Why We're Buying The Dip On These 8% CEFs

Some of our favorite bond funds (yielding 8%+) just took a header. And it's setting up the best buying opportunity we've seen in nearly three years for CEF investors.

Forbes • Nov 5, 2025

HIX: Strong Dividend Coverage But Weak Growth Potential

Western Asset High Income Fund II offers a 13.6% yield and global diversification, appealing to income-focused investors. HIX's NAV has improved due to net realized gains, but high leverage and below-investment-grade holdings increase risk, especially in a high-rate environment. The fund's dividend appears sustainable, with recent earnings covering distributions at 163%, though payouts are taxed as ordinary income.

Seeking Alpha • Oct 21, 2025

HIX: Interest Rate Cuts Will Put Downward Pressure On This Fund

Western Asset High Income Fund II (HIX) offers a 13.64% yield, far surpassing major bond indices and most closed-end fund peers. HIX's high yield is undermined by declining net asset value and unsustainable distributions, raising concerns about future distribution cuts. Upcoming Federal Reserve rate cuts threaten HIX's income generation, especially from its floating-rate assets.

Seeking Alpha • Oct 20, 2025

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. Announces Financial Position as of July 31, 2025

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Category: Financials.

Business Wire • Sep 22, 2025

WESTERN ASSET HIGH INCOME FUND II INC. Announces Results of Annual Meeting of Stockholders

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Category: Fund Announcement.

Business Wire • Sep 22, 2025

HIX: Continued NAV Destruction Makes It Hard To Recommend This High-Yielding Fund

Western Asset High Income Fund II offers a high 13.84% yield but cannot cover its distribution, consistently eroding its net asset value. The fund underperforms its benchmark indices over most timeframes, despite its higher yield. HIX has limited foreign currency exposure, although it does have a reasonable level of international bond holdings.

Seeking Alpha • Jul 28, 2025

HIX: Diverse Income CEF But Higher Interest Rates Limit Appeal

Western Asset High Income Fund II (HIX) offers a high dividend yield of 14.3%, but its inconsistent earnings history raises concerns about dividend sustainability. HIX's performance is heavily influenced by the interest rate environment, with higher rates negatively impacting its price and NAV over the past five years. The fund's leverage strategy and significant exposure to below-investment-grade credit increase its risk, especially in a prolonged high-interest-rate environment.

Seeking Alpha • May 14, 2025

Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. Announces Financial Position as of January 31, 2025

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Category: Financials.

Business Wire • Mar 24, 2025

Wall Street Missed The Memo On These Bond Yields Up To 13%

It's a party on Wall Street! While the suits fawn over the hot “Trump trade” stocks, we dividend investors are going to dumpster dive.

Forbes • Nov 10, 2024

HIX: More Downside Than Upside For This CEF

HIX, a high-leverage fixed-income CEF, blends U.S. high-yield and emerging market bonds, making it a high beta play in the fixed-income space. With credit spreads at historic lows, leveraging up is imprudent; HIX's high beta nature magnifies risks in market downturns. HIX experienced a -36% drawdown in 2022. HIX's distribution is unsustainable, relying heavily on the return of capital, which erodes NAV and heightens vulnerability in market sell-offs.

Seeking Alpha • Nov 7, 2024