset management
activities and may engage in the ordinary course of business in activities in which their interests or the interests of their clients
may conflict with those of the Fund. The Adviser and its affiliates may provide investment management services to other funds and discretionary
managed accounts that follow an investment program similar to that of the Fund. Subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Adviser
and its affiliates intend to engage in such activities and may receive compensation from third parties for their services. Neither the
Adviser, nor its affiliates are under any obligation to share any investment opportunity, idea or strategy with the Fund. As a result,
the Adviser and its affiliates may compete with the Fund for appropriate investment opportunities. The results of the Fund's investment
activities, therefore, may differ from those of the Fund's affiliates, or another account managed by the Fund's affiliates, and it is
possible that the Fund could sustain losses during periods in which one or more of the Fund's affiliates or other accounts achieve profits
on their trading for proprietary or other accounts. The Adviser and the Fund have adopted compliance policies and procedures that are
reasonably designed to address the various conflicts of interest that may arise for the Adviser and its staff members. However, there
is no guarantee that such policies and procedures will be able to detect and prevent every situation in which an actual or potential conflict
may arise.
Portfolio Turnover Risk.
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year. The Fund cannot predict its annual portfolio turnover rate with
accuracy. Portfolio turnover rate will not be considered as a limiting factor in the execution of the Fund's investment decisions. High
portfolio turnover may result in the Fund's recognition of gains and may increase the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits,
which will result in a greater portion of distributions to common shareholders being treated as dividends. Additionally, high portfolio
turnover results in correspondingly higher brokerage commissions and transaction costs borne by the Fund.
Short Sales Risk. The Fund
may make short sales of securities. A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own. 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 and liquid 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. The Fund may have to pay a premium to borrow
the securities and must pay any dividends or interest payable on the securities until they are replaced, which will be expenses of the
Fund.
In addition, the Fund's short selling strategies
may limit its ability to benefit from increases in the markets. If the Fund engages in short sales, it will segregate liquid assets, enter
into offsetting transactions or own positions covering its obligations; however, such segregation and cover requirements will not limit
or offset losses on related positions. Short selling also involves a form of financial leverage that may exaggerate any losses realized
by the Fund. Also, there is the risk that the counterparty to a short sale may fail to honor its contractual terms, causing a loss to
the Fund. Finally, SEC, FINRA, or other regulations relating to short selling may restrict the Fund's ability to engage in short selling.
Repurchase Agreement Risk.
A repurchase agreement exposes the Fund to the risk that the party that sells the security may default on its obligation to repurchase
it. The Fund may lose money because it cannot sell the security at the agreed-upon time and price or the security loses value before it
can be sold. In the event of the bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience both delays
in liquidating the underlying securities and losses. In such an event, the Fund would subject to risks associated with possible decline
in the value of the underlying security during the period in which the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, possible lack of access
to income on the underlying security during this period, and expenses of enforcing its rights. In addition, the exercise of the Fund's
right to liquidate the collateral underlying the repurchase agreement could involve certain costs or delays and, to the extent that proceeds
from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Fund could suffer a loss.
Reverse Repurchase Agreement Risk.
Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risks that the interest income earned on the investment of the proceeds will be less than the
interest expense and Fund expenses associated with the repurchase agreement, that the market value of the securities sold by the Fund
may decline below the price at which the Fund is obligated to repurchase such securities and that the securities may not be returned to
the Fund. There is no assurance that reverse repurchase agreements can be successfully employed. In connection with reverse repurchase
agreements, the Fund will also be subject to counterparty risk with respect to the purchaser of the securities. If the broker/dealer to
whom the Fund sells securities becomes insolvent, the Fund's right to purchase or repurchase securities may be restricted.
Securities Lending Risk.
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to banks or dealers which meet the creditworthiness standards established by the Board. Securities
lending is subject to the risk that loaned securities may not be available to the Fund on a timely basis and the Fund may therefore lose
the opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by the Fund that occurs
during the term of the loan would be borne by the Fund and would adversely affect the Fund's performance. Also, there may be delays in
recovery, or no recovery, of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially
while the loan is outstanding.
Delay in Investing the Proceeds of
this Offering. Although the Fund currently intends to invest the proceeds from an offering as soon as practicable following the
completion of such offering, such investments may be delayed if suitable investments are unavailable at the time. The trading market and
volumes for MLP and energy infrastructure company shares may at times be less liquid than the market for other securities. Prior to the
time the proceeds of this offering are invested, such proceeds may be invested in cash, cash equivalents or other securities, pending
investment in MLP or energy infrastructure company securities. Income received by the Fund from these securities would subject the Fund
to corporate tax before any payment of distributions to common shareholders. As a result, the return and yield on the common shares following
any offering may be lower than when the Fund is fully invested in accordance with its objective and policies.
Government Intervention in Financial
Markets. Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibility that conditions
in one country or region may adversely affect companies in a different country or region. In the past, instability in the financial markets
has led governments and regulators around the world to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions
and segments of the financial markets that have experienced extreme volatility, and in some cases a lack of liquidity. Governments, their
regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Fund
invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which
the Fund itself is regulated. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.
Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed
assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and
disposition of these assets are unclear, and such a program may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance
of the Fund's
portfolio holdings. Furthermore, volatile
financial markets can expose the Fund to greater market and liquidity risk and potential difficulty in valuing portfolio instruments held
by the Fund.
The SEC and its staff have been engaged in
various initiatives and reviews that seek to improve and modernize the regulatory structure governing investment companies. These efforts
have been focused on risk identification and controls in various areas, including imbedded leverage through the use of derivatives and
other trading practices, cybersecurity, liquidity, enhanced regulatory and public reporting requirements and the evaluation of systemic
risks. Any new rules, guidance or regulatory initiatives resulting from these efforts could increase the Fund's expenses and impact its
returns to shareholders or, in the extreme case, impact or limit its use of various portfolio management strategies or techniques and
adversely impact the Fund.
Following the November 8, 2022 U.S. elections,
the Democratic Party controls the executive branch as well as the Senate, while the Republican Party controls the House of Representatives.
Changes in federal policy, including tax policies, and at regulatory agencies occur over time through policy and personnel changes following
elections, which lead to changes involving the level of oversight and focus on the financial services industry or the tax rates paid by
corporate entities. The nature, timing and economic and political effects of potential changes to the current legal and regulatory framework
affecting markets remain highly uncertain. Uncertainty surrounding future changes may adversely affect the Fund's operating environment
and therefore its investment performance.
In addition, the U.S. tax legislation commonly
referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act") made substantial changes to the Code. Among those changes are 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. The effect of these, and the many other changes
made in the Act is highly uncertain, both in terms of their direct effect on the taxation of an investment in our common or preferred
shares and their indirect effect on the value of our assets, our common or preferred shares or market conditions generally. Furthermore,
many of the provisions of the Act will require guidance through the issuance of Treasury regulations in order to assess their effect.
There may be a substantial delay before such Treasury regulations are promulgated, increasing the uncertainty as to the ultimate effect
of the statutory amendments on us. It is also likely that there will be technical corrections legislation proposed with respect to the
Act, the effect of which cannot be predicted and may be adverse to us or our shareholders.
Certain of the Fund's investments may provide
exposure to coupon rates that are based on the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"),
Euro Interbank Offered Rate and other similar types of reference rates (each, a "Reference Rate"). These Reference Rates are generally
intended to represent the rate at which contributing banks may obtain short-term borrowings within certain financial markets. Most maturities
and currencies of LIBOR were phased out at the end of 2021, with the remaining ones to be phased out on June 30, 2023. These events and
any additional regulatory or market changes may have an adverse impact on the Fund or its investments, including increased volatility
or illiquidity in markets for instruments that rely on LIBOR. There remains uncertainty regarding the impact of the transition from LIBOR
or the Fund and the financial markets generally. SOFR has been selected by a committee established by the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to replace LIBOR as a Reference Rate in the United States and U.S. law requires
that contracts without a practicable LIBOR alternative default to SOFR plus a set spread beginning in mid-2023. SOFR is a secured, nearly
risk-free rate, while LIBOR is an unsecured rate that includes an element of bank credit risk. In addition, SOFR is strictly an overnight
rate, while LIBOR historically has been published for various maturities, ranging from overnight to one year. Thus, LIBOR may be expected
to be higher than SOFR, and the spread between the two is likely to widen in times of market stress. Certain existing contracts
provide for a spread adjustment when transitioning
to SOFR from LIBOR, but there is no assurance that it will provide adequate compensation.
Other countries have undertaken similar initiatives
to identify replacement Reference Rates for LIBOR in their respective markets. However, there are obstacles to converting certain existing
investments and transactions to a new Reference Rate, as well as risks associated with using a new Reference Rate with respect to new
investments and transactions. There remains uncertainty regarding the impact of the transition from LIBOR on the Fund and the financial
markets generally, and the termination of certain Reference Rates presents risk to the Fund. The transition process, or the failure of
an industry to transition, could lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for instruments that currently rely on LIBOR
to determine interest rates and a reduction in the values of some LIBOR-based investments. Since the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark
could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to June 30, 2023. Further, U.S. issuers are currently
not obligated to include any particular fallback language in transaction documents for new issuances of LIBOR-linked securities. In addition,
the alternative reference or benchmark rate may be an ineffective substitute, potentially resulting in prolonged adverse market conditions
for the Fund. The elimination of a Reference Rate or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of Reference Rates
could have an adverse impact on the market for or value of any securities or payments linked to those Reference Rates and other financial
obligations held by the Fund or on its overall financial conditions or results of operations. Any substitute Reference Rate and any pricing
adjustments imposed by a regulator or by counterparties or otherwise may adversely affect the Fund's performance and/or NAV. At this time,
it is not possible to completely identify or predict the effect of any such changes, any establishment of alternative Reference Rates
or any other reforms to Reference Rates that may be enacted in the UK or elsewhere.
Health Crisis Risk. The global
pandemic outbreak of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 was first detected in China in
December 2019 and has since spread globally. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. COVID-19
has resulted in numerous deaths, travel restrictions, closed international borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere,
disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, prolonged quarantines and the imposition of both local and more
widespread "work from home" measures, cancellations, supply chain disruptions, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and
uncertainty. The ongoing pandemic has had, and is expected to continue to have, a material adverse impact on local economies in the affected
jurisdictions and also on the global economy, as cross border commercial activity and market sentiment have been and continue to be impacted
by the pandemic and government and other measures seeking to mitigate or contain its spread. The impact of COVID-19, and other infectious
illness outbreaks that may arise in the future, could adversely affect individual issuers and capital markets in ways that cannot necessarily
be foreseen. In addition, actions taken by government and quasi- governmental authorities and regulators throughout the world in response
to the COVID-19 pandemic, including significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, may affect the value, volatility, pricing and liquidity
of some securities or other assets, including those held by or invested in by the Fund. Public health crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic
may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries or globally. The duration of COVID-19 related
economic disruption and its ultimate impact on the Fund, and on the global economy, cannot be determined with certainty. The COVID-19
pandemic and its effects may last for an extended period of time, and could result in significant and continued market volatility, exchange
trading suspensions and closures, declines in global financial markets, higher default rates, and a substantial economic downturn or recession.
The foregoing could impair the Fund's ability to maintain operational standards (such as with respect to satisfying redemption requests),
disrupt the operations of the Fund's service providers, adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments, and negatively
impact the Fund's performance and your investment in the Fund. The extent to which COVID-19 will affect the Fund and the Fund's service
providers and portfolio investments will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.
Political Risks Relating to Russia's Invasion
of Ukraine. Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The invasion significantly amplified already existing geopolitical
tensions among Russia, Ukraine, Europe, NATO and the United States. Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, the resulting responses by
the United States and other
countries, and the potential for wider conflict
has increased volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets, specifically on companies in the oil and gas sector, finance and resource
extraction.
The extent and duration of Russia's military
actions, resulting sanctions and consequent future market disruptions are impossible to predict, but could be significant and may negatively
affect global supply chains, inflation, oil and gas supply, and global growth.
The ramifications of the hostilities and sanctions,
however, may not be limited to Russia. Conflict between Ukraine and Russia is likely to negatively impact other regional and global economic
markets (including Europe, Asia and the United States), companies in other countries (particularly those that have exposure to Russia
and Ukraine) and on various sectors, industries and markets for securities and commodities globally, such as oil and natural gas and banking.
Market Discount Risk. The
Fund's common shares have a limited trading history and have traded both at a premium and at a discount in relation to net asset value.
The Fund cannot predict whether the common shares will trade in the future at a premium or discount to net asset value. If the common
shares are trading at a premium to net asset value at the time you purchase common shares, the net asset value per share of the common
shares purchased will be less than the purchase price paid. Continued development of alternative vehicles for investment in securities
of MLP entities may contribute to reducing or eliminating any premium or may result in the common shares trading at a discount. Recent
developments regarding the energy sector and investor perception regarding the energy sector generally may adversely impact the market
for the common shares and increase the likelihood that the common shares will trade at a discount. The risk of the common shares trading
at a discount is a risk separate from the risk of a decline in the Fund's net asset value as a result of the Fund's investment activities.
The Fund's net asset value will be reduced immediately following an offering of the Securities due to the costs of such offering, which
will be borne entirely by the Fund. The sale of common shares by the Fund (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an adverse
effect on prices of common shares in the secondary market. An increase in the number of common shares available may put downward pressure
on the market price for common shares. The Fund may, from time to time, seek the consent of holders of common shares to permit the issuance
and sale by the Fund of common shares at a price below the Fund's then current net asset value, subject to certain conditions, and such
sales of common shares at price below net asset value, if any, may increase downward pressure on the market price for common shares. These
sales, if any, also might make it more difficult for the Fund to sell additional common shares in the future at a time and price it deems
appropriate.
Whether a common shareholder will realize
a gain or loss upon the sale of common shares depends upon whether the market value of the common shares at the time of sale is above
or below the price the common shareholder paid, taking into account transaction costs for the common shares, and is not directly dependent
upon the Fund's net asset value. Because the market value of the common shares will be determined by factors such as the relative demand
for and supply of the shares in the market, general market conditions and other factors outside the Fund's control, the Fund cannot predict
whether the common shares will trade at, below or above net asset value, or at, below or above the public offering price for the common
shares.
Cyber Security Risk. As the use
of technology has become more prevalent in the course of business, the Fund has become potentially more susceptible to operational and
informational security risks resulting from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional
cyber events that may, among other things, cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption and/or destruction,
lose operational capacity, result in the unauthorized release or other misuse of confidential information, or otherwise disrupt normal
business operations. Cyber security breaches may involve unauthorized access to the Fund's digital information systems (e.g., through
"hacking" or malicious software coding), but may also result from outside attacks such as denial-of-service attacks (i.e., efforts to
make network services unavailable to intended users). In addition, cyber security breaches involving the Fund's third party service providers
(including but not limited to advisers, administrators, transfer agents, custodians, distributors and other third parties), trading counterparties
or issuers in which the Fund invests in can also subject the Fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cyber security
breaches. Moreover, cyber security breaches
involving trading counterparties or issuers in which the Fund invests in could adversely impact such counterparties or issuers and cause
the Fund's investment to lose value.
Cyber security failures or breaches may result
in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. These failures or breaches may also result in disruptions to business operations,
potentially resulting in financial losses; interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, process shareholder transactions
or otherwise transact business with shareholders; impediments to trading; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory
fines; penalties; reputational damage; reimbursement or other compensation costs; additional compliance costs and cyber security risk
management costs and other adverse consequences. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in an attempt to prevent any cyber incidents
in the future.
Like with operational risk in general, the
Fund has established risk management systems and business continuity plans designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security.
However, there are inherent limitations in these plans and systems, including that certain risks may not have been identified, in large
part because different or unknown threats may emerge in the future. As such, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially
because the Fund does not directly control the cyber security systems of issuers in which the Fund may invest, trading counterparties
or third party service providers to the Fund. There is also a risk that cyber security breaches may not be detected. The Fund and its
shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
Anti-Takeover Provisions.
The Fund's Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated as of August 14, 2013 (the "Declaration of Trust"), and Bylaws
(collectively, the "Governing Documents") include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control
of the Fund or convert the Fund to an open-end fund. These provisions could have the effect of depriving common shareholders of opportunities
to sell their common shares at a premium over the then-current market price of the common shares.
Recent Market, Economic and Social
Developments Risk. Periods of market volatility remain, and may continue to occur in the future, in response to various political,
social and economic events both within and outside the United States. These conditions have resulted in, and in many cases continue to
result in, greater price volatility, less liquidity, widening credit spreads and a lack of price transparency, with many securities remaining
illiquid and of uncertain value. Such market conditions may adversely affect the Fund, including by making valuation of some of the Fund's
securities uncertain and/or result in sudden and significant valuation increases or declines in the Fund's holdings. If there is a significant
decline in the value of the Fund's portfolio, this may impact the asset coverage levels for the Fund's outstanding leverage.
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 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's 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 unfavorable economic conditions
could impair the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery response
has caused and continues to cause at times reduced consumer demand and economic output, supply chain disruptions, and market closures,
travel restrictions, quarantines, and disparate global vaccine distributions. As with other serious economic disruptions, governmental
authorities and regulators have responded in recent years to this situation with significant fiscal and monetary policy changes. These
included providing direct capital infusions into companies, introducing new monetary programs, and lowering interest rates. In some cases,
these responses resulted in high inflation, low interest rates, and negative interest rates (which have since risen). Recently, the United
States and other governments have also made investments and engaged in
infrastructure modernization projects that
have also increased public debt and spending. These actions, including their reversal or potential ineffectiveness, could further increase
volatility in securities and other financial markets, reduce market liquidity, continue to cause higher inflation, heighten investor uncertainty,
and adversely affect the value of the Fund's investments and the performance of the Fund. These actions also contribute to a risk that
asset prices have a high degree of correlation across markets and asset classes. The duration and extent of COVID-19 over the long term
cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 and the extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Fund will depend
on future developments, which are highly uncertain and difficult to predict.
Markets generally and the energy sector specifically,
including MLPs and energy infrastructure companies in which the Fund invests, have also been impacted, in some cases adversely, by recent
volatility in the demand for oil and other energy commodities as a result of various recent developments including the slowdown in economic
activity resulting from the pandemic spread of COVID-19, price competition among key oil-producing countries and global conflict. Over
recent years, global oil prices have at times declined significantly and experienced significant volatility, including a period where
an oil-price futures contract fell into negative territory for the first time in history, as demand for oil has slowed and oil storage
facilities reach their storage capacities. Continued oil price volatility may adversely impact MLPs and energy infrastructure companies.
Such companies' growth prospects and ability to pay high dividends may be negatively impacted, which could adversely impact the NAV of
the common shares and the ability of the Fund to continue to pay dividends at current levels. Additionally, an extended period of reduced
oil prices may significantly lengthen the time the energy sector would need to recover after a stabilization of prices.
The value of, or income generated by, the
investments held by the Fund are subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation, and loss. These movements may result
from factors affecting individual companies, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates,
changes in inflation rates or expectations about inflation rates (which are currently elevated relative to normal conditions), adverse
investor confidence or sentiment, changing economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial market conditions, increased
instability or general uncertainty, environmental disasters, governmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious
diseases, pandemics and epidemics), debt crises, actual or threatened wars or other armed conflicts (such as the current Russia-Ukraine
conflict and its risk of expansion or collateral economic and other effects) or ratings downgrades, and other similar events, each of
which may be temporary or last for extended periods. Moreover, changing economic, political, geopolitical, social, financial market or
other conditions in one country or geographic region could adversely affect the value, yield and return of the investments held by the
Fund in a different country or geographic region and economies, markets and issuers generally because of the increasingly interconnected
global economies and financial markets. The Adviser intends to monitor developments and seek to manage the Fund's portfolio in a manner
consistent with achieving the Fund's investment objective, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so.
Equity capital may be difficult to raise during
periods of adverse or volatile market conditions because, subject to some limited exceptions, as a registered investment company, the
Fund generally is not able to issue additional common shares at a price less than NAV without first obtaining approval for such issuance
from common shareholders.
Adverse or volatile market conditions may
in the future make it difficult to maintain, extend or refinance the Fund's existing borrowing facilities and any failure to do so could
have a material adverse effect on the Fund.
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Annual Dividend Payment |
[7],[8] |
(1)
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(9.4)
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$ (0.9)
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[4] |
(0.9)
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(0.9)
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(7)
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(12.5)
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(12.5)
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(12.5)
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(12.5)
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(13.5)
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Share Price |
[8] |
184.6
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94.2
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21.2
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[4] |
16.56
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13.91
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7.45
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71.2
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92
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115.8
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110.9
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194.9
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NAV Per Share |
[8] |
$ 193.1
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[5] |
$ 94.9
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$ 21.22
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[4] |
$ 18.85
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$ 17.54
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$ 10.26
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$ 72.1
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$ 93.4
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[2],[3] |
$ 112.2
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$ 109.3
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$ 201.1
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$ 190.6
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Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract] |
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Outstanding Security, Title [Text Block] |
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Common
shares
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Outstanding Security, Held [Shares] |
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4,930,180
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Not Complete Investment Program [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Not a Complete Investment Program.
An investment in the common shares of the Fund should not be considered a complete investment program. The Fund is not meant to provide
a vehicle for those who wish to exploit short-term swings in the stock market and is intended for long-term investors. Each common shareholder
should take into account the Fund's investment objective as well as the common shareholder's other investments when considering an investment
in the Fund.
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Investment And Market Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Investment and Market Risk.
An investment in the Fund is subject to investment risk, particularly under current economic, financial, labor and health conditions,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount that you invest. An investment in the common shares of the Fund represents
an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund. The value of, or income generated by, the investments held by the Fund are
subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation. These movements may result from factors affecting individual companies,
or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates, changes in inflation or expectations about
inflation, investor confidence or economic, political, social or financial market conditions (such as the current contentious political
climate in the United States following the presidential election), environmental disasters, governmental actions, public health emergencies
(such as the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics and epidemics) and other similar events, that each of which may be temporary or
last for extended periods of time.
Different sectors, industries and security types
may react differently to such developments and, when the market performs well, there is no assurance that the Fund's investments will
increase in value along with the broader markets. Volatility of financial markets, including potentially extreme volatility caused by
the events described above, can expose the Fund to greater market risk than normal, possibly resulting in greatly reduced liquidity. Moreover,
changing economic, political, social or financial market conditions in one country or geographic region could adversely affect the value,
yield and return of the investments held by the Fund in a different country or geographic region because of the increasingly interconnected
global economies and financial markets. The Adviser potentially could be prevented from considering, managing and executing investment
decisions at an advantageous time or price or at all as a result of any domestic or global market or other disruptions, particularly disruptions
causing heightened market volatility and reduced market liquidity, such as the current conditions, which have also resulted
in impediments to the normal functioning of
workforces, including personnel and systems of the Fund's service providers and market intermediaries.
The value of the securities owned by the Fund
will affect the value of the common shares. At any point in time, your common shares may be worth less than your original investment,
including the reinvestment of Fund dividends and distributions.
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Management Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Management Risk. The Fund
is subject to management risk because it has an actively managed portfolio. The Adviser will apply investment techniques and risk analyses
in making investment decisions for the Fund, but there can be no guarantee that these will produce the desired results.
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Risks Of Investing In Master Limited Partnerships Units [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risks of Investing in MLP Units.
An investment in MLP units involves additional risks from a similar investment in equity securities, such as common stock, of a corporation.
As compared to common shareholders of a corporation, holders of MLP units generally have more limited control and limited rights to vote
on matters affecting the partnership. Holders of units issued by an MLP are exposed to a remote possibility of liability for all of the
obligations of that MLP in the event that a court determines that the rights of the holders of MLP units to vote to remove or replace
the general partner of that MLP, to approve amendments to that MLP's partnership agreement, or to take other action under the partnership
agreement of that MLP would constitute "control" of the business of that MLP, or a court or governmental agency determines that the MLP
is conducting business in a state without complying with the partnership statute of that state. Holders of MLP units are also exposed
to the risk that they will be required to repay amounts to the MLP that are wrongfully distributed to them. Additional risks include cash
flow risk, tax risk, risk associated with a potential conflict of interest between unit holders and the MLP's general partner, and capital
markets risk.
MLPs generally are organized by the owners
of an existing business who determine that use of an MLP structure will allow the operations of the business to be conducted in a tax-efficient
manner. As these owners may retain other businesses that are not transferred to the MLP, conflicts of interest may arise between the MLP
and the other businesses retained by its sponsor. Business opportunities that arise that are desirable for both the MLP and the retained
businesses, for example, may cause significant conflicts of interest. It is impossible to predict whether these conflicts will be resolved
to the detriment of the limited partners of the MLP.
In addition, the use of capital to seek to
increase incentive distribution payments to the general partner may conflict with the interests of limited partners. Generally, incentive
distribution payments involve the general partner receiving an increasing progressive share of MLP distributions. Although limited partners
will receive an increased total distribution if the general partner achieves its incentive benchmarks, the percentage of the increased
distribution received by the limited partners generally decreases at each benchmark level. As a result, any increased risk associated
with the management of the MLP for the purpose of increasing distributions may not correspond with the incremental benefit received by
the limited partners.
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Tax Risks [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Tax Risks. The Fund is treated
as a regular corporation, or "C" corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes and, as a result, unlike most investment companies,
is subject to corporate income tax to the extent the Fund recognizes taxable income. As a result of the unique characteristics of MLP
investments, the Fund will be subject to certain tax-related risks.
MLP Tax Risk. The Fund's ability to meet
its investment objective will depend largely on the amount of the distributions it receives (in relation to the taxable income it recognizes)
with respect to its investments in the MLPs, which is something over which the Fund will have no control. Much of the benefit the Fund
derives from its investment in equity securities of MLPs is a result of MLPs generally being treated as partnerships for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. Partnerships generally do not pay U.S. federal income tax at the partnership level. Rather, each partner of a partnership,
in computing its U.S. federal income tax liability, will include its allocable share of the partnership's income, gains, losses, deductions
and expenses. A change in current tax law, or a change in the business of a given MLP, could result in an MLP being treated as a corporation
for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which would result in such MLP being required to pay U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income.
The classification of an MLP as a
corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes
would have the effect of reducing the amount of cash available for distribution by the MLP and generally causing such distributions received
by the Fund to be taxed as dividend income. Thus, if any of the MLPs owned by the Fund were treated as corporations for U.S. federal income
tax purposes, the after-tax return to the Fund with respect to its investment in such MLPs would be materially reduced, which could cause
a substantial decline in the value of the common shares.
In addition, the U.S. tax code and regulations
generally require that taxes, penalties, and interest associated with an audit of a partnership be assessed and collected at the partnership
level. Accordingly, even if an MLP in which we invest were to remain classified as a partnership, it could be required to pay additional
taxes, interest and penalties as a result of an audit adjustment, and we, as a direct or indirect partner of such MLP, could be required
to bear the economic burden of those taxes, interest and penalties (even if the Fund was not a direct or indirect partner of such MLP
during the period corresponding to the audit adjustment), which would reduce the value of the common shares.
Deferred Tax Risks of MLP Investments.
To the extent that the Fund invests in the equity securities of an MLP, the Fund will be a partner in such MLP. Accordingly, the Fund
will be required to include in its taxable income the Fund's allocable share of the income, gains, losses, deductions and expenses recognized
by each such MLP, regardless of whether the MLP distributes cash to the Fund. Historically, MLPs have been able to offset a significant
portion of their income with tax deductions. The portion, if any, of a distribution received by the Fund from an MLP that is offset by
the MLP's tax deductions is essentially treated as tax-deferred return of capital. However, any such deferred tax will be reflected by
a reduction in the Fund's adjusted basis in the equity securities of the MLP, which will result in an increase in the amount of gain (or
decrease in the amount of loss) that will be recognized by the Fund for tax purposes on the sale of any such equity securities. In addition,
the Fund will incur a current income tax liability on the portion of its allocable share of an MLP's income that is not offset by its
allocable share of tax deductions. The percentage of an MLP's income that is offset by the MLP's tax deductions will fluctuate over time.
For example, new acquisitions by MLPs generate accelerated depreciation and other tax deductions, and therefore a decline in acquisition
activity by the MLPs owned by the Fund could increase the Fund's current tax liability. If the percentage of the distributions received
by the Fund that is offset by tax deductions declines, the portion of the distributions paid by the Fund that is treated as tax-deferred
return of capital and/or capital gain, as the case may be, would be reduced and the portion treated as taxable dividend income would be
increased. In addition, if the Fund's portfolio turnover increases, the Fund may realize more gains on the disposition of portfolio investments,
increasing the Fund's earnings and profits and decreasing the portion of the Fund's distributions characterized as tax- deferred return
of capital. This generally would result in lower after-tax distributions to shareholders.
Unlike MLPs, which are generally treated as
partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes, non-MLP energy infrastructure companies in which the Fund invests are generally taxed
as corporations. Such companies thus pay corporate-level taxes on their net taxable income and may not offer certain other advantageous
tax characteristics of MLP investments.
For example, a significant portion of the
distributions received by the Fund from the MLPs in which it invests have historically consisted of return of capital for U.S. federal
income tax purposes. To the extent that the Fund increases its investments in non-MLP energy infrastructure companies, a greater portion
of the distributions the Fund receives may consist of taxable income, which may result in the Fund having a larger corporate income tax
expense, which may result in less cash available to distribute to common shareholders.
In addition, as a result of the character
of the distributions received by the Fund from the MLPs in which it invests, historically a significant portion of the distributions made
by the Fund to the holders of its common shares have consisted of return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes. To the extent
that the Fund increases its investments in non-MLP energy infrastructure companies, a lesser percentage of future distributions by the
Fund to holders of its common shares may be treated as a return of capital for U.S. federal income tax purposes and a greater percentage
of future distributions may be treated as dividend payments taxable as ordinary income or qualified dividend income to Fund shareholders.
Because the Fund is treated as a regular corporation,
or "C" corporation, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund will incur tax expenses. In calculating the Fund's net asset value
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the Fund will, among other things, account for its deferred tax liability
and/or asset balances.
The Fund will accrue a deferred income tax
liability balance, at the currently effective statutory U.S. federal income tax rate plus an estimated state and local income tax rate,
for its future tax liability associated with the capital appreciation of its investments and the distributions received by the Fund on
equity securities of MLPs considered to be return of capital and for any net operating gains. Any deferred tax liability balance will
reduce the Fund's net asset value. The portion, if any, of a distribution on an MLP equity security received by the Fund that is offset
by the MLP's tax deductions or losses will be treated as a return of capital. However, those distributions will reduce the Fund's adjusted
tax basis in the equity securities of the MLP, which will result in an increase in the amount of income or gain (or a decrease in the
amount of loss) that will be recognized on the sale of the equity security in the MLP by the Fund. Upon the Fund's sale of a portfolio
security, the Fund will be liable for previously deferred taxes. No assurance can be given that such taxes will not exceed the Fund's
deferred tax liability assumptions for purposes of computing the Fund's net asset value per share, which would result in an immediate
reduction of the Fund's net asset value per share, which could be material.
The Fund will accrue a deferred tax asset
balance which reflects an estimate of the Fund's future tax benefit associated with net operating losses and unrealized losses. Any deferred
tax asset balance will increase the Fund's net asset value. A deferred tax asset may be used to reduce a subsequent period's income tax
expense, subject to certain limitations. To the extent the Fund has a deferred tax asset balance, the Fund will assess whether a valuation
allowance, which would offset some or all of the value of the Fund's deferred tax asset balance, is required, considering all positive
and negative evidence related to the realization of the Fund's deferred tax asset. The Fund will assess whether a valuation allowance
is required to offset some or all of any deferred tax asset balance based on estimates of the Fund in connection with the calculation
of the Fund's net asset value per share; however, to the extent the final valuation allowance differs from the estimates of the Fund used
in calculating the Fund's net asset value, the application of such final valuation allowance could have a material impact on the Fund's
net asset value.
The Fund's deferred tax liability and/or asset
balances are estimated using estimates of effective tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years such balances are realized.
The Fund will rely to some extent on information provided by MLPs regarding the tax characterization of the distributions made by such
MLPs, which may not be provided to the Fund on a timely basis, to estimate the Fund's deferred tax liability and/or asset balances for
purposes of financial statement reporting and determining its net asset value. The Fund's estimates regarding its deferred tax liability
and/or asset balances will be made in good faith; however, the estimate of the Fund's deferred tax liability and/or asset balances used
to calculate the Fund's net asset value could vary dramatically from the Fund's actual tax liability, and, as a result, the determination
of the Fund's actual tax liability may have a material impact on the Fund's net asset value. From time to time, the Fund may modify its
estimates or assumptions regarding its deferred tax liability and/or asset balances as new information becomes available. Modifications
of the Fund's estimates or assumptions regarding its deferred tax liability and/or asset balances and any applicable valuation allowance,
changes in generally accepted accounting principles or related guidance or interpretations thereof, limitations imposed on net operating
losses (if any) and changes in applicable tax law could result in increases or decreases in the Fund's net asset value per share, which
could be material.
Tax Law Change Risk. Changes in the
tax laws, or interpretations thereof, could adversely affect the Fund, the MLPs in which the Fund invests and/or the Fund's shareholders.
For example, if as a result of a change in the tax laws, MLPs are required to be treated as corporations rather than partnerships for
tax purposes, MLPs would be subject to entity level tax at corporate tax rates and any distributions received by the Fund from an MLP
would be treated as dividend income to the extent it was attributable to the MLP's current or accumulated earnings and profits. Such treatment
would negatively impact the amount and tax characterization of distributions received by the Fund and its shareholders.
Tax Reporting Risk. Shareholders in
the Fund will receive a single Form 1099 from the Fund annually, while the Fund will receive Schedules K-1 from each MLP in which they
are invested. However, the MLPs in which the Fund invests generally will not deliver their Schedule K-1s to the Fund until after the Fund
must deliver Forms 1099 to its shareholders. If the Schedule K-1s received by the Fund show that the Fund's estimates regarding its income
attributable to such MLPs were incorrect, the Fund may have to send corrected Form 1099s to its shareholders, which may result in a shareholder
being required to request an extension to file its tax return or to amend a previously filed tax return.
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Affiliated Party Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Affiliated Party Risk. Certain
MLPs and energy infrastructure companies in which the Fund may invest depend upon their parent or sponsor entities for the majority of
their revenues. Were their parent or sponsor entities to fail to make such payments or satisfy their obligations, the revenues and cash
flows of such entities and ability of such entities to make distributions to unit holders, such as the Fund, would be adversely affected.
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Equity Securities Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Equity Securities Risk. A
substantial percentage of the Fund's assets will be invested in equity securities, including MLP common units, MLP subordinated units,
MLP preferred units, equity securities of MLP affiliates, including I-Shares, and common stocks and other equity securities of energy
infrastructure companies. Equity risk is the risk that MLP units or other equity securities held by the Fund will fall due to general
market or economic conditions, perceptions regarding the industries in which the issuers of securities held by the Fund participate, changes
in interest rates, and the particular circumstances and performance of particular companies whose securities the Fund holds. The price
of an equity security of an issuer may be particularly sensitive to general movements in the stock market; or a drop in the stock market
may depress the price of most or all of the equity securities held by the Fund. In addition, MLP units or other equity securities held
by the Fund may decline in price if the issuer fails to make anticipated distributions or dividend payments because, among other reasons,
the issuer experiences a decline in its financial condition.
MLP subordinated units typically are convertible
to MLP common units at a one-to-one ratio. The price of MLP subordinated units is typically tied to the price of the corresponding MLP
common unit, less a discount. The size of the discount depends upon a variety of factors, including the likelihood of conversion, the
length of time remaining until conversion and the size of the block of subordinated units being purchased or sold.
The Fund may invest in equity securities issued
by affiliates of MLP, including general partners of MLPs. Such issuers may be organized and/or taxed as corporations and therefore may
not offer the advantageous tax characteristics of MLP units. Investments in such MLP affiliates would be expected by the Adviser to provide
economic exposure to the MLP asset class; however, such investments may not exhibit precise price correlation to any particular MLP or
the MLP asset class generally.
I-Shares represent an indirect investment
in MLP I-units. Prices and volatilities of I-Shares tend to correlate to the price of common unit, although the price correlation may
not be precise. I-Shares differ from MLP common units primarily in that instead of receiving cash distributions, holders of I-Shares will
receive distributions of additional I-Shares, in an amount equal to the cash distributions received by common unit holders. I-Shares have
limited voting rights. Holders of I-Shares are subject to the same risks as holders of MLP common units.
The Fund may invest in equity securities of
other energy infrastructure companies. Non-MLP energy infrastructure companies in which the Fund invests are generally taxed as corporations.
Such companies thus pay corporate-level taxes on their net taxable income and may not offer certain other advantageous tax characteristics
of MLP investments. The prices of equity securities are also sensitive to general movements in the stock market, so a drop in the stock
market may depress the prices of equity securities in which the Fund invests. Equity securities are structurally subordinated to preferred
stock, bonds and other debt instruments in a company's capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income and are therefore inherently
more risky and may experience significantly greater price volatility than preferred stock or debt instruments of such issuers.
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Non Diversification And Private Investment Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Non-Diversification and Private Investment
Risk. The Fund is a non-diversified investment company under the 1940 Act and will not elect to be treated as a regulated investment
company under the Code. Accordingly, the Fund
may invest a greater portion of its assets
in a more limited number of issuers than a diversified fund. The Fund's portfolio is currently concentrated in a limited number of holdings.
As a result, an investment in the Fund may present a greater risk to an investor than an investment in a diversified portfolio because
changes in the financial condition or market assessment of a single issuer may cause greater fluctuations in the value of the Fund's shares.
Pembina Gas Infrastructure, Inc. focuses on
providing natural gas gathering and natural gas liquids processing service solutions to the producer community in Alberta and British
Columbia, Canada. In addition to the risks generally applicable to energy sector companies, as set forth under "Energy Sector Risks,"
gathering and processing companies are subject to natural declines in the production of oil and natural gas fields, which utilize their
gathering and processing facilities as a way to market their production, prolonged declines in the price of natural gas or crude oil,
which curtails drilling activity and therefore production, and declines in the prices of natural gas liquids and refined petroleum products,
which cause lower processing margins. In addition, some gathering and processing contracts subject the gathering or processing company
to direct commodities price risk.
The Fund's investment in private companies
cause the Fund to be more susceptible to risks associated with such investment. Private companies are not subject to SEC reporting requirements,
are not required to maintain their accounting records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and are not required
to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting. Private companies are more likely to depend on the management talents
and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the death, disability, resignation or termination of one or more of these persons
could have a material adverse impact on the company. Private investments are typically illiquid and the Fund may not be able to readily
dispose of such investments at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell them if they were more widely traded. Further,
the Fund values private company investments in accordance with valuation guidelines adopted by the Board. Due to the inherent uncertainty
and subjectivity of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value, the fair value of the
Fund's private investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available market value existed
for such investments and may differ materially from the amounts the Fund may realize on any dispositions of such investments. The Fund
may be a co-investor in private investment opportunities sourced by third party investors. While the Adviser will conduct independent
due diligence before entering into any such investment, the Fund may have limited, if any governance, voting or consent rights, and the
Fund's ability to realize a profit on such investments will be particularly reliant on the expertise of the lead investor in the transaction.
See "Risks Associated with Private Company Investments" below.
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Concentration Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Concentration Risk. Because
the Fund is concentrated in MLP and energy infrastructure companies operating in the industry or group of industries that make up the
energy sector of the economy, the Fund may be more susceptible to risks associated with such sector. A downturn in such sector could have
a larger impact on the Fund than on an investment company that does not concentrate in such sector. At times, the performance of securities
of companies in the energy sector may lag the performance of other sectors or the broader market as a whole.
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Energy Sector Risks [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Energy Sector Risks. The
MLPs and energy infrastructure companies in which the Fund invests operate in the energy sector of the economy. As a result, the Fund
will be more susceptible to adverse economic, political, legislative or regulatory occurrences affecting the energy sector. A downturn
in the energy sector of the economy could have a larger impact on the Fund than on an investment company that is broadly diversified across
many sectors of the economy. Recently, the performance of securities of companies in the energy sector has lagged the performance of other
sectors and the broader market as a whole. Risks associated with investments in MLPs and energy infrastructure companies include the following:
Commodity Price Risk. MLPs and energy infrastructure
companies may be affected by fluctuations in the prices of energy commodities, including, for example, natural gas, natural gas liquids,
crude oil and coal, in the short-and long-term. Fluctuations in energy commodity prices would directly impact companies that own such
commodities and could indirectly impact MLPs and energy infrastructure companies that engage in transportation, storage, processing, distribution
or marketing of such commodities. Fluctuations in energy commodity prices can result from
changes in general economic conditions or
political circumstances (especially of key energy producing and consuming countries), market conditions, weather patterns, domestic production
levels, volume of imports, energy conservation, domestic and foreign governmental regulation, international politics, policies of the
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries ("OPEC"), taxation, tariffs, and the availability and costs of local, intrastate and interstate
transportation methods, among others.
Companies engaged in crude oil and natural
gas exploration, development or production, natural gas gathering and processing, crude oil refining and transportation and coal mining
or sales may be directly affected by their respective natural resources commodity prices. The volatility of commodity prices may also
indirectly affect certain companies engaged in the transportation, processing, storage or distribution of such commodities. Some companies
that own the underlying commodities may be unable to effectively mitigate or manage direct margin exposure to commodity price levels.
The energy sector as a whole may also be impacted by the perception that the performance of energy sector companies is directly linked
to commodity prices. High commodity prices may drive further energy conservation efforts and a slowing economy may adversely impact energy
consumption which may adversely affect the performance of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. Recently, oil prices have declined
significantly and experienced significant volatility. This may adversely impact MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. Such companies'
growth prospects and ability to pay high dividends may be negatively impacted, which could adversely impact the net asset value of the
common shares and the ability of the Fund to continue to pay dividends at current levels.
Supply and Demand Risk. MLPs and energy
infrastructure companies may be impacted by the levels of supply and demand for energy commodities. MLPs and energy infrastructure companies
could be adversely affected by reductions in the supply of or demand for energy commodities. The volume of production of energy commodities
and the volume of energy commodities available for transportation, storage, processing or distribution could be affected by a variety
of factors, including depletion of resources, depressed commodity prices, catastrophic events, pandemic, labor relations, increased environmental
or other governmental regulation, equipment malfunctions and maintenance difficulties, import volumes, international politics, policies
of OPEC, and increased competition from alternative energy sources, among others. Alternatively, a decline in demand for energy commodities
could result from factors such as adverse economic conditions (especially in key energy-consuming countries), increased taxation, increased
environmental or other governmental regulation, increased fuel economy, increased energy conservation or use of alternative energy sources,
legislation intended to promote the use of alternative energy sources, and increased commodity prices, among others.
Depletion Risk. MLPs and energy infrastructure
companies engaged in the exploration, development, management, gathering or production of energy commodities face the risk that commodity
reserves are depleted over time. Such companies seek to increase their reserves through expansion of their current businesses, acquisitions,
further development of their existing sources of energy commodities or exploration of new sources of energy commodities or by entering
into long-term contracts for additional reserves; however, there are risks associated with each of these potential strategies. If such
companies fail to acquire additional reserves in a cost-effective manner and at a rate at least equal to the rate at which their existing
reserves decline, their financial performance may suffer. Additionally, failure to replenish reserves could reduce the amount and affect
the tax characterization of the distributions paid by such companies.
Lack of Diversification of Customers and
Suppliers. Certain MLPs and energy infrastructure companies depend upon a limited number of customers for substantially all of their
revenue. Similarly, certain MLPs and energy infrastructure companies depend upon a limited number of suppliers of goods or services to
continue their operations. The loss of any such customers or suppliers could materially adversely affect such companies' results of operations
and cash flow, and their ability to make distributions to unit holders, such as the Fund, would therefore be materially adversely affected.
Regulatory Risk. The energy sector
is highly regulated. MLPs and energy infrastructure companies are subject to significant regulation of nearly every aspect of their operations
by federal, state and local governmental agencies.
Examples of governmental regulations which
impact MLPs and energy infrastructure companies include regulation of the construction, maintenance and operation of facilities, environmental
regulation, safety regulation, labor regulation, trade regulation and the regulation of the prices charged for products and services.
Compliance with these regulations and permits issued under them is enforced by numerous governmental agencies and authorities through
administrative, civil and criminal penalties including civil fines, injunctions or both. Stricter laws or regulations or stricter enforcement
policies with respect to existing regulations would likely increase the costs of regulatory compliance and could have an adverse effect
on the financial performance of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. MLPs and energy infrastructure companies may be adversely affected
by additional regulatory requirements enacted in response to environmental disasters, which may impose additional costs or limit certain
operations by MLPs operating in various sectors.
Environmental Risk. There is an inherent
risk that MLPs and energy infrastructure companies may incur environmental costs and liabilities due to the nature of their businesses
and the substances they handle. For example, an accidental release from wells or gathering pipelines could subject them to substantial
liabilities for environmental cleanup and restoration costs, claims made by neighboring landowners and other third parties for personal
injury and property damage, and fines or penalties for related violations of environmental laws or regulations. Moreover, the possibility
exists that stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies could significantly increase the compliance costs of MLPs and energy infrastructure
companies, and the cost of any remediation that may become necessary. MLPs or energy infrastructure companies may not be able to recover
these costs from insurance.
Specifically, the operations of wells, gathering
systems, pipelines, refineries and other facilities are subject to stringent and complex federal, state and local environmental laws and
regulations. These include, for example: (i) the Federal Clean Air Act ("Clean Air Act") and comparable state laws and regulations that
impose obligations related to air emissions, (ii) the Federal Clean Water Act and comparable state laws and regulations that impose obligations
related to discharges of pollutants into regulated bodies of water, (iii) the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act ("RCRA")
and comparable state laws and regulations that impose requirements for the handling and disposal of waste from facilities; and (iv) the
federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 ("CERCLA"), also known as "Superfund," and comparable
state laws and regulations that regulate the cleanup of hazardous substances that may have been released at properties currently or previously
owned or operated by MLPs or at locations to which they have sent waste for disposal.
Failure to comply with these laws and regulations
may trigger a variety of administrative, civil and criminal enforcement measures, including the assessment of monetary penalties, the
imposition of remedial requirements, and the issuance of orders enjoining future operations. Certain environmental statutes, including
RCRA, CERCLA, the federal Oil Pollution Act and analogous state laws and regulations, impose strict, joint and several liability for costs
required to clean up and restore sites where hazardous substances have been disposed of or otherwise released. Moreover, it is not uncommon
for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the release
of hazardous substances or other waste products into the environment. There is an inherent risk that MLPs and energy infrastructure companies
may incur environmental costs and liabilities due to the nature of their businesses and the substances they handle. For example, an accidental
release from wells or gathering pipelines could subject them to substantial liabilities for environmental cleanup and restoration costs,
claims made by neighboring landowners and other third parties for personal injury and property damage, and fines or penalties for related
violations of environmental laws or regulations. Moreover, the possibility exists that stricter laws, regulations or enforcement policies
could significantly increase the compliance costs of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. For example, hydraulic fracturing, a technique
used in the completion of certain oil and gas wells, has become a subject of increasing regulatory scrutiny and may be subject in the
future to more stringent, and more costly to comply with, requirements. Similarly, the implementation of more stringent environmental
requirements could significantly increase the cost of any remediation that may become necessary. MLPs and energy infrastructure companies
may not be able to recover these costs from insurance.
Voluntary initiatives and mandatory controls
have been adopted or are being discussed both in the United States and worldwide to reduce emissions of "greenhouse gases" such as carbon
dioxide, a by-product of burning fossil fuels, and methane, the major constituent of natural gas, which many scientists and policymakers
believe contribute to global climate change. Such measures, including carbon taxes or future emission restrictions or regulations, could
result in increased costs to certain companies in which the Fund may invest to operate and maintain facilities and administer and manage
a greenhouse gas emissions program and may reduce demand for fuels that generate greenhouse gases and that are managed or produced by
companies in which the Fund may invest. The potential for the imposition of such measures may negatively impact energy infrastructure
entities generally.
In the wake of a Supreme Court decision holding
that the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") has some legal authority to deal with climate change under the Clean Air Act, the EPA
and the Department of Transportation jointly wrote regulations to cut gasoline use and control greenhouse gas emissions from cars and
trucks. The EPA has also taken action to require certain entities to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions and certain facilities
may be required to control emissions of greenhouse gases pursuant to EPA air permitting and other regulatory programs. These measures,
and other programs addressing greenhouse gas emissions, could reduce demand for energy or raise prices, which may adversely affect the
total return of certain of the Fund's investments.
Acquisition Risk. MLPs and energy infrastructure
companies owned by the Fund may depend on their ability to make acquisitions that increase adjusted operating surplus per unit in order
to increase distributions to unit holders. The ability of such MLPs and energy infrastructure companies to make future acquisitions is
dependent on their ability to identify suitable targets, negotiate favorable purchase contracts, obtain acceptable financing and outbid
competing potential acquirers. To the extent that MLPs and other Fund investments are unable to make future acquisitions, or such future
acquisitions fail to increase the adjusted operating surplus per unit, their growth and ability to make distributions to unit holders
will be limited. There are risks inherent in any acquisition, including erroneous assumptions regarding revenues, acquisition expenses,
operating expenses, cost savings and synergies, assumption of liabilities, indemnification, customer losses, key employee defections,
distraction from other business operations, and unanticipated difficulties in operating or integrating new product areas and geographic
regions, among others.
Interest Rate Risk. Rising interest
rates could increase the costs of capital thereby increasing operating costs and reducing the ability of MLPs and energy infrastructure
companies to carry out acquisitions or expansions in a cost- effective manner. As a result, rising interest rates could negatively affect
the financial performance of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies in which the Fund invests. Rising interest rates may also impact
the price of the securities of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies as the yields on alternative investments increase. The Fund may
be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates due to the current period of historically low interest rates.
Weather Risks. Weather plays a role
in the seasonality of some MLPs' and energy infrastructure companies' cash flows. MLPs and energy infrastructure companies in the propane
industry, for example, rely on the winter season to generate almost all of their earnings. In an unusually warm winter season, propane
MLPs and energy infrastructure companies experience decreased demand for their product. Although most MLPs and energy infrastructure companies
can reasonably predict seasonal weather demand based on normal weather patterns, extreme weather conditions, such as the hurricanes that
severely damaged cities along the U.S. Gulf Coast in recent years, demonstrate that no amount of preparation can protect MLPs and energy
infrastructure companies from the unpredictability of the weather. Further, climate change may result in increases in the frequency and
severity of adverse weather events. The damage done by extreme weather also may serve to increase many MLPs' and energy infrastructure
companies' insurance premiums and could adversely affect such companies' financial condition and ability to pay distributions to shareholders.
Catastrophic Event Risk. MLPs and energy
infrastructure companies are subject to many dangers inherent in the production, exploration, management, transportation, processing and
distribution of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, refined petroleum, petrochemicals and petroleum products and other hydrocarbons.
These dangers include leaks, fires, explosions, damage to facilities and equipment resulting from natural disasters, inadvertent damage
to
facilities and equipment and terrorist acts.
Since the September 11th terrorist attacks, the U.S. government has issued warnings that energy assets, specifically U.S. pipeline infrastructure,
may be targeted in future terrorist attacks. These dangers give rise to risks of substantial losses as a result of loss or destruction
of commodity reserves; damage to or destruction of property, facilities and equipment; pollution and environmental damage; and personal
injury or loss of life. Any occurrence of such catastrophic events could bring about a limitation, suspension or discontinuation of the
operations of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. MLPs and energy infrastructure companies may not be fully insured against all
risks inherent in their business operations and therefore accidents and catastrophic events could adversely affect such companies' financial
conditions and ability to pay distributions to shareholders.
Risks Relating to Expansions and Acquisitions.
MLPs and energy infrastructure companies employ a variety of means to increase cash flow, including increasing utilization of existing
facilities, expanding operations through new construction or development activities, expanding operations through acquisitions, adding
additional services or securing additional long-term contracts. Thus, some MLPs and energy infrastructure companies may be subject to
construction risk, development risk, acquisition risk or other risks arising from their specific business strategies. MLPs and energy
infrastructure companies that attempt to grow through acquisitions may not be able to effectively integrate acquired operations with their
existing operations. In addition, acquisition or expansion projects may not perform as anticipated. A significant slowdown in merger and
acquisition activity in the energy sector could reduce the growth rate of cash flows received by the Fund from MLPs and energy infrastructure
companies that grow through acquisitions.
Technology Risk. Some MLPs and energy
infrastructure companies are focused on developing new technologies and are strongly influenced by technological changes. Technology development
efforts by MLPs and energy infrastructure companies may not result in viable methods or products. Energy Companies may bear high research
and development costs, which can limit their ability to maintain operations during periods of organizational growth or instability. Some
MLPs and energy infrastructure companies may be in the early stages of operations and may have limited operating histories and smaller
market capitalizations on average than companies in other sectors. As a result of these and other factors, the value of investments in
such MLPs and energy infrastructure companies may be considerably more volatile than that in more established segments of the economy.
Legislation Risk. There have been proposals
in Congress to eliminate certain tax incentives widely used by oil and gas companies and to impose new fees on certain energy producers.
The elimination of such tax incentives and imposition of such fees could adversely affect MLPs and energy infrastructure companies in
which the Fund invests and/or the energy sector generally.
Cyclical Industry Risk. The energy
industry is cyclical and from time to time may experience a shortage of drilling rigs, equipment, supplies, or qualified personnel, or
due to significant demand, such services may not be available on commercially reasonable terms. An MLP's or energy infrastructure company's
ability to successfully and timely complete capital improvements to existing or other capital projects is contingent upon many variables.
Should any such efforts be unsuccessful, an energy infrastructure entity could be subject to additional costs and/or the write-off of
its investment in the project or improvement. The marketability of oil and gas production depends in large part on the availability, proximity
and capacity of pipeline systems owned by third parties. Oil and gas properties are subject to royalty interests, liens and other burdens,
encumbrances, easements or restrictions, all of which could impact the production of a particular energy infrastructure entity. Oil and
gas energy infrastructure companies operate in a highly competitive and cyclical industry, with intense price competition. A significant
portion of their revenues may depend on a relatively small number of customers, including governmental entities and utilities.
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Recent Developments Regarding Energy Sector [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Recent Developments Regarding the
Energy Sector.
Recent Developments Regarding Commodity Prices.
Prices of oil and other energy commodities have experienced significant volatility during recent years, including a period where an oil-price
futures contract fell into negative territory for the first time in history. Companies engaged in crude oil and natural gas exploration,
development or production, natural gas gathering and processing, crude oil refining and transportation and coal mining or sales may be
directly
affected by their respective natural resources
commodity prices. The volatility of commodity prices may also indirectly affect certain companies engaged in the transportation, processing,
storage or distribution of such commodities. Some companies that own the underlying commodities may be unable to effectively mitigate
or manage direct margin exposure to commodity price levels. The energy sector as a whole may also be impacted by the perception that the
performance of energy sector companies is directly linked to commodity prices. As a result, many companies in which the Fund may invest
have been and may continue to be adversely impacted by declines in, and volatility of, prices of energy commodities. Demand for energy
commodities may decline from time-to-time. Reductions in production of oil and other energy commodities may lag decreases in demand or
declines in commodity prices, resulting in global oversupply in such commodities. Slower global growth may lower demand for oil and other
energy commodities, exacerbating oversupply of such commodities and further reducing commodity prices. Continued low prices for energy
commodities, or continued volatility of such prices, could further erode such companies' growth prospects and negatively impact such companies'
ability to sustain attractive distribution levels, would could adversely impact the net asset value of the common shares and the ability
of the Fund to continue to pay distributions on the common shares at current levels. Because the Fund is focused in MLP and energy infrastructure
companies operating in the industry or group of industries that make up the energy sector of the economy, the Fund may be more susceptible
to risks associated with energy commodity prices than an investment company that does not concentrate in such sector.
Recent Developments Regarding MLP Distributions.
The Fund expects that a substantial portion of the cash flow it receives will be derived from its investments in equity securities of
MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. The amount and tax characterization of cash available for distribution will depend upon the
amount of cash generated by such entity's operations. Cash available for distribution may vary widely from quarter to quarter and is affected
by various factors affecting the entity's operations. Recently, a number of MLPs have reduced, suspended or eliminated their distributions.
Such distribution reductions could adversely impact the ability of the Fund to continue to pay distributions on the common shares at current
levels.
Recent Developments Regarding MLP Debt
Restructurings. Adverse developments in the energy sector may result in MLPs seeking to restructure debt or file for bankruptcy. Limited
partners in such MLPs, such as the Fund, may owe taxes on debt that is forgiven in a bankruptcy or an out-of-court restructuring, as cancellation
of debt income, which creates a tax liability for investors without an associated cash distribution. While an MLP facing a debt restructuring
may seek to implement structures that would limit the tax liability associated with the debt restructuring, there can be no assurance
that such structures could be successfully implemented or would not have other adverse impacts on the Fund as an investor in the MLP.
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Industry Specific Risks [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Industry Specific Risks.
MLPs and other issuers are also subject to risks that are specific to the industry in which they operate.
Midstream. Midstream MLPs and energy
infrastructure companies that provide crude oil, refined product and natural gas services are subject to supply and demand fluctuations
in the markets they serve which will be impacted by a wide range of factors, including fluctuating commodity prices, weather, increased
conservation or use of alternative fuel sources, increased governmental or environmental regulation, depletion, rising interest rates,
declines in domestic or foreign production, accidents or catastrophic events, and economic conditions, among others. For example, the
COVID-19 pandemic has drastically reduced the demand for various natural resources, including crude oil, and has drastically increased
the price volatility of natural resources and midstream MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. An extended period of reduced (or negative)
prices may significantly lengthen the time that midstream MLPs and energy infrastructure companies would need to recover after a stabilization
of prices.
Pipelines. Pipeline companies are subject
to the demand for natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil or refined products in the markets they serve, changes in the availability
of products for gathering, transportation, processing or sale due to natural declines in reserves and production in the supply areas serviced
by the companies' facilities, sharp decreases in crude oil or natural gas prices that cause producers to curtail production or reduce
capital spending for exploration activities, and environmental regulation. Demand for gasoline, which accounts for a substantial portion
of refined product transportation, depends on price, prevailing economic conditions in the markets
served, and demographic and seasonal factors.
Companies that own interstate pipelines that transport natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil or refined petroleum products are subject
to regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission ("FERC") with respect to the tariff rates they may charge for transportation
services. An adverse determination by FERC with respect to the tariff rates of such a company could have a material adverse effect on
its business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and its ability to pay cash distributions or dividends. In addition,
FERC has a tax allowance policy, which permits such companies to include in their cost of service an income tax allowance to the extent
that their owners have an actual or potential tax liability on the income generated by them. If FERC's income tax allowance policy were
to change in the future to disallow a material portion of the income tax allowance taken by such interstate pipeline companies, it would
adversely impact the maximum tariff rates that such companies are permitted to charge for their transportation services, which would in
turn adversely affect the results of operations and cash flows of those companies and their ability to pay cash distributions or dividends
to their unit holders or shareholders.
Gathering and Processing. Gathering
and processing companies are subject to natural declines in the production of oil and natural gas fields, which utilize their gathering
and processing facilities as a way to market their production, prolonged declines in the price of natural gas or crude oil, which curtails
drilling activity and therefore production, and declines in the prices of natural gas liquids and refined petroleum products, which cause
lower processing margins. In addition, some gathering and processing contracts subject the gathering or processing company to direct commodities
price risk.
Upstream. Exploration, development
and production companies are particularly vulnerable to declines in the demand for and prices of crude oil and natural gas. Reductions
in prices for crude oil and natural gas can cause a given reservoir to become uneconomic for continued production earlier than it would
if prices were higher, resulting in the plugging and abandonment of, and cessation of production from, that reservoir.
In addition, lower commodity prices not only
reduce revenues but also can result in substantial downward adjustments in reserve estimates. The accuracy of any reserve estimate is
a function of the quality of available data, the accuracy of assumptions regarding future commodity prices and future exploration and
development costs and engineering and geological interpretations and judgments. Different reserve engineers may make different estimates
of reserve quantities and related revenue based on the same data. Actual oil and gas prices, development expenditures and operating expenses
will vary from those assumed in reserve estimates, and these variances may be significant. Any significant variance from the assumptions
used could result in the actual quantity of reserves and future net cash flow being materially different from those estimated in reserve
reports. In addition, results of drilling, testing and production and changes in prices after the date of reserve estimates may result
in downward revisions to such estimates. Substantial downward adjustments in reserve estimates could have a material adverse effect on
a given exploration and production company's financial position and results of operations. In addition, due to natural declines in reserves
and production, exploration and production companies must economically find or acquire and develop additional reserves in order to maintain
and grow their revenues and distributions.
Downstream. Downstream companies are
businesses engaged in refining, marketing and other "end-customer" distribution activities relating to refined energy sources, such as:
customer-ready natural gas, propane and gasoline; the production and manufacturing of petrochemicals including olefins, polyolefins, ethylene
and similar co-products as well as intermediates and derivatives; and the generation, transmission and distribution of power and electricity.
In addition to the other risks described herein, downstream companies may be more susceptible to risks associated with reduced customer
demand for the products and services they provide.
Oil and Gas Production. In addition to
other risks described herein, companies involved in the transportation, gathering, processing, exploration, development or production
of crude oil, natural gas and/or refined petroleum products are subject to supply and demand fluctuations in the markets they serve which
will be impacted by a wide range of factors, including fluctuating commodity prices, weather, increased conservation or use of alternative
fuel sources, increased governmental or environmental regulation, depletion, rising interest rates, declines in domestic or foreign production,
accidents or catastrophic events and economic conditions, among others. An extended period
of reduced (or negative) prices may significantly
lengthen the time that companies within the natural resources industries would need to recover after a stabilization of prices. In addition,
hydraulic fracturing, a technique used in the completion of some oil and gas wells, has become a subject of increasing regulatory scrutiny
and may be subject in the future to more stringent, and more costly to comply with, regulations. The oil and gas industries may be adversely
affected by increased regulations, increased operating costs and reductions in the supply of and/or demand for crude oil, natural gas
and refined petroleum products as a result of accidents or catastrophic events and the reactions thereto, among others.
Fracturing Services. Changes in laws
or government regulations regarding hydraulic fracturing could increase a company's costs of doing business, limit the areas in which
it can operate and reduce oil and natural gas production by the company. Hydraulic fracturing involves the injection of water, sand or
an alternative proppant and chemicals under pressure into target geological formations to fracture the surrounding rock and stimulate
production. Recently, there has been increased public concern regarding an alleged potential for hydraulic fracturing to adversely affect
drinking water supplies, and proposals have been made to enact separate federal, state and local legislation that would increase the regulatory
burden imposed on hydraulic fracturing. Congress has in recent legislative sessions considered legislation to amend the Safe Water Drinking
Act (the "SDWA"), including legislation that would repeal the exemption for hydraulic fracturing from the definition of "underground injection"
and require federal permitting and regulatory control of hydraulic fracturing, as well as legislative proposals to require disclosure
of the chemical constituents of the fluids used in the fracturing process. The U.S. Congress may consider similar SDWA legislation in
the future. In addition, the EPA has asserted federal regulatory authority pursuant to the SDWA over certain hydraulic fracturing activities
involving the use of diesel fuels and published permitting guidance on February 11, 2014 addressing the performance of such activities
using diesel fuels in those states where EPA is the permitting authority.
Presently, hydraulic fracturing is regulated
primarily at the state level, typically by state oil and natural gas commissions and similar agencies. Several states, such as Texas and
Pennsylvania, have either adopted or proposed laws and/or regulations to require oil and natural gas operators to disclose chemical ingredients
and water volumes used to hydraulically fracture wells, in addition to more stringent well construction and monitoring requirements. The
availability of information regarding the constituents of hydraulic fracturing fluids could make it easier for third parties opposing
the hydraulic fracturing process to initiate legal proceedings based on allegations that specific chemicals used in the fracturing process
could adversely affect groundwater. Disclosure of proprietary chemical formulas to third parties or to the public, even if inadvertent,
could diminish the value of those formulas and could result in competitive harm to companies. Various federal, state and local limitations
may prohibit or restrict drilling and hydraulic fracturing operations in certain locales including geographic locales considered environmentally
sensitive such as wetlands, endangered species habitats, floodplains, and the like. If hydraulic fracturing becomes regulated at the federal
level as a result of federal legislation or regulatory initiatives by the EPA, fracturing activities could become subject to additional
permitting requirements, and also to attendant permitting delays and potential increases in cost, which could adversely affect a company's
business.
Propane. Propane MLPs and energy infrastructure
companies are subject to earnings variability based upon weather conditions in the markets they serve, fluctuating commodity prices, increased
use of alternative fuels, increased governmental or environmental regulation, and accidents or catastrophic events, among others.
Coal. MLPs and energy infrastructure
companies with coal assets are subject to supply and demand fluctuations in the markets they serve which may be impacted by a wide range
of factors including, fluctuating commodity prices, the level of their customers' coal stockpiles, weather, increased conservation or
use of alternative fuel sources, increased governmental or environmental regulation, depletion, rising interest rates, declines in domestic
or foreign production, mining accidents or catastrophic events, health claims and economic conditions, among others. MLPs and energy infrastructure
companies with coal assets are also subject to supply variability based on geological conditions that reduce the productivity of mining
operations, the availability of regulatory permits for mining activities and the availability of coal that meets the standards of the
Clean Air Act.
Marine Transportation. Marine transportation
companies are exposed to the highly cyclical nature of the tanker industry and may be subject to volatile changes in charter rates and
vessel values, which may adversely affect the earnings of tanker companies. Fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values result from
changes in the supply and demand for tanker capacity and changes in the supply and demand for oil and oil products. Historically, the
tanker markets have been volatile due to the many conditions and factors that may affect the supply and demand for tanker capacity. Changes
in demand for transportation of oil over longer distances and the supply of tankers to carry that oil may materially affect the revenues,
profitability and cash flows of tanker companies. The successful operation of vessels in the charter market depends upon, among other
things, obtaining profitable spot charters and minimizing time spent waiting for charters and traveling unladen to pick up cargo. The
value of tanker vessels may fluctuate and could adversely affect the value of tanker company securities in the Fund's portfolio. Declining
tanker values could affect the ability of tanker companies to raise cash by limiting their ability to refinance their vessels, thereby
adversely impacting tanker company liquidity. Tanker company vessels are at risk of damage or loss because of events such as mechanical
failure, collision, human error, war, terrorism, piracy, cargo loss and bad weather. In addition, changing economic, regulatory and political
conditions in some countries, including political and military conflicts, have from time to time resulted in attacks on vessels, mining
of waterways, piracy, terrorism, labor strikes, boycotts and government requisitioning of vessels. These sorts of events could interfere
with shipping lanes and result in market disruptions and a significant loss of tanker company earnings.
Natural Resources. The natural resources
sector includes companies principally engaged in owning or developing non-energy natural resources (including timber and minerals) and
industrial materials, or supplying goods or services to such companies. The Fund's investments in MLPs and energy infrastructure companies
in the natural resources sector will be subject to the risk that prices of these securities may fluctuate widely in response to the level
and volatility of commodity prices; exchange rates; import controls; domestic and global competition; environmental regulation and liability
for environmental damage; mandated expenditures for safety or pollution control; the success of exploration projects; depletion of resources;
tax policies; and other governmental regulation. Investments in the natural resources sector can be significantly affected by changes
in the supply of or demand for various natural resources. An extended period of reduced (or negative) prices may significantly lengthen
the time that companies within the natural resources sector would need to recover after a stabilization of prices. The stock prices of
companies in the natural resources sector may also experience greater price volatility than other types of common stocks. The value of
investments in the natural resources sector may be adversely affected by a change in inflation.
Services. In addition to other risks
associated with energy companies described herein, MLPs and energy infrastructure companies engaged in the provision of services to energy-related
businesses may be subject to more volatile income streams relative to other types of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies. Service
companies may not have long term service contracts with their customers.
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Small Capitalization Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Small Capitalization Risk.
The Fund may invest in securities of MLPs and energy infrastructure companies that have comparatively smaller capitalizations relative
to issuers whose securities are included in major benchmark indices, which present unique investment risks. These companies often have
limited product lines, markets, distribution channels or financial resources; and the management of such companies may be dependent upon
one or a few key people. The market movements of equity securities issued by MLPs and energy infrastructure companies with smaller capitalizations
may be more abrupt or erratic than the market movements of equity securities of larger, more established companies or the stock market
in general. Historically, smaller capitalization MLPs and energy infrastructure companies have sometimes gone through extended periods
when they did not perform as well as larger companies. In addition, equity securities of smaller capitalization companies generally are
less liquid than those of larger companies. This means that the Fund could have greater difficulty selling such securities at the time
and price that the Fund would like.
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Liquidity Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Liquidity Risk. Under normal
market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 20% of its Managed Assets, measured at the time of investment, in unregistered or restricted
securities, including securities issued by private companies. The illiquidity of such investments may make it difficult for the Fund to
sell such investments if required. As a result, the Fund may realize significantly less than the value at which it values such investments.
In addition, significant
changes in the capital markets, including
recent disruption and volatility, have had, and may in the future have, a negative effect on the valuations of certain illiquid investments.
Although certain illiquid investments are not publicly traded, applicable accounting standards and valuation principles require the Fund
to assume as part of its valuation process that such investments are sold in a principal market to market participants (even if the Fund
plans on holding such investments to maturity).
Because a significant portion of the Fund's
Managed Assets consist of illiquid investments, to the extent that the Fund needs to dispose of portfolio holdings, including to generate
cash to pay distributions, pay operating expenses of the Fund or fund reductions of leverage, either at the discretion of the Fund or
to maintain asset coverage levels required by the 1940 Act or the terms of any such leverage instruments, the Fund may be required to
dispose of more liquid holdings at times or on terms that the Fund would otherwise consider undesirable. These risks may be greater during
periods of adverse or volatile market conditions such as have been experienced recently.
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Restricted Securities Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Restricted Securities Risk.
The Fund may invest in unregistered or otherwise restricted securities. The term "restricted securities" refers to securities that are
unregistered, held by control persons of the issuer or are subject to contractual restrictions on their resale. Restricted securities
are often purchased at a discount from the market price of unrestricted securities of the same issuer reflecting the fact that such securities
may not be readily marketable without some time delay.
Such securities are often more difficult to
value and the sale of such securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling
expenses than does the sale of liquid securities trading on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. Contractual
restrictions on the resale of securities result from negotiations between the issuer and purchaser of such securities and therefore vary
substantially in length and scope. To dispose of a restricted security that the Fund has a contractual right to sell, the Fund may first
be required to cause the security to be registered. A considerable period may elapse between a decision to sell the securities and the
time when the Fund would be permitted to sell, during which time the Fund would bear market risks.
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Risks Associated With Private Company Investments [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Risks Associated with Private Company
Investments. The Fund intends to invest in a limited number of private investments, and at times may devote its assets allocable
to private investments to a single investment opportunity. Such a focus of the Fund's private investments in a single or small number
of investment opportunities will cause the Fund to be more susceptible to risks associated with each such investment. Private companies
are not subject to SEC reporting requirements, are not required to maintain their accounting records in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, and are not required to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting. As a result, the Adviser
may not have timely or accurate information about the business, financial condition and results of operations of the private companies
in which the Fund invests. There is risk that the Fund may invest on the basis of incomplete or inaccurate information, which may adversely
affect the Fund's investment performance. Private companies in which the Fund may invest may have limited financial resources, shorter
operating histories, more asset concentration risk, narrower product lines and smaller market shares than larger businesses, which tend
to render them more vulnerable to competitors' actions and market conditions, as well as general economic downturns. These companies generally
have less predictable operating results, may from time to time be parties to litigation, may be engaged in rapidly changing businesses
with products subject to a substantial risk of obsolescence, and may require substantial additional capital to support their operations,
finance expansion or maintain their competitive position. These companies may have difficulty accessing the capital markets to meet future
capital needs, which may limit their ability to grow or to repay their outstanding indebtedness upon maturity. In addition, the Fund's
investment also may be structured as pay-in-kind securities with minimal or no cash interest or dividends until the company meets certain
growth and liquidity objectives.
Private Company Management Risk. Private
companies are more likely to depend on the management talents and efforts of a small group of persons; therefore, the death, disability,
resignation or termination of one or more of these persons could have a material adverse impact on the company. The Fund generally does
not intend to hold
controlling positions in the private companies
in which it invests. As a result, the Fund is subject to the risk that a company may make business decisions with which the Fund disagrees,
and that the management and/or stockholders of a portfolio company may take risks or otherwise act in ways that are adverse to the Fund's
interests. Due to the lack of liquidity of such private investments, the Fund may not be able to dispose of its investments in the event
it disagrees with the actions of a portfolio company and may therefore suffer a decrease in the value of the investment.
Private Company Liquidity Risk. Securities
issued by private companies are typically illiquid. If there is no readily available trading market for privately issued securities, the
Fund may not be able to readily dispose of such investments at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell them if they
were more widely traded.
Private Company Valuation Risk. There
is typically not a readily available market value for the Fund's private investments. The Fund values private company investments in accordance
with valuation guidelines adopted by the Board that the Board believes are designed to accurately reflect the fair value of securities
valued in accordance with such guidelines. The Fund is not required to but may utilize the services of one or more independent valuation
firms to aid in determining the fair value of these investments. Valuation of private company investments may involve application of one
or more of the following factors: (i) analysis of valuations of publicly traded companies in a similar line of business, (ii) analysis
of valuations for comparable merger or acquisition transactions, (iii) yield analysis and (iv) discounted cash flow analysis. Due to the
inherent uncertainty and subjectivity of determining the fair value of investments that do not have a readily available market value,
the fair value of the Fund's private investments may differ significantly from the values that would have been used had a readily available
market value existed for such investments and may differ materially from the amounts the Fund may realize on any dispositions of such
investments. In addition, the impact of changes in the market environment and other events on the fair values of the Fund's investments
that have no readily available market values may differ from the impact of such changes on the readily available market values for the
Fund's other investments. The Fund's net asset value could be adversely affected if the Fund's determinations regarding the fair value
of the Fund's investments were materially higher than the values that the Fund ultimately realizes upon the disposal of such investments.
Private Debt Securities Risk. Private
companies in which the Fund invests may be unable to meet their obligations under debt securities held by the Fund, which may be accompanied
by a deterioration in the value of any collateral and a reduction in the likelihood of the Fund realizing any guarantees it may have obtained
in connection with its investment. Private companies in which the Fund will invest may have, or may be permitted to incur, other debt
that ranks equally with, or senior to, debt securities in which the Fund invests. Privately issued debt securities are often of below
investment grade quality and frequently are unrated.
Reliance on the Adviser Risk. The Fund
may enter into private investments identified by the Adviser, in which case the Fund will be more reliant upon the ability of the Adviser
to identify, research, analyze, negotiate and monitor such investments, than is the case with investments in publicly traded securities.
As little public information exists about many private companies, the Fund will be required to rely on the Adviser's diligence efforts
to obtain adequate information to evaluate the potential risks and returns involved in investing in these companies. The costs of diligencing,
negotiating and monitoring private investments will be borne by the Fund, which may reduce the Fund's returns.
Co-Investment Risk. The Fund may also co-invest
in private investments sourced by third party investors, such as private equity firms. While the Adviser will conduct independent due
diligence before entering into any such investment, the Fund's ability to realize a profit on such investments will be particularly reliant
on the expertise of the lead investor in the transaction. To the extent that the lead investor in such a co-investment opportunity assumes
control of the management of the private company, the Fund will be reliant not only upon the lead investor's ability to research, analyze,
negotiate and monitor such investments, but also on the lead investor's ability to successfully oversee the operation of the company's
business. The Fund's ability to dispose of such investments is typically severely limited, both by the fact that the securities are unregistered
and illiquid and by contractual restrictions that
may preclude the Fund from selling such investment.
Often the Fund may exit such investment only in a transaction, such as an initial public offering or sale of the company, on terms arranged
by the lead investor. Such investments may be subject to additional valuation risk, as the Fund's ability to accurately determine the
fair value of the investment may depend upon the receipt of information from the lead investor. The valuation assigned to such an investment
through application of the Fund's valuation procedures may differ from the valuation assigned to that investment by other co-investors.
Risks Associated with Direct Investment
in Energy Infrastructure Assets. The Fund may invest in entities formed to own and operate particular energy infrastructure assets.
Such investments will be dependent upon the success of third-party operators retained by the investors, including the Fund, to manage
such assets. Such investments may subject the Fund to increased operational risks associated with the operation of infrastructure assets.
Investments in infrastructure assets may be subject to greater risks associated with their illiquidity and valuation.
Greenfield Projects Risks. Greenfield
projects are energy-related projects built by private joint ventures formed by energy infrastructure companies. Greenfield projects may
include the creation of a new pipeline, processing plant or storage facility or other energy infrastructure asset that is integrated with
the company's existing assets. The Fund may invest in the equity of greenfield projects or the secured debt of greenfield projects. However,
the Fund's investment also may be structured as pay-in-kind securities with minimal or no cash interest or dividends until construction
is completed, at which time interest payments or dividends would be paid in cash. Greenfield projects involve less investment risk than
typical private equity financing arrangements. The primary risk involved with greenfield projects is execution risk or construction risk.
Changing project requirements, elevated costs for labor and materials, and unexpected construction hurdles all can increase construction
costs. Financing risk exists should changes in construction costs or financial markets occur. Regulatory risk exists should changes in
regulation occur during construction or the necessary permits are not secured prior to beginning construction.
Private Company Competition Risk. Many
entities may potentially compete with the Fund in making private investments. Many of these competitors are substantially larger and have
considerably greater financial, technical and marketing resources than the Fund. Some competitors may have a lower cost of funds and access
to funding sources that are not available to the Fund. In addition, some competitors may have higher risk tolerances or different risk
assessments, which could allow them to consider a wider variety of, or different structures for, private investments than the Fund. Furthermore,
many competitors are not subject to the regulatory restrictions that the 1940 Act imposes on the Fund. As a result of this competition,
the Fund may not be able to pursue attractive private investment opportunities from time to time.
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Risks Associated With Investment In Initial Public Offerings [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Risks Associated with an Investment
in Initial Public Offerings. Securities purchased in initial public offerings ("IPOs") are often subject to the general risks
associated with investments in companies with small market capitalizations, and typically to a heightened degree. Securities issued in
IPOs have no trading history, and information about the companies may be available for very limited periods. In addition, the prices of
securities sold in an IPO may be highly volatile. At any particular time or from time to time, the Fund may not be able to invest in IPOs,
or to invest to the extent desired, because, for example, only a small portion (if any) of the securities being offered in an IPO may
be available to the Fund. In addition, under certain market conditions, a relatively small number of companies may issue securities in
IPOs. The Fund's investment performance during periods when it is unable to invest significantly or at all in IPOs may be lower than during
periods when it is able to do so. IPO securities may be volatile, and the Fund cannot predict whether investments in IPOs will be successful.
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Unseasoned Companies Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Unseasoned Companies Risk.
The Fund may invest in companies that (together with their predecessors) have limited operating histories. The securities of such companies
may have limited liquidity, which can result in their being priced higher or lower than might otherwise be the case. In addition, investments
in unseasoned companies are more speculative and entail greater risk than investments in companies with an established operating record.
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Risks Associated With Private Investment In Public Equity Transactions [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Risks Associated with a Private Investment
in Public Equity Transactions. Investors in private investment in public equity ("PIPE") transactions purchase securities directly
from a publicly traded company in a private placement transaction, typically at a discount to the market price of the company's common
stock. Because the sale of the securities is not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), the securities
are "restricted" and cannot be immediately resold by the investors into the public markets. Until the Fund can sell such securities into
the public markets, its holdings will be less liquid and any sales will need to be made pursuant to an exemption under the Securities
Act.
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Cash Flow Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Cash Flow Risk. The Fund
expects that a substantial portion of the cash flow it receives will be derived from its investments in equity securities of MLPs and
energy infrastructure companies. The amount and tax characterization of cash available for distribution will depend upon the amount of
cash generated by such entity's operations. Cash available for distribution may vary widely from quarter to quarter and is affected by
various factors affecting the entity's operations. In addition to the risks described herein, operating costs, capital expenditures, acquisition
costs, construction costs, exploration costs and borrowing costs may reduce the amount of cash that an MLP or energy infrastructure company
has available for distribution in a given period. Reductions in distributions paid by energy infrastructure entities held by the Fund
may reduce the value of such holdings, and as a result, the value of the Fund's common shares and Preferred Shares. In addition, any such
reductions in distributions paid by energy infrastructure entities may adversely impact the Fund's ability to maintain its distribution
rate.
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Valuation Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Valuation Risk. Market prices
generally will be unavailable for some of the Fund's investments, including MLP subordinated units, direct ownership of general partner
interests, restricted or unregistered securities of certain MLPs (including private MLPs) and other private issuers and direct investments
in infrastructure assets. The value of such investments will be determined by fair valuations determined by the Board or its designee
in accordance with procedures governing the valuation of portfolio securities adopted by the Board. Proper valuation of such investments
may require more reliance on the judgment of the Adviser than for valuation of securities for which an active trading market exists.
In calculating the Fund's net asset value,
the Fund will account for deferred tax assets or liabilities, which reflect taxes on unrealized gains or losses, which are attributable
to the temporary differences between fair market value and tax basis of the Fund's assets, the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of the Fund's assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes relative to the amounts used for income
tax purposes and the net tax benefit of accumulated net operating losses and capital losses. A deferred tax liability is recognized for
temporary differences that will result in taxable amounts in future years. A deferred tax asset is recognized for temporary differences
that will result in deductible amounts in future years and for carryforwards. A deferred tax asset may be used to reduce a subsequent
period's income tax expense, subject to certain limitations. To the extent the Fund has a deferred tax asset, the Fund will periodically
assess whether a valuation allowance is required, considering all positive and negative evidence related to the realization of the deferred
tax asset. The Fund may rely to some extent on information provided by the MLPs, which may not necessarily be timely, to estimate taxable
income allocable to the MLP units held in the portfolio and to estimate the associated deferred tax asset or liability. Such estimates
are made in good faith. From time to time, as new information becomes available, the Fund modifies its estimates or assumptions regarding
the deferred tax asset or liability. Modifications of such estimates or assumptions or changes in applicable tax law could result in increases
or decreases in the Fund's net asset value per share.
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Inflation Deflation Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Inflation/Deflation Risk.
Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investment will be worth less in the future, as inflation decreases
the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of the common shares and distributions on those shares can decline. In addition,
during any periods of rising inflation, interest rates on any borrowings by the Fund would likely increase, which would tend to further
reduce returns to the holders of common shares. Deflation risk is the risk that prices throughout the economy decline over time, which
may have an adverse effect on the market valuation of companies, their assets and revenues. In addition, deflation may have an adverse
effect on the creditworthiness of issuers and may make issuer default more likely, which may result in a decline in the value of the Fund's
portfolio.
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Debt Securities Risks [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Debt Securities Risks
Credit Risk. An issuer of a debt security
may be unable to make interest payments and repay principal. The Fund could lose money if the issuer of a debt obligation is, or is perceived
to be, unable or unwilling to make timely principal and/or interest payments, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The downgrade of
a security may further decrease its value.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk
is the risk that debt securities, such as preferred and debt securities, and certain equity securities will decline in value because of
a rise in market interest rates. When market interest rates rise, the market value of such securities generally will fall. Prevailing
interest rates may be adversely impacted by market and economic factors. If interest rates rise the markets may experience increased volatility,
which may adversely affect the value and/or liquidity of certain of the Fund's investments. Increases in interest rates may adversely
affect the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.
During periods of rising interest rates, the
average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of a lower likelihood of prepayments. This may lock in a below market
interest rate, increase the security's duration and reduce the value of the security. This is known as extension risk.
In typical interest rate environments, prices
of debt securities with longer maturities generally fluctuate more in response to changes in interest rates than do the prices of debt
securities with shorter-term maturities. Because the Fund may invest a portion of its assets in debt securities without regard to their
maturities, to the extent the Fund invests in debt securities with longer maturities, the net asset value and market price of the common
shares would fluctuate more in response to changes in interest rates than if the Fund were to invest such portion of its assets in shorter-term
debt securities.
Market interest rates for investment grade
debt securities in which the Fund may invest are significantly below historical average rates for such securities. Interest rates below
historical average rates may result in increased risk that these rates will rise in the future (which would cause the value of the Fund's
net assets to decline) and may increase the degree to which asset values may decline in such events.
While interest rates are near historically
low levels, during periods of declining interest rates, the issuer of a debt security may exercise its option to prepay principal earlier
than scheduled, forcing the Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities. This is known as call or prepayment risk. Preferred and debt
securities frequently have call features that allow the issuer to repurchase the security prior to its stated maturity. An issuer may
redeem such a security if the issuer can refinance it at a lower cost due to declining interest rates or an improvement in the credit
standing of the issuer.
Lower Grade Securities Risk. The Fund may
invest in debt securities rated below investment grade (that is, rated Ba or lower by Moody's, BB or lower by S&P or comparably rated
by another statistical rating organization) or, if unrated, determined by the Adviser to be of comparable credit quality. Below investment
grade securities are commonly referred to as "high yield" securities or "junk bonds." Investment in securities of below investment grade
quality involves substantial risk of loss, the risk of which is particularly acute under current conditions. Securities of below investment
grade quality are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay principal when due and therefore
involve a greater risk of default or decline in market value due to adverse economic and issuer-specific developments. Securities of below
investment grade quality display increased price sensitivity to changing interest rates and to a deteriorating economic environment. The
market values for debt securities of below investment grade quality tend to be more volatile and such securities tend to be less liquid
than investment grade debt securities. The ratings of Moody's, S&P and other statistical rating organizations generally represent
their opinions as to the quality of the bonds they rate. It should be emphasized, however, that such ratings are relative and subjective,
are not absolute standards of quality, are subject to change and do not evaluate the market risk and liquidity of the securities. Rating
agencies may fail to make timely changes in credit ratings and an issuer's current financial condition may be better or worse than a rating
indicates. To the extent that the issuer of a
security pays a rating agency for the analysis
of its security, an inherent conflict of interest may exist that could affect the reliability of the rating. Bonds with the same maturity,
coupon and rating may have different yields while obligations of the same maturity and coupon with different ratings may have the same
yield.
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Preferred Securities Risks [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Preferred Securities Risks.
There are special risks associated with investing in preferred securities. Preferred securities may contain provisions that permit the
issuer, at its discretion, to defer distributions for a stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. If the Fund owns
a preferred security that is deferring its distributions, the Fund may be required to report income for tax purposes although it has not
yet received such income. Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt securities in a company's capital structure in
terms of having priority to corporate income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than more
senior debt securities. Preferred securities may be less liquid than many other securities, such as common stocks. Generally, preferred
security holders have no voting rights with respect to the issuing company unless preferred dividends have been in arrears for a specified
number of periods, at which time the preferred security holders may elect a number of directors/trustees to the issuer's board. Generally,
once all the arrearages have been paid, the preferred security holders no longer have voting rights. In the case of trust preferred securities,
holders generally have no voting rights, except if (i) the issuer fails to pay dividends for a specified period of time or (ii) a declaration
of default occurs and is continuing. In certain varying circumstances, an issuer of preferred securities may redeem the securities prior
to a specified date. As with call provisions, a special redemption by the issuer may negatively impact the return of the security held
by the Fund.
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Convertible Instruments Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Convertible Instruments Risk.
The Fund may invest in convertible instruments. A convertible instrument is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other security
that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of common shares of the same or a different issuer within a particular
period of time at a specified price or formula. Convertible debt securities have characteristics of both debt and equity investments.
Convertible instruments are subject both to the stock market risk associated with equity securities and to the credit and interest rate
risks associated with debt securities. As the market price of the equity security underlying a convertible instrument falls, the convertible
instrument tends to trade on the basis of its yield and other debt characteristics. As the market price of such equity security rises,
the convertible security tends to trade on the basis of its equity conversion features. The Fund may invest in convertible instruments
that have varying conversion values. Convertible instruments are typically issued at prices that represent a premium to their conversion
value. Accordingly, the value of a convertible instrument increases (or decreases) as the price of the underlying equity security increases
(or decreases). If a convertible instrument held by the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to permit the issuer
to redeem the instrument, or convert it into the underlying stock, and will hold the stock to the extent the Adviser determines that such
equity investment is consistent with the investment objective of the Fund.
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Foreign Securities Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Foreign Securities Risk.
Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve certain considerations and risks not ordinarily associated with investments in
securities of domestic issuers. Foreign companies are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing and financial standards and
requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. The governments of certain countries may prohibit or impose substantial
restrictions on foreign investments in their capital markets or in certain industries, and there may be greater levels of price volatility
in foreign markets. 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, and it may be difficult
to effect repatriation of capital invested in certain countries. 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.
There may be less publicly available information
about a foreign company than a U.S. company. Foreign securities markets may have substantially less volume than U.S. securities markets
and some foreign company securities are less liquid than securities of otherwise comparable U.S. companies. 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 a 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's investments in foreign securities
may include ADRs. ADRs are receipts issued by United States banks or trust companies in respect of securities of foreign issuers held
on deposit for use in the United States securities markets. While ADRs may not necessarily be denominated in the same currency as the
securities into which they may be converted, many of the risks associated with foreign securities may also apply to ADRs. In addition,
the underlying issuers of certain depositary receipts, particularly unsponsored or unregistered depositary receipts, are under no obligation
to distribute shareholder communications to the holders of such receipts, or to pass through to them any voting rights with respect to
the deposited securities.
Continuing uncertainty as to the status of
the European Economic and Monetary Union ("EMU") and the potential for certain countries (such as those in the United Kingdom) to withdraw
from the institution has created significant volatility in currency and financial markets generally. Any partial or complete dissolution
of the EU could have significant adverse effects on currency and financial markets, and on the values of the Fund's portfolio investments.
On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom officially
withdrew from the EU and the two sides entered into a transition phase, scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2020, where the United Kingdom
effectively remains in the EU from an economic perspective, but no longer has any political representation in the EU parliament. During
this transition phase, which could be extended beyond December of 2020, the United Kingdom is expected to negotiate a new trade deal with
the EU. Due to political uncertainty, it is not possible to anticipate whether the United Kingdom and the EU will be able to agree and
implement a new trade agreement or what the nature of such trade arrangement will be. Throughout the withdrawal process and afterward,
the impact on the United Kingdom and EMU and the broader global economy is unknown but could be significant and could result in increased
volatility and illiquidity and potentially lower economic growth. The political divisions surrounding Brexit within the United Kingdom,
as well as those between the UK and the EU, may also have a destabilizing impact on the economies and currencies of the United Kingdom
and the EU. Any further exits from member states of the EU, or the possibility of such exits, would likely cause additional market disruption
globally and introduce new legal and regulatory uncertainties.
If one or more EMU countries were to stop
using the euro as its primary currency, the Fund's investments in such countries may be redenominated into a different or newly adopted
currency, possibly resulting in the value of those investments declining significantly and unpredictably. In addition, securities or other
investments that are redenominated may be subject to liquidity risk and the risk that the Fund may not be able to value investments accurately
to a greater extent than similar investments currently denominated in euros. To the extent a currency used for redenomination purposes
is not specified in respect of certain EMU-related investments, or should the euro cease to be used entirely, the currency in which such
investments are denominated may be unclear, making such investments particularly difficult to value or dispose of. The Fund may incur
additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek judicial or other clarification of the denomination or value of such securities.
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 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.
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Derivatives Risks [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Derivatives Risks. Generally,
a derivative is a financial contract the value of which depends upon, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference
rate, or index, and may relate to individual debt or equity instruments, interest rates, currencies or currency exchange rates, commodities,
related indexes, and other assets. The Fund may, but is not required to, utilize derivatives transactions, including transactions involving
futures contracts, forwards, options and over-the-counter derivatives contracts, for purposes such as to seek to earn income or enhance
total return, facilitate portfolio management and mitigate risks. The use of derivatives transactions to earn income or enhance total
return may be particularly speculative. Participation in derivatives transactions involves investment risks and transaction costs to which
the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. Derivatives generally involve leverage in the sense that the investment
exposure created by the derivatives may be significantly greater than the Fund's initial investment in the derivative. Accordingly, if
the Fund enters into a derivative transaction, it could lose substantially more than the principal amount invested. If the Adviser's predictions
with respect to market conditions, liquidity, market values, interest rates and other applicable factors are inaccurate, the consequences
to the Fund may leave the Fund in a worse position than if it had not used such strategies. Risks inherent in the use of derivatives transactions
include:
• dependence on the Adviser's
ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of interest rates and securities prices;
• imperfect correlation between
the price of the derivative instrument and movements in the prices of the reference instrument;
• the fact that skills needed
to use these strategies are different from those needed to select portfolio securities;
• the possible absence of
a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time;
• the possible need to defer
closing out certain positions to avoid adverse tax consequences;
• the possible inability
of the Fund to purchase or sell a security at a time that otherwise would be favorable for it to do so, or the possible need for the Fund
to sell a security at a disadvantageous time due to a need for the Fund to maintain "cover" or to segregate securities in connection with
the hedging techniques;
• the creditworthiness of
counterparties;
• if used for hedging purposes,
the duration of the derivative instrument may be significantly different than the duration of the related liability or asset; and
• volatility of interest
rates and price of the reference instrument.
Certain derivatives transactions may be considered
senior securities for the purposes of the 1940 Act unless the Fund segregates liquid assets or otherwise covers its obligations. To the
extent the Fund segregates liquid assets or covers such obligations by entering into offsetting transactions or owning positions covering
its obligations, the instrument will not be considered a senior security for the purposes of the 1940 Act. The Fund may cover such
transactions using other methods currently
or in the future permitted under the 1940 Act, the rules and regulations thereunder or orders issued by the SEC thereunder and interpretations
and guidance provided by the SEC staff. These segregation and coverage requirements could result in the Fund maintaining securities positions
that it would otherwise liquidate, segregating assets at a time when it might be disadvantageous to do so or otherwise restricting portfolio
management. Such segregation and coverage requirements will not limit or offset losses on related positions.
In late October 2020, the SEC published Rule
18f-4 related to the use of derivatives and certain other transactions by registered investment companies that, in part, rescinds the
SEC's asset segregation and coverage rules and guidance. To comply with the new rule, funds need to trade derivatives and other transactions
that potentially create senior securities subject to a value-at-risk ("VaR") leverage limit, certain other testing requirements and requirements
related to board reporting.
The Fund may be exposed to certain additional
risks should the Adviser use derivatives transactions as a means to synthetically implement the Fund's investment strategies. Customized
derivative instruments will likely be highly illiquid, and it is possible that the Fund will not be able to terminate such derivative
instruments prior to their expiration date or that the penalties associated with such a termination might impact the Fund's performance
in a materially adverse manner. Synthetic investments may be imperfectly correlated to the investment the Adviser is seeking to replicate.
There can be no assurance that the Adviser's judgments regarding the correlation of any particular synthetic investment will be correct.
Risks Associated with Options on Securities.
There are significant differences between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between these
markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve its objectives. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves the
exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or
unexpected events. There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when the Fund seeks to close out an option position. The
Fund's ability to terminate over-the-counter options is more limited than with exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that broker-dealers
participating in such transactions will not fulfill their obligations. The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during
which the underlying securities are traded. The Fund's options transactions will be subject to limitations established by each of the
exchanges, boards of trade or other trading facilities on which such options are traded. To the extent that the Fund writes covered put
options, the Fund will bear the risk of loss if the value of the underlying stock declines below the exercise price. If the option is
exercised, the Fund could incur a loss if it is required to purchase the stock underlying the put option at a price greater than the market
price of the stock at the time of exercise. While the Fund's potential gain in writing a covered put option is limited to the interest
earned on the liquid assets securing the put option plus the premium received from the purchaser of the put option, the Fund risks a loss
equal to the entire value of the stock. To the extent that the Fund writes a covered call option, the Fund forgoes, during the option's
life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the security covering the call option above the sum of the premium
and the strike price of the call, but has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security decline. The writer of
an option has no control over the time when it may be required to fulfill its obligation as a writer of the option. Once an option writer
has received an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option
and must deliver the underlying security at the exercise price. Thus, the use of options may require the Fund to sell portfolio securities
at inopportune times or for prices other than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on an investment
or may cause the Fund to hold a security that it might otherwise sell.
Swaps Risk. Swap transactions are subject
to market risk, risk of default by the other party to the transaction and risk of imperfect correlation between the value of derivative
instruments and the underlying assets and may involve commissions or other costs. Swaps generally do not involve the delivery of securities,
other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, the risk of loss with respect to swaps generally is limited to the net amount of payments
that the Fund is contractually obligated to make, or in the case of the other party to a swap defaulting, the net amount of payments that
the Fund is contractually entitled to receive. Total return swaps may effectively add leverage to the
Fund's portfolio because the Fund would be
subject to investment exposure on the full notional amount of the swap. Total return swaps are subject to the risk that a counterparty
will default on its payment obligations to the Fund thereunder.
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Counterparty Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Counterparty Risk. Counterparty
risk is the risk that a counterparty to a Fund transaction (e.g., prime brokerage or securities lending arrangement or derivatives transaction)
will be unable or unwilling to perform its contractual obligation to the Fund. The Fund is exposed to credit risks that the counterparty
may be unwilling or unable to make timely payments or otherwise meet its contractual obligations. If the counterparty becomes bankrupt
or defaults on (or otherwise becomes unable or unwilling to perform, the risk of which is particularly acute under current conditions)
its payment or other obligations to the Fund, the Fund may not receive the full amount that it is entitled to receive or may experience
delays in recovering the collateral or other assets held by, or on behalf of, the counterparty. The Fund bears the risk that counterparties
may be adversely affected by legislative or regulatory changes, adverse market conditions (such as the current conditions), increased
competition, and/or wide scale credit losses resulting from financial difficulties of the counterparties' other trading partners or borrowers.
The counterparty risk for cleared derivatives
is generally lower than for uncleared over-the-counter derivatives 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.
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Other Investment Funds Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Other Investment Funds Risk.
The Fund may invest in securities of other open-end or closed-end investment companies, including exchange-traded funds. As a shareholder
in an investment company, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that investment company's expenses, and would remain subject to payment
of the Fund's investment advisory fees with respect to the assets so invested. common shareholders would therefore be subject to duplicative
expenses to the extent the Fund invests in other investment companies. In addition, the securities of other investment companies may also
be leveraged and will therefore be subject to the same leverage risks described in this Proxy Statement/ Prospectus. To the extent the
Fund invests in exchange-traded funds or other investment companies that seek to track a specified index, such investments will be subject
to tracking error risk.
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Exchange Traded Notes Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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ETNs Risk. ETNs are senior,
unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities whose returns are linked to the performance of a particular market benchmark or strategy minus
applicable fees. ETNs are traded on an exchange (e.g., the NYSE) during normal trading hours. ETNs are subject to credit risk, and the
value of the ETN may drop due to a downgrade in the issuer's credit rating, despite the underlying market benchmark or strategy remaining
unchanged. Investments in such securities will have different tax characteristics than equity securities. An ETN may not be able to replicate
and maintain exactly the composition and relative weighting of securities in the index. An ETN also incurs certain expenses not incurred
by its applicable index. Certain securities that are part of the index tracked by an ETN may, at times, be unavailable, which may impede
the ETN's ability to track its index. Although an ETN is a debt security, it is unlike a typical bond, in that there are no periodic interest
payments and principal is not protected. The value of an ETN may also be influenced by time to maturity, level of supply and demand for
the ETN, volatility and lack of liquidity in underlying assets, changes in the applicable interest rates, changes in the issuer's credit
rating and economic, legal, political or geographic events that affect the referenced underlying asset.
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Financial Leverage Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Financial Leverage Risk.
Although the use of Financial Leverage by the Fund may create an opportunity for increased after-tax total return for the common shares,
it also results in additional risks and can magnify the effect of any losses. If the income and gains earned on securities purchased with
Financial Leverage proceeds are greater than the cost of Financial Leverage, the Fund's return will be greater than if Financial Leverage
had not been used. Conversely, if the income or gains from the securities purchased with such proceeds does not cover the cost of Financial
Leverage, the return to the Fund will be less than if Financial Leverage had not been used.
Financial Leverage involves risks and special
considerations for shareholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of NAV, market price and dividends on the common shares
than a comparable portfolio without leverage; the risk that fluctuations in interest rates on borrowings and short-term debt or in the
dividend rates on any Financial
Leverage that the Fund must pay will reduce
the return to common shareholders; and the effect of Financial Leverage in a declining market, which is likely to cause a greater decline
in the NAV of the common shares than if the Fund were not leveraged, which may result in a greater decline in the market price of the
common shares.
Certain Borrowings and Preferred Shares issued
by the Fund also may subject the Fund to asset coverage ratios and/or certain restrictions on investments imposed by guidelines of one
or more rating agencies, which may issue ratings for such Borrowings or Preferred Shares. Such guidelines may impose asset coverage or
portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed by the 1940 Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants
or guidelines will impede the Adviser from managing the Fund's portfolio in accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies.
However, particularly during periods of adverse or volatile market conditions, the Fund may be required to sell assets in order to meet
payment obligations on any Financial Leverage or to redeem Financial Leverage in order to comply with asset coverage or portfolio composition
requirements.
The terms of Preferred Shares issued by the
Fund may contain provisions limiting certain activities of the Fund, including the declaration and payment of dividends or other distributions
to common shareholders unless the Preferred Shares have at the time of the declaration or payment of any such dividend or other distribution
an asset coverage of at least 200% after deducting the amount of such dividend or distribution and the Fund meets certain asset coverage
tests imposed by the rating agency rating the Preferred Shares. Any redemption of Preferred Shares by the Fund in order to meet such asset
coverage requirements will reduce any Financial Leverage applicable to the common shares. Because a significant portion of the Fund's
Managed Assets consist of illiquid investments, to the extent that the Fund needs to dispose of portfolio holdings to meet such asset
coverage requirements, the Fund may be required to dispose of more liquid holdings at times or on terms that the Fund would otherwise
consider undesirable. Additionally, the Fund may be unable to sell a sufficient amount of portfolio securities to redeem Preferred Shares
in order to maintain asset coverage ratios, which could cause an event of default on the Preferred Shares.
Holders of Preferred Shares have rights as
to the payment of dividends or interest on the Preferred Shares and the distribution of assets upon liquidation of the Fund, which rights
rank senior to those of the common shareholders.
During the time in which the Fund is utilizing
Financial Leverage, the amount of the fees paid to the Adviser for investment advisory services will be higher than if the Fund did not
utilize Financial Leverage because the fees paid will be calculated based on the Fund's Managed Assets, which may create a conflict of
interest between the Adviser and common shareholders. Because the Financial Leverage costs is borne by the Fund at a specified rate, only
the Fund's common shareholders will bear the cost associated with Financial Leverage. Borrowings (and any Preferred Shares) have seniority
over common shares.
If the cost of leverage is no longer favorable,
or if the Fund is otherwise required to reduce its leverage, the Fund may not be able to maintain distributions on common shares at historical
levels and common shareholders will bear any costs associated with selling portfolio securities.
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Competition Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Competition Risk. Recently
alternative vehicles for investment in a portfolio of MLPs and their affiliates, including other publicly traded investment companies
and private funds, have emerged. In addition, recent tax law changes have increased the ability of regulated investment companies or other
institutions to invest in MLPs. These competitive conditions may adversely impact the Fund's ability to meet its investment objective.
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Affiliated Transaction Restrictions [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Affiliated Transaction Restrictions.
From time to time, the Fund may "control" or may be an "affiliate," each as defined in the 1940 Act, of one or more portfolio companies.
In general, under the 1940 Act, the Fund would "control" a portfolio company if it owned 25% or more of its outstanding voting securities
and would be an "affiliate" of a portfolio company if it owned 5% or more of its outstanding voting securities. The 1940 Act contains
prohibitions and restrictions relating to transactions between investment companies and their affiliates (including the Adviser), principal
underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or underwriters. Under these restrictions, the Fund and any portfolio company that the
Fund controls are generally prohibited from knowingly participating in a joint transaction, including co-investments in a portfolio company,
with an affiliated person, including any Trustees or officers of the
Fund, the Adviser or any entity controlled
or advised by any of them. These restrictions also generally prohibit the Fund's affiliates, principal underwriters and affiliates of
those affiliates or underwriters from knowingly purchasing from or selling to the Fund or any portfolio company controlled by the Fund
certain securities or other property and from lending to and borrowing from the Fund or any portfolio company controlled by the Fund monies
or other properties. The Fund and its affiliates may be precluded from co-investing in private placements of securities, including in
any portfolio companies controlled by the Fund. The Fund, its affiliates and portfolio companies controlled by the Fund may from time
to time engage in certain joint transactions, purchases, sales and loans in reliance upon and in compliance with the conditions of certain
positions promulgated by the SEC. There can be no assurance that the Fund would be able to satisfy these conditions with respect to any
particular transaction. As a result of these prohibitions, restrictions may be imposed on the size of positions or the type of investments
that the Fund could make.
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Potential Conflicts Of Interest Of Adviser [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Potential Conflicts of Interest of
the Adviser. The Adviser and its affiliates are involved worldwide with a broad spectrum of financial services and asset management
activities and may engage in the ordinary course of business in activities in which their interests or the interests of their clients
may conflict with those of the Fund. The Adviser and its affiliates may provide investment management services to other funds and discretionary
managed accounts that follow an investment program similar to that of the Fund. Subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Adviser
and its affiliates intend to engage in such activities and may receive compensation from third parties for their services. Neither the
Adviser, nor its affiliates are under any obligation to share any investment opportunity, idea or strategy with the Fund. As a result,
the Adviser and its affiliates may compete with the Fund for appropriate investment opportunities. The results of the Fund's investment
activities, therefore, may differ from those of the Fund's affiliates, or another account managed by the Fund's affiliates, and it is
possible that the Fund could sustain losses during periods in which one or more of the Fund's affiliates or other accounts achieve profits
on their trading for proprietary or other accounts. The Adviser and the Fund have adopted compliance policies and procedures that are
reasonably designed to address the various conflicts of interest that may arise for the Adviser and its staff members. However, there
is no guarantee that such policies and procedures will be able to detect and prevent every situation in which an actual or potential conflict
may arise.
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Portfolio Turnover Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Portfolio Turnover Risk.
The Fund's portfolio turnover rate may vary greatly from year to year. The Fund cannot predict its annual portfolio turnover rate with
accuracy. Portfolio turnover rate will not be considered as a limiting factor in the execution of the Fund's investment decisions. High
portfolio turnover may result in the Fund's recognition of gains and may increase the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits,
which will result in a greater portion of distributions to common shareholders being treated as dividends. Additionally, high portfolio
turnover results in correspondingly higher brokerage commissions and transaction costs borne by the Fund.
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Short Sales Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Short Sales Risk. The Fund
may make short sales of securities. A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a security it does not own. 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 and liquid 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. The Fund may have to pay a premium to borrow
the securities and must pay any dividends or interest payable on the securities until they are replaced, which will be expenses of the
Fund.
In addition, the Fund's short selling strategies
may limit its ability to benefit from increases in the markets. If the Fund engages in short sales, it will segregate liquid assets, enter
into offsetting transactions or own positions covering its obligations; however, such segregation and cover requirements will not limit
or offset losses on related positions. Short selling also involves a form of financial leverage that may exaggerate any losses realized
by the Fund. Also, there is the risk that the counterparty to a short sale may fail to honor its contractual terms, causing a loss to
the Fund. Finally, SEC, FINRA, or other regulations relating to short selling may restrict the Fund's ability to engage in short selling.
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Repurchase Agreement Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Repurchase Agreement Risk.
A repurchase agreement exposes the Fund to the risk that the party that sells the security may default on its obligation to repurchase
it. The Fund may lose money because it cannot sell the security at the agreed-upon time and price or the security loses value before it
can be sold. In the event of the bankruptcy or other default of a seller of a repurchase agreement, the Fund could experience both delays
in liquidating the underlying securities and losses. In such an event, the Fund would subject to risks associated with possible decline
in the value of the underlying security during the period in which the Fund seeks to enforce its rights thereto, possible lack of access
to income on the underlying security during this period, and expenses of enforcing its rights. In addition, the exercise of the Fund's
right to liquidate the collateral underlying the repurchase agreement could involve certain costs or delays and, to the extent that proceeds
from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase were less than the repurchase price, the Fund could suffer a loss.
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Reverse Repurchase Agreement Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Reverse Repurchase Agreement Risk.
Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risks that the interest income earned on the investment of the proceeds will be less than the
interest expense and Fund expenses associated with the repurchase agreement, that the market value of the securities sold by the Fund
may decline below the price at which the Fund is obligated to repurchase such securities and that the securities may not be returned to
the Fund. There is no assurance that reverse repurchase agreements can be successfully employed. In connection with reverse repurchase
agreements, the Fund will also be subject to counterparty risk with respect to the purchaser of the securities. If the broker/dealer to
whom the Fund sells securities becomes insolvent, the Fund's right to purchase or repurchase securities may be restricted.
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Securities Lending Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Securities Lending Risk.
The Fund may lend its portfolio securities to banks or dealers which meet the creditworthiness standards established by the Board. Securities
lending is subject to the risk that loaned securities may not be available to the Fund on a timely basis and the Fund may therefore lose
the opportunity to sell the securities at a desirable price. Any loss in the market price of securities loaned by the Fund that occurs
during the term of the loan would be borne by the Fund and would adversely affect the Fund's performance. Also, there may be delays in
recovery, or no recovery, of securities loaned or even a loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially
while the loan is outstanding.
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Delay In Investing Proceeds Of Offering [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Delay in Investing the Proceeds of
this Offering. Although the Fund currently intends to invest the proceeds from an offering as soon as practicable following the
completion of such offering, such investments may be delayed if suitable investments are unavailable at the time. The trading market and
volumes for MLP and energy infrastructure company shares may at times be less liquid than the market for other securities. Prior to the
time the proceeds of this offering are invested, such proceeds may be invested in cash, cash equivalents or other securities, pending
investment in MLP or energy infrastructure company securities. Income received by the Fund from these securities would subject the Fund
to corporate tax before any payment of distributions to common shareholders. As a result, the return and yield on the common shares following
any offering may be lower than when the Fund is fully invested in accordance with its objective and policies.
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Government Intervention In Financial Markets [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Government Intervention in Financial
Markets. Global economies and financial markets are increasingly interconnected, which increases the possibility that conditions
in one country or region may adversely affect companies in a different country or region. In the past, instability in the financial markets
has led governments and regulators around the world to take a number of unprecedented actions designed to support certain financial institutions
and segments of the financial markets that have experienced extreme volatility, and in some cases a lack of liquidity. Governments, their
regulatory agencies, or self-regulatory organizations may take actions that affect the regulation of the instruments in which the Fund
invests, or the issuers of such instruments, in ways that are unforeseeable. Legislation or regulation may also change the way in which
the Fund itself is regulated. Such legislation or regulation could limit or preclude the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.
Governments or their agencies may also acquire distressed
assets from financial institutions and acquire ownership interests in those institutions. The implications of government ownership and
disposition of these assets are unclear, and such a program may have positive or negative effects on the liquidity, valuation and performance
of the Fund's
portfolio holdings. Furthermore, volatile
financial markets can expose the Fund to greater market and liquidity risk and potential difficulty in valuing portfolio instruments held
by the Fund.
The SEC and its staff have been engaged in
various initiatives and reviews that seek to improve and modernize the regulatory structure governing investment companies. These efforts
have been focused on risk identification and controls in various areas, including imbedded leverage through the use of derivatives and
other trading practices, cybersecurity, liquidity, enhanced regulatory and public reporting requirements and the evaluation of systemic
risks. Any new rules, guidance or regulatory initiatives resulting from these efforts could increase the Fund's expenses and impact its
returns to shareholders or, in the extreme case, impact or limit its use of various portfolio management strategies or techniques and
adversely impact the Fund.
Following the November 8, 2022 U.S. elections,
the Democratic Party controls the executive branch as well as the Senate, while the Republican Party controls the House of Representatives.
Changes in federal policy, including tax policies, and at regulatory agencies occur over time through policy and personnel changes following
elections, which lead to changes involving the level of oversight and focus on the financial services industry or the tax rates paid by
corporate entities. The nature, timing and economic and political effects of potential changes to the current legal and regulatory framework
affecting markets remain highly uncertain. Uncertainty surrounding future changes may adversely affect the Fund's operating environment
and therefore its investment performance.
In addition, the U.S. tax legislation commonly
referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act") made substantial changes to the Code. Among those changes are 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. The effect of these, and the many other changes
made in the Act is highly uncertain, both in terms of their direct effect on the taxation of an investment in our common or preferred
shares and their indirect effect on the value of our assets, our common or preferred shares or market conditions generally. Furthermore,
many of the provisions of the Act will require guidance through the issuance of Treasury regulations in order to assess their effect.
There may be a substantial delay before such Treasury regulations are promulgated, increasing the uncertainty as to the ultimate effect
of the statutory amendments on us. It is also likely that there will be technical corrections legislation proposed with respect to the
Act, the effect of which cannot be predicted and may be adverse to us or our shareholders.
Certain of the Fund's investments may provide
exposure to coupon rates that are based on the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"), the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"),
Euro Interbank Offered Rate and other similar types of reference rates (each, a "Reference Rate"). These Reference Rates are generally
intended to represent the rate at which contributing banks may obtain short-term borrowings within certain financial markets. Most maturities
and currencies of LIBOR were phased out at the end of 2021, with the remaining ones to be phased out on June 30, 2023. These events and
any additional regulatory or market changes may have an adverse impact on the Fund or its investments, including increased volatility
or illiquidity in markets for instruments that rely on LIBOR. There remains uncertainty regarding the impact of the transition from LIBOR
or the Fund and the financial markets generally. SOFR has been selected by a committee established by the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York to replace LIBOR as a Reference Rate in the United States and U.S. law requires
that contracts without a practicable LIBOR alternative default to SOFR plus a set spread beginning in mid-2023. SOFR is a secured, nearly
risk-free rate, while LIBOR is an unsecured rate that includes an element of bank credit risk. In addition, SOFR is strictly an overnight
rate, while LIBOR historically has been published for various maturities, ranging from overnight to one year. Thus, LIBOR may be expected
to be higher than SOFR, and the spread between the two is likely to widen in times of market stress. Certain existing contracts
provide for a spread adjustment when transitioning
to SOFR from LIBOR, but there is no assurance that it will provide adequate compensation.
Other countries have undertaken similar initiatives
to identify replacement Reference Rates for LIBOR in their respective markets. However, there are obstacles to converting certain existing
investments and transactions to a new Reference Rate, as well as risks associated with using a new Reference Rate with respect to new
investments and transactions. There remains uncertainty regarding the impact of the transition from LIBOR on the Fund and the financial
markets generally, and the termination of certain Reference Rates presents risk to the Fund. The transition process, or the failure of
an industry to transition, could lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for instruments that currently rely on LIBOR
to determine interest rates and a reduction in the values of some LIBOR-based investments. Since the usefulness of LIBOR as a benchmark
could deteriorate during the transition period, these effects could occur prior to June 30, 2023. Further, U.S. issuers are currently
not obligated to include any particular fallback language in transaction documents for new issuances of LIBOR-linked securities. In addition,
the alternative reference or benchmark rate may be an ineffective substitute, potentially resulting in prolonged adverse market conditions
for the Fund. The elimination of a Reference Rate or any other changes or reforms to the determination or supervision of Reference Rates
could have an adverse impact on the market for or value of any securities or payments linked to those Reference Rates and other financial
obligations held by the Fund or on its overall financial conditions or results of operations. Any substitute Reference Rate and any pricing
adjustments imposed by a regulator or by counterparties or otherwise may adversely affect the Fund's performance and/or NAV. At this time,
it is not possible to completely identify or predict the effect of any such changes, any establishment of alternative Reference Rates
or any other reforms to Reference Rates that may be enacted in the UK or elsewhere.
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Health Crisis Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Health Crisis Risk. The global
pandemic outbreak of an infectious respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 was first detected in China in
December 2019 and has since spread globally. In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. COVID-19
has resulted in numerous deaths, travel restrictions, closed international borders, enhanced health screenings at ports of entry and elsewhere,
disruption of and delays in healthcare service preparation and delivery, prolonged quarantines and the imposition of both local and more
widespread "work from home" measures, cancellations, supply chain disruptions, and lower consumer demand, as well as general concern and
uncertainty. The ongoing pandemic has had, and is expected to continue to have, a material adverse impact on local economies in the affected
jurisdictions and also on the global economy, as cross border commercial activity and market sentiment have been and continue to be impacted
by the pandemic and government and other measures seeking to mitigate or contain its spread. The impact of COVID-19, and other infectious
illness outbreaks that may arise in the future, could adversely affect individual issuers and capital markets in ways that cannot necessarily
be foreseen. In addition, actions taken by government and quasi- governmental authorities and regulators throughout the world in response
to the COVID-19 pandemic, including significant fiscal and monetary policy changes, may affect the value, volatility, pricing and liquidity
of some securities or other assets, including those held by or invested in by the Fund. Public health crises caused by the COVID-19 pandemic
may exacerbate other pre-existing political, social and economic risks in certain countries or globally. The duration of COVID-19 related
economic disruption and its ultimate impact on the Fund, and on the global economy, cannot be determined with certainty. The COVID-19
pandemic and its effects may last for an extended period of time, and could result in significant and continued market volatility, exchange
trading suspensions and closures, declines in global financial markets, higher default rates, and a substantial economic downturn or recession.
The foregoing could impair the Fund's ability to maintain operational standards (such as with respect to satisfying redemption requests),
disrupt the operations of the Fund's service providers, adversely affect the value and liquidity of the Fund's investments, and negatively
impact the Fund's performance and your investment in the Fund. The extent to which COVID-19 will affect the Fund and the Fund's service
providers and portfolio investments will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.
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Political Risks Relating To Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Political Risks Relating to Russia's Invasion
of Ukraine. Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The invasion significantly amplified already existing geopolitical
tensions among Russia, Ukraine, Europe, NATO and the United States. Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, the resulting responses by
the United States and other
countries, and the potential for wider conflict
has increased volatility and uncertainty in the financial markets, specifically on companies in the oil and gas sector, finance and resource
extraction.
The extent and duration of Russia's military
actions, resulting sanctions and consequent future market disruptions are impossible to predict, but could be significant and may negatively
affect global supply chains, inflation, oil and gas supply, and global growth.
The ramifications of the hostilities and sanctions,
however, may not be limited to Russia. Conflict between Ukraine and Russia is likely to negatively impact other regional and global economic
markets (including Europe, Asia and the United States), companies in other countries (particularly those that have exposure to Russia
and Ukraine) and on various sectors, industries and markets for securities and commodities globally, such as oil and natural gas and banking.
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Market Discount Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Market Discount Risk. The
Fund's common shares have a limited trading history and have traded both at a premium and at a discount in relation to net asset value.
The Fund cannot predict whether the common shares will trade in the future at a premium or discount to net asset value. If the common
shares are trading at a premium to net asset value at the time you purchase common shares, the net asset value per share of the common
shares purchased will be less than the purchase price paid. Continued development of alternative vehicles for investment in securities
of MLP entities may contribute to reducing or eliminating any premium or may result in the common shares trading at a discount. Recent
developments regarding the energy sector and investor perception regarding the energy sector generally may adversely impact the market
for the common shares and increase the likelihood that the common shares will trade at a discount. The risk of the common shares trading
at a discount is a risk separate from the risk of a decline in the Fund's net asset value as a result of the Fund's investment activities.
The Fund's net asset value will be reduced immediately following an offering of the Securities due to the costs of such offering, which
will be borne entirely by the Fund. The sale of common shares by the Fund (or the perception that such sales may occur) may have an adverse
effect on prices of common shares in the secondary market. An increase in the number of common shares available may put downward pressure
on the market price for common shares. The Fund may, from time to time, seek the consent of holders of common shares to permit the issuance
and sale by the Fund of common shares at a price below the Fund's then current net asset value, subject to certain conditions, and such
sales of common shares at price below net asset value, if any, may increase downward pressure on the market price for common shares. These
sales, if any, also might make it more difficult for the Fund to sell additional common shares in the future at a time and price it deems
appropriate.
Whether a common shareholder will realize
a gain or loss upon the sale of common shares depends upon whether the market value of the common shares at the time of sale is above
or below the price the common shareholder paid, taking into account transaction costs for the common shares, and is not directly dependent
upon the Fund's net asset value. Because the market value of the common shares will be determined by factors such as the relative demand
for and supply of the shares in the market, general market conditions and other factors outside the Fund's control, the Fund cannot predict
whether the common shares will trade at, below or above net asset value, or at, below or above the public offering price for the common
shares.
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Cyber Security Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Cyber Security Risk. As the use
of technology has become more prevalent in the course of business, the Fund has become potentially more susceptible to operational and
informational security risks resulting from breaches in cyber security. A breach in cyber security refers to both intentional and unintentional
cyber events that may, among other things, cause the Fund to lose proprietary information, suffer data corruption and/or destruction,
lose operational capacity, result in the unauthorized release or other misuse of confidential information, or otherwise disrupt normal
business operations. Cyber security breaches may involve unauthorized access to the Fund's digital information systems (e.g., through
"hacking" or malicious software coding), but may also result from outside attacks such as denial-of-service attacks (i.e., efforts to
make network services unavailable to intended users). In addition, cyber security breaches involving the Fund's third party service providers
(including but not limited to advisers, administrators, transfer agents, custodians, distributors and other third parties), trading counterparties
or issuers in which the Fund invests in can also subject the Fund to many of the same risks associated with direct cyber security
breaches. Moreover, cyber security breaches
involving trading counterparties or issuers in which the Fund invests in could adversely impact such counterparties or issuers and cause
the Fund's investment to lose value.
Cyber security failures or breaches may result
in financial losses to the Fund and its shareholders. These failures or breaches may also result in disruptions to business operations,
potentially resulting in financial losses; interference with the Fund's ability to calculate its NAV, process shareholder transactions
or otherwise transact business with shareholders; impediments to trading; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory
fines; penalties; reputational damage; reimbursement or other compensation costs; additional compliance costs and cyber security risk
management costs and other adverse consequences. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred in an attempt to prevent any cyber incidents
in the future.
Like with operational risk in general, the
Fund has established risk management systems and business continuity plans designed to reduce the risks associated with cyber security.
However, there are inherent limitations in these plans and systems, including that certain risks may not have been identified, in large
part because different or unknown threats may emerge in the future. As such, there is no guarantee that such efforts will succeed, especially
because the Fund does not directly control the cyber security systems of issuers in which the Fund may invest, trading counterparties
or third party service providers to the Fund. There is also a risk that cyber security breaches may not be detected. The Fund and its
shareholders could be negatively impacted as a result.
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Anti Takeover Provisions [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Anti-Takeover Provisions.
The Fund's Amended and Restated Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated as of August 14, 2013 (the "Declaration of Trust"), and Bylaws
(collectively, the "Governing Documents") include provisions that could limit the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control
of the Fund or convert the Fund to an open-end fund. These provisions could have the effect of depriving common shareholders of opportunities
to sell their common shares at a premium over the then-current market price of the common shares.
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Recent Market Economic Social Developments Risk [Member] |
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General Description of Registrant [Abstract] |
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Risk [Text Block] |
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Recent Market, Economic and Social
Developments Risk. Periods of market volatility remain, and may continue to occur in the future, in response to various political,
social and economic events both within and outside the United States. These conditions have resulted in, and in many cases continue to
result in, greater price volatility, less liquidity, widening credit spreads and a lack of price transparency, with many securities remaining
illiquid and of uncertain value. Such market conditions may adversely affect the Fund, including by making valuation of some of the Fund's
securities uncertain and/or result in sudden and significant valuation increases or declines in the Fund's holdings. If there is a significant
decline in the value of the Fund's portfolio, this may impact the asset coverage levels for the Fund's outstanding leverage.
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 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's 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 unfavorable economic conditions
could impair the Fund's ability to achieve its investment objective.
The COVID-19 pandemic and the recovery response
has caused and continues to cause at times reduced consumer demand and economic output, supply chain disruptions, and market closures,
travel restrictions, quarantines, and disparate global vaccine distributions. As with other serious economic disruptions, governmental
authorities and regulators have responded in recent years to this situation with significant fiscal and monetary policy changes. These
included providing direct capital infusions into companies, introducing new monetary programs, and lowering interest rates. In some cases,
these responses resulted in high inflation, low interest rates, and negative interest rates (which have since risen). Recently, the United
States and other governments have also made investments and engaged in
infrastructure modernization projects that
have also increased public debt and spending. These actions, including their reversal or potential ineffectiveness, could further increase
volatility in securities and other financial markets, reduce market liquidity, continue to cause higher inflation, heighten investor uncertainty,
and adversely affect the value of the Fund's investments and the performance of the Fund. These actions also contribute to a risk that
asset prices have a high degree of correlation across markets and asset classes. The duration and extent of COVID-19 over the long term
cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 and the extent to which COVID-19 impacts the Fund will depend
on future developments, which are highly uncertain and difficult to predict.
Markets generally and the energy sector specifically,
including MLPs and energy infrastructure companies in which the Fund invests, have also been impacted, in some cases adversely, by recent
volatility in the demand for oil and other energy commodities as a result of various recent developments including the slowdown in economic
activity resulting from the pandemic spread of COVID-19, price competition among key oil-producing countries and global conflict. Over
recent years, global oil prices have at times declined significantly and experienced significant volatility, including a period where
an oil-price futures contract fell into negative territory for the first time in history, as demand for oil has slowed and oil storage
facilities reach their storage capacities. Continued oil price volatility may adversely impact MLPs and energy infrastructure companies.
Such companies' growth prospects and ability to pay high dividends may be negatively impacted, which could adversely impact the NAV of
the common shares and the ability of the Fund to continue to pay dividends at current levels. Additionally, an extended period of reduced
oil prices may significantly lengthen the time the energy sector would need to recover after a stabilization of prices.
The value of, or income generated by, the
investments held by the Fund are subject to the possibility of rapid and unpredictable fluctuation, and loss. These movements may result
from factors affecting individual companies, or from broader influences, including real or perceived changes in prevailing interest rates,
changes in inflation rates or expectations about inflation rates (which are currently elevated relative to normal conditions), adverse
investor confidence or sentiment, changing economic, political (including geopolitical), social or financial market conditions, increased
instability or general uncertainty, environmental disasters, governmental actions, public health emergencies (such as the spread of infectious
diseases, pandemics and epidemics), debt crises, actual or threatened wars or other armed conflicts (such as the current Russia-Ukraine
conflict and its risk of expansion or collateral economic and other effects) or ratings downgrades, and other similar events, each of
which may be temporary or last for extended periods. Moreover, changing economic, political, geopolitical, social, financial market or
other conditions in one country or geographic region could adversely affect the value, yield and return of the investments held by the
Fund in a different country or geographic region and economies, markets and issuers generally because of the increasingly interconnected
global economies and financial markets. The Adviser intends to monitor developments and seek to manage the Fund's portfolio in a manner
consistent with achieving the Fund's investment objective, but there can be no assurance that it will be successful in doing so.
Equity capital may be difficult to raise during
periods of adverse or volatile market conditions because, subject to some limited exceptions, as a registered investment company, the
Fund generally is not able to issue additional common shares at a price less than NAV without first obtaining approval for such issuance
from common shareholders.
Adverse or volatile market conditions may
in the future make it difficult to maintain, extend or refinance the Fund's existing borrowing facilities and any failure to do so could
have a material adverse effect on the Fund.
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