<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001193125-12-162829.txt : 20120716
<SEC-HEADER>0001193125-12-162829.hdr.sgml : 20120716

<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20120413170920

<PRIVATE-TO-PUBLIC>

ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001193125-12-162829

CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	POS 8C

PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		4

FILED AS OF DATE:		20120413

DATE AS OF CHANGE:		20120531


FILER:


	COMPANY DATA:	

		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC

		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000794685

		IRS NUMBER:				222736509

		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			MD

		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231



	FILING VALUES:

		FORM TYPE:		POS 8C

		SEC ACT:		1933 Act

		SEC FILE NUMBER:	333-173819

		FILM NUMBER:		12759284



	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	

		STREET 1:		ONE CORP CENTER

		CITY:			RYE

		STATE:			NY

		ZIP:			10580

		BUSINESS PHONE:		9149215070




FILER:


	COMPANY DATA:	

		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC

		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000794685

		IRS NUMBER:				222736509

		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			MD

		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231



	FILING VALUES:

		FORM TYPE:		POS 8C

		SEC ACT:		1940 Act

		SEC FILE NUMBER:	811-04700

		FILM NUMBER:		12759286



	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	

		STREET 1:		ONE CORP CENTER

		CITY:			RYE

		STATE:			NY

		ZIP:			10580

		BUSINESS PHONE:		9149215070



</SEC-HEADER>

<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>POS 8C
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>d334544dpos8c.htm
<DESCRIPTION>GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC
<TEXT>
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<TITLE>GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC</TITLE>
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<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April&nbsp;13, 2012
</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Securities Act File No.&nbsp;333-173819 </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="right"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Investment Company Act File No.&nbsp;811-04700 </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:4px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="line-height:3px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:4px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="5"><B>UNITED STATES </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="5"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>Washington, D.C. 20549
</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="5"><B>FORM N-2 </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>(Check
Appropriate Box or Boxes) </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="5"><B>Registration Statement</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B><I>under</I></B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B><I>the Securities Act of 1933</I></B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#254;</FONT></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>Pre-Effective Amendment No.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>Post-Effective Amendment No.&nbsp;1</B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>and/or</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#254;</FONT></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="5"><B>Registration Statement</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B><I>under</I></B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B><I>the Investment Company Act of
1940</I></B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#254;</FONT></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>Amendment No.&nbsp;48</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#254;</FONT></FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="6"><B>THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC. </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter) </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>One Corporate
Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422 </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>(Address of Principal Executive Offices) </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Registrant&#146;s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (800)&nbsp;422-3554 </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Bruce N. Alpert </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>One Corporate Center </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Rye, New York 10580-1422 </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>(914)&nbsp;921-5100 </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><I>Copies to: </I></B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Sonia K. Kothari, Esq.</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc.</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>One Corporate Center</B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Rye, New York 10580-1422</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>(914)&nbsp;921-5100</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Rose F. DiMartino, Esq.</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Willkie Farr &amp; Gallagher LLP</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>787 Seventh Avenue</B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>New York, New York 10019-6099</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>(212)&nbsp;728-8000</B></FONT></P></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Approximate date of proposed public offering: From time to time after the effective date of this Registration Statement. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If any securities being registered on this form will be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule&nbsp;415 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan, check the following box.&nbsp;&nbsp;<FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#254;</FONT> </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box) </FONT></P>
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<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#254;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">When declared effective pursuant to section 8(c). </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If appropriate, check the following box: </FONT></P>
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<TD WIDTH="8%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">This [post-effective] amendment designates a new effective date for a previously filed [post-effective amendment] [registration statement]. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
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<TD WIDTH="8%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">This form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act and the Securities Act registration number of the
earlier effective registration statement for the same offering is <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:4px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD COLSPAN="9" VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Title of Securities</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Amount</B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Being<BR>Registered</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Proposed<BR>Maximum<BR>Offering Price<BR>Per Share</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Proposed<BR>Maximum<BR>Aggregate<BR>Offering Price (1)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Amount of<BR>Registration Fee</B></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Common Stock (2)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT> Shares</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$<FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$<FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$<FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Preferred Stock (2)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT> Shares</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$<FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$<FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$<FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT> Shares</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$<FONT STYLE="FONT-FAMILY:WINGDINGS">&#168;</FONT></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$500,000,000(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-LEFT:1px solid #000000; BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-TOP:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$58,050(4)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD COLSPAN="9" VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD COLSPAN="9" VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Estimated pursuant to Rule 457 solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee. The proposed maximum offering price per security will be determined, from
time to time, by the Registrant in connection with the sale by the Registrant of the securities registered under this registration statement. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Subject to Note 3 below, there is being registered hereunder an indeterminate principal amount of common stock or preferred stock as may be sold, from time to time,
including subscription rights to purchase common stock or preferred stock. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In no event will the aggregate offering price of all securities offered from time to time pursuant to this Registration Statement exceed $500 million.
</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Previously paid in connection with the filing of the initial registration statement for these securities on April&nbsp;29, 2011 (including an unused registration fee
that was previously paid in connection with the filing of a registration statement for the Registrant on October&nbsp;11, 2007). </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS
THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN
ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE. </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:8px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="line-height:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:3px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>

<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Arial Narrow" SIZE="2" COLOR="#de1a1e"><B>The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may
not sell these securities until the Registration Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in
any state where the offer or sale is not permitted. </B></FONT></P> <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#de1a1e"><B>Subject to Completion, </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2" COLOR="#de1a1e"><B>Preliminary Base
Prospectus dated April&nbsp;13, 2012 </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="5"><B>$500,000,000 </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="6"><B>The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="4"><B>Common Stock </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="4"><B>Preferred Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="4"><B>Subscription Rights to Purchase Common Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="4"><B>Subscription Rights to
Purchase Preferred Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Investment Objectives. </I>The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. (the &#147;Fund&#148;) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment
company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the &#147;1940 Act&#148;).&nbsp;The Fund&#146;s primary investment objective is to achieve long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity
securities consisting of common stock, preferred stock, convertible or exchangeable securities, and warrants and rights to purchase such securities. Income is a secondary investment objective. Gabelli Funds, LLC (the &#147;Investment Adviser&#148;)
serves as investment adviser to the Fund. Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of the value of its total assets in equity securities. The Fund was organized as a Maryland corporation on May&nbsp;20, 1986 and commenced
its investment operations on August&nbsp;21, 1986. An investment in the Fund is not appropriate for all investors.&nbsp;We cannot assure you that the Fund&#146;s objectives will be achieved. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">We may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings, shares of our common stock or preferred stock, each having a par value of
$0.001 per share, or our subscription rights to purchase our common stock or preferred stock. Shares may be offered at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a &#147;Prospectus Supplement&#148;). You
should read this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement carefully before you invest in our shares. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Our shares
may be offered directly to one or more purchasers, through agents designated from time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to the offering will identify any agents or underwriters involved in
the sale of our shares, and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission, or discount arrangement between us and our agents or underwriters, or among our underwriters, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. The
Prospectus Supplement relating to any sale of shares of preferred stock will set forth the liquidation preference and information about the dividend period, dividend rate, any call protection or non-call period, and other matters. We may not sell
any of our shares through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms of the particular offering of our shares. Shares of our common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange
(&#147;NYSE&#148;) under the symbol &#147;GAB.&#148; Currently, the Fund&#146;s Series&nbsp;D Cumulative Preferred Stock and Series&nbsp;F Cumulative Preferred Stock are listed on the NYSE under the symbol &#147;GAB PrD&#148; and &#147;GAB
PrF,&#148; respectively. Any future series of fixed rate preferred shares would also likely be listed on a stock exchange. On April 12, 2012, the last reported NYSE sale price of shares of our common stock was $5.50 per share. The net asset value of
shares of the Fund&#146;s common stock at the close of business on April 12, 2012 was $5.57 per share. <B>Shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount from net asset value. This creates a risk of loss for an investor purchasing shares in a
public offering. </B> </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>Investing in the Fund&#146;s shares involves risks. See &#147;<A HREF="#tx334544_7">Risk Factors and Special Considerations</A>&#148;
on page 19 for factors that should be considered before investing in shares of the Fund. </B></FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">i
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has
approved or disapproved these securities or determined if this Prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. </B> </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">This Prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of shares by us through agents, underwriters, or dealers unless accompanied by a Prospectus Supplement. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information about the Fund that a prospective investor should know before investing. You should
read this Prospectus, which contains important information about the Fund, before deciding whether to invest in the shares, and retain it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information, dated
[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;], 2012, containing additional information about the Fund, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is
incorporated by reference in its entirety into this Prospectus. You may request a free copy of our annual and semi-annual reports, request a free copy of the Statement of Additional Information, the table of contents of which is on page 52 of this
Prospectus, request other information about us and make shareholder inquiries by calling (800)&nbsp;GABELLI (422-3554) or by writing to the Fund, or obtain a copy (and other information regarding the Fund) from the Securities and Exchange
Commission&#146;s web site (http://www.sec.gov). </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Our shares do not represent a deposit or obligation of, and are not
guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or other insured depository institution, and are not federally insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you
with different information. The Fund is not making an offer to sell these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this Prospectus is accurate as of any date other than
the date of this Prospectus. </B></FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">ii </FONT></P>



<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="toc"></A>TABLE OF CONTENTS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="96%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Page</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_1">Prospectus Summary</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_2">Summary of Fund Expenses</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">11</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_3">Financial Highlights</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">12</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_4">Use of Proceeds</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">15</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_5">The Fund</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">15</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_6">Investment Objectives and Policies</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">15</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_7">Risk Factors and Special Considerations</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">19</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_8">How the Fund Manages Risk</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">27</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_9">Management of the Fund</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">28</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_10">Portfolio Transactions</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">30</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_11">Dividends and Distributions</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">30</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_12">Issuance of Common Stock</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">31</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_13">Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">31</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_14">Description Of The Capital Stock</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">33</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_15">Anti-Takeover Provisions of the Fund&#146;s Governing Documents</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">42</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_16">Closed-End Fund Structure</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">44</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_17">Repurchase of Common Stock</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">45</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_18">Rights Offerings</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">45</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_19">Net Asset Value</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">46</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_20">Limitation on Directors&#146; and Officers&#146; Liability</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">46</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_21">Taxation</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">46</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_22">Custodian, Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">49</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_23">Plan of Distribution</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">49</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_24">Legal Matters</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_25">Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_26">Additional Information</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_27">Privacy Principles of the Fund</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">51</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_28">Table of Contents of Statement of Additional Information</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">52</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_1"></A>PROSPECTUS SUMMARY </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>This is only a summary. This summary may not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our shares.
You should review the more detailed information contained in this Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information, dated </I>[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;], 2012<I> (the
&#147;SAI&#148;). </I> </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>The Fund </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. is a closed-end, non-diversified management investment company organized as a Maryland corporation on May&nbsp;20, 1986.&nbsp;Throughout this Prospectus, we refer to The
Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. as the &#147;Fund&#148; or as &#147;we.&#148; See &#147;The Fund.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>The Fund&#146;s
outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol &#147;GAB.&#148; As of March&nbsp;31, 2012, the net assets of the Fund attributable to its common stock were $1,055,358,158.
As of March&nbsp;31, 2012, the Fund had outstanding 185,376,493 shares of common stock; 2,880 shares of Series&nbsp;C Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, liquidation preference $25,000 per share (the &#147;Series&nbsp;C Auction Rate
Preferred&#148;); 2,363,860 shares of 5.875% Series&nbsp;D Cumulative Preferred Stock, liquidation preference $25 per share (the &#147;Series&nbsp;D Preferred&#148;); 1,120 shares of Series&nbsp;E Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, liquidation
preference $25,000 per share (the &#147;Series&nbsp;E Auction Rate Preferred&#148;); and 5,850,402 shares of 6.20% Series&nbsp;F Cumulative Preferred Stock, liquidation preference $25 per share (the &#147;Series&nbsp;F Preferred&#148;). The Fund
completed its redemption of its 7.25% Tax Advantaged Cumulative Preferred Stock (the &#147;Series&nbsp;A Preferred&#148;) and its 7.20% Tax Advantaged Series&nbsp;B Cumulative Preferred Stock (the &#147;Series&nbsp;B Preferred&#148;) on
June&nbsp;17, 2003 and January&nbsp;8, 2007, respectively. The Series&nbsp;C Auction Rate Preferred, Series&nbsp;D Preferred, Series&nbsp;E Auction Rate Preferred and Series&nbsp;F Preferred have the same seniority with respect to distributions and
liquidation preference. <B> </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>The Offering </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">We may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings, our common stock, $0.001 par value per share and our preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share. The shares may be offered at prices and on
terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a &#147;Prospectus Supplement&#148;). We may also offer subscription rights to purchase our common stock or preferred stock. The offering price per share of our common stock
will not be less than the net asset value per share of our common stock at the time we make the offering, exclusive of any underwriting commissions or discounts, provided that transferable rights offerings that meet certain conditions may be offered
at a price below the then current net asset value. See &#147;Rights Offerings.&#148; You should read this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement carefully before you invest in our shares. Our shares may be offered directly to one or
more purchasers, through agents designated from time to time by us, or to or through underwriters or dealers. The Prospectus Supplement relating to the offering will identify any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the sale of our shares,
and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between us and our agents or underwriters, or among our underwriters, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. The Prospectus Supplement relating
to any sale of preferred stock will set forth the liquidation preference and information about the dividend period, dividend rate, any call protection or non-call period and other matters. We may not sell any of our shares through agents,
underwriters or dealers without delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms of the particular offering of our shares. Shares of our common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (&#147;NYSE&#148;) under the symbol
&#147;GAB.&#148; Currently, the Fund&#146;s Series&nbsp;D Cumulative Preferred Stock and Series&nbsp;F Cumulative Preferred Stock are listed on the NYSE under the symbol &#147;GAB PrD&#148; and &#147;GAB PrF,&#148; respectively. Any future series of
fixed rate preferred shares would also likely be listed on a stock exchange. On April 12, 2012, the last reported NYSE sale price of shares of our common stock was $5.50 per share. The net asset value of shares of the Fund&#146;s common stock at the
close of business on April 12, 2012 was $5.57 per share. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Investment Objectives and Policies </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund&#146;s primary investment objective is to achieve long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity
securities consisting of common stock, preferred stock, convertible or exchangeable securities, and warrants and rights to purchase such securities selected by the Investment Adviser. Income is a secondary investment objective. </FONT></P>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of the value of its
total assets in equity securities (the &#147;80% Policy&#148;). The 80% Policy may be changed without shareholder approval. The Fund will provide shareholders with notice at least 60&nbsp;days prior to the implementation of any change in the 80%
Policy. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser selects investments on the basis of fundamental value and, accordingly, the Fund typically
invests in the securities of companies that are believed by the Investment Adviser to be priced lower than justified in relation to their underlying assets. Other important factors in the selection of investments include favorable price/earnings and
debt/equity ratios and strong management. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund seeks to achieve its secondary investment objective of income, in part, by
investing up to 10% of its total assets in a portfolio consisting primarily of high-yielding, fixed income securities, such as corporate bonds, debentures, notes, convertible securities, preferred stocks, and domestic and foreign government
obligations. Fixed income securities purchased by the Fund may be rated as low as C by Moody&#146;s Investors Service, Inc. (&#147;Moody&#146;s&#148;) or D by Standard&nbsp;&amp; Poor&#146;s, a Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
(&#147;S&amp;P&#148;) or may be unrated securities considered to be of equivalent quality. Securities that are rated C by Moody&#146;s are the lowest rated class and can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever obtaining
investment-grade standing. Debt rated D by S&amp;P is in default or is expected to default upon maturity of payment date. These debt securities, which are often referred to in the financial press as &#147;junk bonds,&#148; are predominantly
speculative and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>The Fund invests in equity securities across all
market capitalization ranges. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in foreign securities. Among the foreign securities in which the Fund may invest are those issued by companies located in emerging markets.<B> </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">No assurance can be given that the Fund&#146;s investment objectives will be achieved. See &#147;Investment Objectives and
Policies.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Common Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>Currently, 246,000,000 of the Fund&#146;s capital stock, which includes the common stock being registered with this registration statement, have been classified by the Board of Directors (the
&#147;Board&#148;) of the Fund or any duly authorized committee thereof as common stock, par value $0.001 per share. Holders of the common stock are entitled to one vote per share held. Holders of the common stock are entitled to share equally in
distributions authorized by the Fund&#146;s Board payable to the holders of such shares and in the net assets of the Fund available on liquidation for distribution to holders of such shares. The shares of common stock have noncumulative voting
rights and no conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights, and are not redeemable. In the event of liquidation, each share of Fund common stock is entitled to its proportion of the Fund&#146;s assets after payment of debts and expenses and
the amounts payable to holders of the Fund&#146;s preferred stock ranking senior to the shares of common stock of the Fund. As of March&nbsp;31, 2012, 185,376,493 shares of common stock of the Fund were outstanding.<B> </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Preferred Stock </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Currently, 24,000,000 shares of the Fund&#146;s capital stock, which includes the preferred stock being registered with this registration
statement, have been classified by the Board of the Fund or any duly authorized committee thereof as preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. The Fund&#146;s Board may reclassify authorized and unissued shares of the Fund, previously classified
as common stock, as preferred stock prior to the completion of any offering. The terms of each series of preferred stock may be fixed by the Board and may materially limit and/or qualify the rights of holders of the Fund&#146;s common stock. If the
Fund&#146;s Board determines that it may be advantageous to the holders of the Fund&#146;s common stock for the Fund to utilize additional leverage, the Fund may issue additional series of fixed rate preferred stock (&#147;Fixed Rate Preferred
Stock&#148;) or additional series of auction rate preferred stock (&#147;Auction Rate Preferred Stock&#148;). Any Fixed Rate Preferred Stock or Auction Rate Preferred Stock issued by the Fund will pay, as applicable, distributions at a fixed rate or
at rates that will be reset frequently based on short-term interest rates. (As of March&nbsp;31, 2012, 2,880 shares of Series&nbsp;C Auction Rate Preferred, 2,363,860 shares of Series&nbsp;D Preferred, 1,120 shares of Series&nbsp;E Auction Rate
Preferred and 5,850,402 shares of Series&nbsp;F Preferred were outstanding.) Leverage creates a greater risk of loss as well as a potential for more gains for the common shares than if leverage were not used. See &#147;Risk Factors and Special
Considerations&#151;Leverage Risk&#148; and &#147;Certain Investment Practices&#151;Leveraging.&#148; The Fund may also engage in investment management techniques which will not be considered senior securities if the Fund establishes in a segregated
account cash or other liquid securities equal to the Fund&#146;s obligations in respect of such techniques. The Fund may borrow money in accordance with its investment restrictions, including as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency
purposes. The Fund will not borrow for investment purposes.</FONT></P>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Dividends and Distributions </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Preferred Stock Distributions. </I>In accordance with the Fund&#146;s Articles of Incorporation (together with any amendments or
supplements thereto, including any articles supplementary of the Fund establishing a series of preferred stock (the &#147;Articles Supplementary&#148; and together with the Articles of Incorporation, the &#147;Charter&#148;) and as required by the
1940 Act, all preferred stock of the Fund must have the same seniority with respect to distributions. Accordingly, no full distribution will be declared or paid on any series of preferred stock of the Fund for any dividend period, or part thereof,
unless full cumulative dividends and distributions due through the most recent dividend payment dates for all series of outstanding preferred stock of the Fund are declared and paid. If full cumulative distributions due have not been declared and
made on all outstanding preferred stock of the Fund, any distributions on such preferred stock will be made as nearly pro rata as possible in proportion to the respective amounts of distributions accumulated but unmade on each such series of
preferred stock on the relevant dividend payment date. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In the event that for any calendar year the total distributions on
shares of the Fund&#146;s preferred stock exceed the Fund&#146;s current and accumulated earnings and profits allocable to such shares, the excess distributions will generally be treated as a tax-free return of capital (to the extent of the
shareholder&#146;s tax basis in the shares). The amount treated as a tax-free return of capital will reduce a shareholder&#146;s adjusted tax basis in the preferred stock, thereby increasing the shareholder&#146;s potential taxable gain or reducing
the potential taxable loss on the sale of the stock. The Fund made return of capital distributions to its preferred shareholders during the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2010. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Common Stock Distributions. </I>In order to allow its common shareholders to realize a predictable, but not assured, level of cash flow and some liquidity periodically on their investment without
having to sell shares, the Fund has adopted a managed distribution policy, which may be changed at any time by the Board, of paying a minimum annual distribution of 10% of the average net asset value of the Fund to common shareholders. In the event
the Fund does not generate a total return from dividends and interest received and net realized capital gains in an amount equal to or in excess of its stated distribution in a given year, the Fund may return capital as part of such distribution,
which may have the effect of decreasing the asset coverage per share with respect to the Fund&#146;s preferred stock. Any return of capital should not be considered by investors as yield or total return on their investment in the Fund. For the
fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2011, the Fund made distributions of $0.57 per share of common stock, of which approximately $0.55 per share was deemed a return of capital. The total 2011 distributions of $0.57 per common share consisted of
$0.57 per share in the form of cash distributions. The Fund has made quarterly distributions with respect to its common stock since 1987. A portion of all distributions to common shareholders for the past five years have constituted a return of
capital. In addition, a portion of the distributions to common shareholders during fourteen of the twenty-five fiscal years since the Fund&#146;s inception has constituted a return of capital. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Under the Fund&#146;s distribution policy, the Fund declares and pays quarterly distributions from net investment income, capital gains,
and paid-in capital. The actual source of the distribution is determined after the end of the year. Pursuant to this policy, distributions during the year may be made in excess of required distributions. To the extent such distributions are made
from current earnings and profits, they are considered ordinary income or long-term capital gains. The Fund&#146;s current distribution policy may restrict the Fund&#146;s ability to pass through to shareholders all of its net realized long-term
capital gains as a capital gain dividend, subject to the maximum federal income tax rate of 15%, and may cause such gains to be treated as ordinary income subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of 35%. Distributions sourced from paid-in
capital should not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment in the Fund. Shareholders who periodically receive the payment of a dividend or other distribution consisting of a return of capital may be under the
impression that they are receiving net profits when they are not. Shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution from the Fund is net profit. The composition of each distribution is estimated based on the earnings of the Fund as of
the record date for each distribution. The actual composition of each of the current year&#146;s distributions will be based on the Fund&#146;s investment activity through December&nbsp;31, 2012. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Use of Proceeds </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The
Fund will use the net proceeds from the offering to purchase portfolio securities in accordance with its investment objectives and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to substantially be completed
within three months; however, changes in market conditions could result in the Fund&#146;s anticipated investment period extending to as long as six months. See &#147;Use of Proceeds.&#148; </FONT></P>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Exchange Listing </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund&#146;s outstanding shares of common stock are listed on the NYSE, under the trading or &#147;ticker&#148; symbol &#147;GAB.&#148; Currently, the Series&nbsp;D Preferred and Series&nbsp;F
Preferred are listed on the NYSE under the symbol &#147;GAB PrD&#148; and &#147;GAB PrF,&#148; respectively. See &#147;Description of Capital Stock.&#148; Any additional series of Fixed Rate Preferred Stock issued by the Fund would also likely be
listed on the NYSE. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Market Price of Shares </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Common shares of closed-end investment companies often trade at prices lower than their net asset value. Common shares of closed-end investment companies may trade during some periods at prices higher
than their net asset value and during other periods at prices lower than their net asset value. The Fund cannot assure you that its common stock will trade at a price higher than, equal to or above net asset value. The Fund&#146;s net asset value
will be reduced immediately following an offering by the sales load and the amount of the offering expenses paid by the Fund. See &#147;Use of Proceeds.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In addition to net asset value, the market price of the Fund&#146;s common shares may be affected by such factors as the Fund&#146;s dividend and distribution levels (which are affected by expenses) and
stability, market liquidity, market supply and demand, unrealized gains, general market and economic conditions, and other factors. See &#147;Risk Factors and Special Considerations,&#148; &#147;Description of the Capital Stock&#148; and
&#147;Repurchase of Common Stock.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The common shares are designed primarily for long-term investors, and you should not
purchase common shares of the Fund if you intend to sell them shortly after purchase. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Fixed rate preferred shares, if issued,
may also trade at premiums to or discounts from their liquidation preference for a variety of reasons, including changes in interest rates. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Risk Factors and Special Considerations </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Risk is inherent in all investing. Therefore, before investing in shares of the Fund, you should consider the following risks carefully. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B><I>Leverage Risk</I><B></B>. The Fund currently uses, and intends to continue to use, financial leverage for investment purposes
by issuing preferred stock. As of March&nbsp;31, 2012, the amount of leverage represented approximately 22% of the Fund&#146;s net assets. The Fund&#146;s leveraged capital structure creates special risks not associated with unleveraged funds having
similar investment objectives and policies. The use of leverage, which can be described as exposure to changes in price at a ratio greater than the amount of equity invested magnifies both the favorable and unfavorable effects of price movements in
the investments made by the Fund. To the extent that the Fund determines to employ additional leverage in its investment operations, the Fund is subject to additional substantial risk of loss. The Fund cannot assure you that the issuance of
preferred shares will result in a higher yield or return to the holders of shares of common stock. Also, as the Fund is utilizing leverage, a decline in net asset value could affect the ability of the Fund to make common stock distributions and such
a failure to pay dividends or make distributions could result in the Fund ceasing to qualify as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the &#147;Code&#148;). See &#147;Taxation.&#148;<B> </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Special Risks to Holders of Fixed Rate Preferred Stock. </I>Prior to any offering, there will be no public market for any additional
series of Fixed Rate Preferred Stock. In the event any additional series of Fixed Rate Preferred Stock are issued, prior application will have been made to list such shares on a national securities exchange, which will likely be the NYSE. However,
during an initial period, which is not expected to exceed 30&nbsp;days after the date of its initial issuance, such shares may not be listed on any securities exchange. During such period, the underwriters may make a market in such shares, although
they will have no obligation to do so. Consequently, an investment in such shares may be illiquid during such period. Shares of Fixed Rate Preferred Stock may trade at a premium to or discount from liquidation value for various reasons, including
changes in interest rates. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Special Risks for Holders of Auction Rate Preferred Stock.</I> </FONT></P>
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<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Auction Risk</I>. Since February 2008, the auctions for the Auction Rate Preferred Stock have failed and have continued to fail. Failing means that
more Auction Rate Preferred Stock is offered for sale than there are buyers for those shares. During this period while auctions have continued to fail, holders of the Fund&#146;s Auction Rate Preferred </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
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Stock who wanted to sell their shares at par through the auction process have been unable to do so. Holders have continued to receive dividends on their Auction Rate Preferred Stock at a maximum
rate determined by reference to short term rates, rather than at a price set by auction. At present the maximum rate is equal to 150% of the &#147;AA&#148; Financial Composite Commercial Paper Rate, determined on each calculation date. For the
fiscal quarter ended March&nbsp;31, 2012, the dividend rates for the Series C Auction Rate Preferred and the Series E Auction Rate Preferred ranged from 0.030% to 0.180% and 0.030% to 0.150%, respectively. A failed auction is not a default and the
Fund has no obligation under its Charter to redeem its Auction Rate Preferred Stock because the auctions continue to fail. The Fund cannot estimate when or if auction markets for the Auction Rate Preferred Stock will resume functioning. There
appears to be a secondary market in certain auction market preferred issues, although the Fund is not aware whether there is or will be an active trading market for the Fund&#146;s shares. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:8%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If the auctions were to resume, which management does not consider to be likely, other risks would apply. For example, if you place an
order (a hold order) at an auction to retain Auction Rate Preferred Stock only at a specified rate that exceeds the rate set at the auction, you will not retain your Auction Rate Preferred Stock. Additionally, if you place a hold order without
specifying a rate below which you would not wish to continue to hold your shares and the auction sets a below-market rate, you will receive a lower rate of return on your shares than the market rate. Finally, the dividend period may be changed,
subject to certain conditions and with notice to the holders of the Auction Rate Preferred Stock, which could also affect the liquidity of your investment. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Secondary Market Risk.</I> If you try to sell your Auction Rate Preferred Stock between auctions, you may not be able to sell them for their
liquidation preference per share or such amount per share plus accumulated dividends. If the Fund has designated a special dividend period of more than seven days, changes in interest rates could affect the price you would receive if you sold your
shares in the secondary market. Broker-dealers that maintain a secondary trading market for the Auction Rate Preferred Stock are not required to maintain this market and the Fund is not required to redeem Auction Rate Preferred Stock if either an
auction or an attempted secondary market sale fails because of a lack of buyers. The Auction Rate Preferred Stock will not be registered on a stock exchange. If you sell your Auction Rate Preferred Stock to a broker-dealer or other party between
auctions, you may receive less than the price you paid for them. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B><I>Common Stock Distribution Policy
Risk.</I><B></B> The Fund has adopted a policy, which may be changed at any time by the Board, of paying a minimum annual distribution of 10% of the average net asset value of the Fund to common shareholders. In the event the Fund does not generate
a total return from dividends and interest received and net realized capital gains in an amount equal to or in excess of its stated distribution in a given year, the Fund may return capital as part of such distribution, which may have the effect of
decreasing the asset coverage per share with respect to the preferred stock. A portion of all distributions to common shareholders for the past five years have constituted a return of capital. In addition, a portion of the distributions to holders
of common stock during fourteen of the twenty-five fiscal years since the Fund&#146;s inception has constituted a return of capital. Under the Fund&#146;s distribution policy, the Fund declares and pays quarterly distributions from net investment
income, capital gains, and paid-in capital. The actual source of the distribution is determined after the end of the year. Pursuant to this policy, distributions during the year may be made in excess of required distributions. To the extent such
distributions are made from current earnings and profits, they are considered ordinary income or long-term capital gains. The Fund&#146;s current distribution policy may restrict the Fund&#146;s ability to pass through to shareholders all of its net
realized long-term capital gains as a capital gain dividend, subject to the maximum federal income tax rate of 15% (scheduled to rise to 20% in 2013), and may cause such gains to be treated as ordinary income subject to a maximum federal income tax
rate of 35% (scheduled to rise to 39.6% in 2013). Distributions sourced from paid-in capital should not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment in the Fund.<B> </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Market Discount Risk. </I>Common shares of closed-end investment companies often trade at a discount from net asset value. This
characteristic of shares of a closed-end fund is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund&#146;s net asset value may decrease. The Investment Adviser cannot predict whether the Fund&#146;s shares will trade at, below or above net
asset value. The risk of holding shares of a closed-end fund that might trade at a discount is more pronounced for shareholders who wish to sell their shares in a relatively short period of time after acquiring them because, for those investors,
realization of a gain or loss on their investments is likely to be more dependent upon the existence of a premium or discount than upon portfolio performance. The Fund&#146;s common shares are not subject to redemption. Shareholders desiring
liquidity may, subject to applicable securities laws, trade their shares in the Fund on the NYSE or other markets on which such shares may trade at the then current market value, which may differ from the then current net asset value.<I>
</I></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Non-Diversified Status</I>. As a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company under the 1940 Act, the
Fund may invest a greater portion of its assets in a more limited number of issuers than may a diversified fund, and accordingly, an investment in the Fund may, under certain circumstances, present greater risk to an investor than an investment in a
diversified company. See &#147;Risk Factors and Special Considerations&#151;Non-Diversified Status.&#148; </FONT></P>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Industry Concentration Risk</I>. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in the
securities of companies principally engaged in a single industry. In the event the Fund makes substantial investments in a single industry, the Fund would become more susceptible to adverse economic or regulatory occurrences affecting that industry.
See &#147;Risk Factors and Special Considerations&#151;Industry Concentration Risk.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Interest Rate Transactions.</I>
The Fund may enter into swap transactions in connection with Auction Rate Preferred Stock. The use of interest rate swaps and caps is a highly specialized activity that involves certain risks to the Fund including, among others, counterparty risk
and early termination risk. See &#147;How the Fund Manages Risk&#151;Interest Rate Transactions.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Foreign
Securities</I>. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in securities of foreign issuers. 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. Foreign securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies may
be subject to less government supervision and regulation than exists in the United States. Dividend and interest income may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes, which may adversely affect the net return on such investments. There may
be difficulty in obtaining or enforcing a court judgment abroad. In addition, it may be difficult to effect repatriation of capital invested in certain countries. Also, with respect to certain countries, there are risks of expropriation,
confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, or diplomatic developments that could affect assets of the Fund held in foreign countries. Dividend income the Fund receives from foreign securities may not be eligible for the special tax
treatment applicable to qualified dividend income. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">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. A portfolio of foreign
securities may also be adversely affected by fluctuations in the rates of exchange between the currencies of different nations and by exchange control regulations. Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures that could
cause the Fund to encounter difficulties in purchasing and selling securities on such markets and may result in the Fund missing attractive investment opportunities or experiencing loss. In addition, a portfolio that includes foreign securities can
expect to have a higher expense ratio because of the increased transaction costs on non-U.S. securities markets and the increased costs of maintaining the custody of foreign securities. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund also may purchase sponsored American Depositary Receipts (&#147;ADRs&#148;) or United States dollar denominated securities of
foreign issuers. 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. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Non-Investment Grade Securities.</I> The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in fixed income securities rated below
investment grade by recognized statistical rating agencies or unrated securities of comparable quality. These securities, which may be preferred stock or debt, are predominantly speculative and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. Debt
securities that are not rated or that are rated lower than &#147;BBB&#148; by S&amp;P or lower than &#147;Baa&#148; by Moody&#146;s are referred to in the financial press as &#147;junk bonds.&#148; </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Generally, such lower grade securities and unrated securities of comparable quality offer a higher current yield than is offered by
higher rated securities, but also (i)&nbsp;will likely have some quality and protective characteristics that, in the judgment of the rating organizations, are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions and
(ii)&nbsp;are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer&#146;s capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. The market values of certain of these securities also tend to be more sensitive to
individual corporate developments and changes in economic conditions than higher quality securities. In addition, such securities generally present a higher degree of credit risk. The risk of loss due to default by these issuers is significantly
greater because such lower grade securities and unrated securities of comparable quality generally are unsecured and frequently are subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. In light of these risks, the Investment Adviser, in
evaluating the creditworthiness of an issue, whether rated or unrated, will take various factors into consideration, which may include, as applicable, the issuer&#146;s operating history, financial resources and its sensitivity to economic
conditions and trends, the market support for the facility financed by the issue, the perceived ability and integrity of the issuer&#146;s management, and regulatory matters. </FONT></P>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In addition, the market value of securities in lower rated categories is more volatile
than that of higher quality securities, and the markets in which such lower rated or unrated securities are traded are more limited than those in which higher rated securities are traded. The existence of limited markets may make it more difficult
for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of valuing its portfolio and calculating its net asset value. Moreover, the lack of a liquid trading market may restrict the availability of securities for the Fund to purchase and may
also have the effect of limiting the ability of the Fund to sell securities at their fair value in response to changes in the economy or the financial markets. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Lower grade securities also present risks based on payment expectations. If an issuer calls the obligation for redemption (often a feature of fixed income securities), the Fund may have to replace the
security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. Also, as the principal value of nonconvertible bonds and preferred stocks moves inversely with movements in interest rates, in the event of rising interest rates
the value of the securities held by the Fund may decline proportionately more than a portfolio consisting of higher rated securities. Investments in zero coupon bonds may be more speculative and subject to greater fluctuations in value due to
changes in interest rates than bonds that pay regular income streams. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">As part of its investment in non-investment grade
securities, the Fund may invest in securities of issuers in default. The Fund will make an investment in securities of issuers in default only when the Investment Adviser believes that such issuers will honor their obligations or emerge from
bankruptcy protection under a plan pursuant to which the securities received by the Fund in exchange for its defaulted securities will have a value in excess of the Fund&#146;s investment. By investing in securities of issuers in default, the Fund
bears the risk that these issuers will not continue to honor their obligations or emerge from bankruptcy protection or that the value of the securities will not otherwise appreciate. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In addition to using recognized rating agencies and other sources, the Investment Adviser also performs its own analysis of issues in
seeking investments that it believes to be underrated (and thus higher yielding) in light of the financial condition of the issuer. Its analysis of issuers may include, among other things, current and anticipated cash flow and borrowing
requirements, value of assets in relation to historical cost, strength of management, responsiveness to business conditions, credit standing, and current anticipated results of operations. In selecting investments for the Fund, the Investment
Adviser may also consider general business conditions, anticipated changes in interest rates, and the outlook for specific industries. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Subsequent to its purchase by the Fund, an issuer of securities may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced. In addition, it is possible that statistical rating agencies may change their ratings of
a particular issuer to reflect subsequent events. Moreover, such ratings do not assess the risk of a decline in market value. None of these events will require the sale of the securities by the Fund, although the Investment Adviser will consider
these events in determining whether the Fund should continue to hold the securities. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The market for lower grade and
comparable unrated securities has experienced several periods of significantly adverse price and liquidity, particularly at or around times of economic recessions. Past market recessions have adversely affected the value of such securities as well
as the ability of certain issuers of such securities to repay principal and pay interest thereon or to refinance such securities. The market for those securities may react in a similar fashion in the future. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Derivative Transactions.</I> The Fund may participate in certain derivative transactions. Such transactions entail certain execution,
market, liquidity, hedging and tax risks. Participation in the options or futures markets and in currency exchange transactions involves investment risks and transaction costs to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these
strategies. If the Investment Adviser&#146;s prediction of movements in the direction of the securities, foreign currency or interest rate markets is inaccurate, the consequences to the Fund may leave it in a worse position than if such strategies
were not used. Risks inherent in the use of options, foreign currency, futures contracts and options on futures contracts, securities indices and foreign currencies include: </FONT></P>
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<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">dependence on the Investment Adviser&#146;s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of interest rates, securities prices and currency
markets; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">imperfect correlation between the price of options and futures contracts and options thereon and movements in the prices of the securities or
currencies being hedged; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the fact that skills needed to use these strategies are different from those needed to select portfolio securities; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P></div></div>

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<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the possible need to defer closing out certain hedged positions to avoid adverse tax consequences; and </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">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
Fund to sell a security at a disadvantageous time due to a need for the Fund to maintain &#147;cover&#148; or to segregate securities in connection with the hedging techniques. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">See &#147;Risk Factors and Special Considerations&#151;Special Risks of Derivative Transactions.&#148; </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Futures Transactions</I>. The Fund may make investments in futures and options on futures. Risks include, but are not limited to, the
following: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">no assurance that futures contracts or options on futures can be offset at favorable prices; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">possible reduction of the yield of the Fund due to the use of hedging; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">possible reduction in value of both the securities hedged and the hedging instrument; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">possible lack of liquidity due to daily limits or price fluctuations; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">imperfect correlation between the contracts and the securities being hedged; and </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">losses from investing in futures transactions that are potentially unlimited and the segregation requirements for such transactions.
</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Forward Currency Exchange Contracts. </I>The use of forward currency exchange contracts may involve
certain risks, including the failure of the counterparty to perform its obligations under the contract and that the use of forward contracts may not serve as a complete hedge because of an imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the
contracts and the prices of the currencies hedged or used for cover. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Counterparty Risk. </I>The Fund will be subject to
credit risk with respect to the counterparties to the derivative contracts purchased by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund
may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Management Risk.</I> The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. The Investment 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. See &#147;Risk Factors and Special Considerations&#151;Management Risk.&#148;
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Dependence on Key Personnel</I>. The Investment Adviser is dependent upon the expertise of Mr.&nbsp;Mario J. Gabelli in
providing advisory services with respect to the Fund&#146;s investments. If the Investment Adviser were to lose the services of Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli, its ability to service the Fund could be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that a suitable
replacement could be found for Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli in the event of his death, resignation, retirement or inability to act on behalf of the Investment Adviser. See &#147;Risk Factors and Special Considerations&#151;Dependence on Key Personnel.&#148;
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Geopolitical Events. </I>Geopolitical events, such as terrorist attacks and wars, have led to, and may in the future lead
to, increased short-term market volatility and may have long-term effects on U.S. and world economies and markets. The nature, scope and duration of the war and occupation cannot be predicted with any certainty. Similar events in the future or other
disruptions of financial markets could affect interest rates, securities exchanges, auctions, secondary trading, ratings, credit risk, inflation, energy prices, and other factors relating to the common stock. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Anti-Takeover Provisions. </I>The Charter and the By-Laws of the Fund, as amended from time to time (the &#147;By-Laws&#148; and
together with the Charter, the &#147;Governing Documents&#148;) 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.<I> </I></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Taxation.</I> The Fund has qualified, and intends to remain qualified, for federal income tax purposes as a regulated investment
company. Qualification requires, among other things, compliance by the Fund with certain distribution requirements. Statutory limitations on distributions on the common stock if the Fund fails to satisfy the 1940 Act&#146;s asset coverage
requirements could jeopardize the Fund&#146;s ability to meet such distribution requirements. The Fund presently intends, however, to purchase or redeem preferred stock to the extent necessary in order to maintain compliance with such asset coverage
requirements. See &#147;Taxation&#148; for a more complete discussion of these and other federal income tax considerations. </FONT></P>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P></div></div>

 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 8 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Temporary Investments. </I>During temporary defensive periods and during inopportune
periods to be fully invested, the Fund may invest in U.S. government securities and in money market mutual funds that invest in those securities. Obligations of certain agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government, such as the Government
National Mortgage Association, are supported by the &#147;full faith and credit&#148; of the U.S. government; others, such as those of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S.
Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal National Mortgage Association, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency&#146;s obligations; and still others, such as those of the Student Loan
Marketing Association, are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government would provide financial support to U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities if it is not obligated to do so by law.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Emerging Markets Risk.</I> The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in foreign securities, including securities
of issuers whose primary operations or principal trading market is in an &#147;emerging market.&#148; An &#147;emerging market&#148; country is any country that is considered to be an emerging or developing country by the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (the &#147;World Bank&#148;). Investing in securities of companies in emerging markets may entail special risks relating to potential political and economic instability and the risks of expropriation, nationalization,
confiscation or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investment, the lack of hedging instruments and restrictions on repatriation of capital invested. Emerging securities markets are substantially smaller, less developed, less liquid and more
volatile than the major securities markets. The limited size of emerging securities markets and limited trading value compared to the volume of trading in U.S. securities could cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect
the quality of the securities. For example, limited market size may cause prices to be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions. Adverse publicity and investors&#146; perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may
decrease the value and liquidity of portfolio securities, especially in these markets. Other risks include high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as
well as a high concentration of investors and financial intermediaries; overdependence on exports, including gold and natural resources exports, making these economies vulnerable to changes in commodity prices; overburdened infrastructure and
obsolete or unseasoned financial systems; environmental problems; less developed legal systems; and less reliable securities custodial services and settlement practices. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Management and Fees </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Gabelli Funds, LLC (the &#147;Investment
Adviser&#148;) serves as the Fund&#146;s investment adviser. The Investment Adviser&#146;s fee is computed weekly and paid monthly at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund&#146;s average weekly net assets plus assets attributable to any outstanding
senior securities, with no deduction for the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred stock. The fee paid by the Fund may be higher when leverage in the form of preferred stock is utilized, giving the Investment Adviser an incentive to
utilize such leverage. However, the Investment Adviser has agreed to reduce the management fee on the incremental assets attributable to the currently outstanding Series C Auction Rate Preferred, Series D Preferred, Series E Auction Rate Preferred
and Series F Preferred during the fiscal year if the total return of the net asset value of the common stock, including distributions and advisory fees subject to reduction for that year, does not exceed the stated dividend rate or corresponding
swap rate of each particular series of preferred stock for the period. In other words, if the effective cost of the leverage for the Series C Auction Rate Preferred, Series D Preferred, Series E Auction Rate Preferred or Series F Preferred exceeds
the total return (based on net asset value) on the Fund&#146;s common stock, the Investment Adviser will waive that portion of its management fee on the incremental assets attributable to the leverage for that series of preferred stock to mitigate
the negative impact of the leverage on the common shareholder&#146;s total return. This fee waiver is voluntary and may be discontinued at any time. The Fund&#146;s total return on the net asset value of the common stock is monitored on a monthly
basis to assess whether the total return on the net asset value of the common stock exceeds the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each particular series of preferred stock for the period. The test to confirm the accrual of the
management fee on the assets attributable to each particular series of preferred stock is annual. The Fund will accrue for the management fee on these assets during the fiscal year if it appears probable that the Fund will incur the management fee
on those additional assets. See &#147;Management of the Fund.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>For the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2011, the
Fund&#146;s total return on the net asset value of the common stock did not exceed the stated dividend rate of the outstanding Preferred Stock. Thus, management fees with respect to the liquidation value of the Preferred Stock were not accrued.<B>
</B></FONT></P>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P></div></div>

 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 9 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A discussion regarding the basis for the Board&#146;s approval of the continuation of
the investment advisory contract of the Fund is available in the Fund&#146;s semi-annual report to shareholders dated June&nbsp;30, 2011. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Repurchase of Common Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund&#146;s Board has authorized the Fund (and the Fund accordingly reserves freedom of action) to repurchase shares of its common stock in the open market when the shares are trading at a discount of
10% or more from net asset value. Although the Board has authorized such repurchases, the Fund is not required to repurchase its shares. The Board has not established a limit on the amount of common stock that could be repurchased. Such repurchases
are subject to certain notice and other requirements under the 1940 Act. Through March&nbsp;31, 2012, the Fund has not repurchased shares of its common stock under this authorization. See &#147;Repurchase of Common Stock.&#148; </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Anti-Takeover Provisions </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%;padding-bottom:0px;"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Certain provisions of the Governing Documents, may be regarded as &#147;anti-takeover&#148; provisions. Pursuant to these provisions, only one of the three classes of directors is elected each year, and
the affirmative vote of the holders of 66</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">2</SUP></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/</FONT><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUB STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; top:.4ex">3</SUB></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">% of the Fund&#146;s outstanding shares of each class (voting separately)
is required to authorize the conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company. The overall effect of these provisions is to render more difficult the accomplishment of a merger with, or the assumption of control by, a
principal stockholder, or the conversion of the Fund to open-end status. These provisions may have the effect of depriving Fund stockholders of an opportunity to sell their stock at a premium above the prevailing market price. See
&#147;Anti-Takeover Provisions of the Fund&#146;s Governing Documents.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Custodian, Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent
</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, located at 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, Massachusetts 02149, serves as the
custodian (the &#147;Custodian&#148;) of the Fund&#146;s assets pursuant to a custody agreement. Under the custody agreement, the Custodian holds the Fund&#146;s assets in compliance with the 1940 Act. For its services, the Custodian will receive a
monthly fee paid by the Fund based upon, among other things, the average value of the total assets of the Fund, plus certain charges for securities transactions and out-of-pocket expenses. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Rules adopted under the 1940 Act permit the Fund to maintain its foreign securities in the custody of certain eligible foreign banks and
securities depositories. Pursuant to those rules, any foreign securities in the portfolio of the Fund may be held by subcustodians approved by the Board in accordance with the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
&#147;SEC&#148;). Selection of any such subcustodians will be made by the Board following a consideration of a number of factors, including but not limited to the reliability and financial stability of the institution, the ability of the institution
to perform capably custodial services for the Fund, the reputation of the institution in its national market, the political and economic stability of the country or countries in which the subcustodians are located, and risks of potential
nationalization or expropriation of assets of the Fund. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (&#147;Computershare&#148;),
located at 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021, serves as the Fund&#146;s dividend disbursing agent, as agent under the Fund&#146;s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan (the &#147;Plan&#148;) and as transfer
agent and registrar with respect to the Fund&#146;s common shares. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Computershare also serves as the transfer agent,
registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent with respect to the Series&nbsp;D Preferred and Series&nbsp;F Preferred. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Bank of New York Mellon, located at 100 Church Street, New York, New York 10286, serves as the auction agent, transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent with respect to
the Series&nbsp;C Auction Rate Preferred and the Series&nbsp;E Auction Rate Preferred. See &#147;Custodian, Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent.&#148; </FONT></P>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P></div></div>

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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_2"></A>SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The following table shows the Fund&#146;s expenses, including preferred stock offering expenses, as a percentage of net assets
attributable to common stock. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Shareholder Transaction Expenses</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2.08</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%(1)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Offering Expenses Borne by the Fund (excluding Preferred Stock Offering Expenses) (as a percentage of offering
price)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.02</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%(1)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Dividend Reinvestment Plan Fees</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">None</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(2)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Preferred Stock Offering Expenses Borne by the Fund (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares)</FONT></P></TD>

<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.03</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%(3)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="68%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="75%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="24%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Percentage of Net</B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Assets</B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Attributable</B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>to&nbsp;Common&nbsp;Stock&nbsp;(5)</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Annual Expenses</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Management Fees</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.40</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%(4)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Interest on Borrowed Funds</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">None</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Other Expenses</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.14</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%(4)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total Annual Expenses</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.54</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Dividends on Preferred Stock</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.99</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%(5)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total Annual Expenses and Dividends on Preferred Stock</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3.53</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Estimated maximum amount based on offering of $250&nbsp;million in shares of common stock and $250 million in shares of preferred stock. The actual amounts in
connection with any offering will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement if applicable. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Shareholders participating in the Fund&#146;s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plans would pay $0.75 plus their pro rata share of brokerage
commissions per transaction to purchase shares and $2.50 plus their pro rata share of brokerage commissions per transaction to sell shares. <I>See</I> &#147;Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plans.&#148;
</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Assumes issuance of $250 million in liquidation preference of fixed rate preferred stock and net assets attributable to common stock of $1.39 billion (which includes
issuance of $250 million in common shares). The actual amounts in connection with any offering will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement if applicable. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser&#146;s fee is 1.00% annually of the Fund&#146;s average weekly net assets plus assets attributable to any outstanding senior securities, with no
deduction for the liquidation preference of any outstanding preferred stock. Consequently, if the Fund has preferred stock outstanding, the investment management fees and other expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock will
be higher than if the Fund does not utilize a leveraged capital structure. &#147;Other Expenses&#148; are based on estimated amounts for the current year assuming completion of the proposed issuances. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Dividends on Preferred Stock represent the aggregate of (1)&nbsp;the estimated annual distributions on the existing preferred stock outstanding and (2)&nbsp;the
distributions that would be made assuming $250 million of preferred stock is issued with a fixed dividend rate of 6.00%. There can, of course, be no guaranty that any preferred stock would be issued or, if issued, the terms thereof.
</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The purpose of the table above and the example below is to help you understand all fees and expenses that you,
as a holder of common stock, would bear directly or indirectly. </FONT></P>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P></div></div>

 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 11 -
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<div style ="BORDER-BOTTOM:1pt solid #000000;BORDER-LEFT:1pt solid #000000;BORDER-RIGHT:1pt solid #000000;BORDER-TOP:1pt solid #000000;MARGIN-LEFT:0px;MARGIN-RIGHT:0px;WIDTH:100%"><div style="width:97%; margin-top:1.5%; margin-left:1.5%; margin-right:-1.25%">

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The following example illustrates the expenses (including the maximum estimated sales
load of $10 and estimated offering expenses of $0.25 from the issuance of $250&nbsp;million in common stock) you would pay on a $1,000 investment in common stock, assuming a 5% annual portfolio total return.* The actual amounts in connection with
any offering will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement if applicable. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="92%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="69%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="5%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="5%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="5%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="5%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>1&nbsp;Year</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>3&nbsp;Years</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>5&nbsp;Years</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>10&nbsp;Years</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total Expenses Incurred</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">45</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">118</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">192</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">387</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">*</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>The example should not be considered a representation of future expenses. </B>The example is based on Total Annual Expenses and Dividends on Preferred Stock shown in
the table above and assumes that the amounts set forth in the table do not change and that all distributions are reinvested at net asset value. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those assumed. Moreover, the Fund&#146;s actual rate of
return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>The example includes
Dividends on Preferred Stock. If Dividends on Preferred Stock were not included in the example calculation, the expenses would be as follows (based on the same assumptions as above). </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="92%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="71%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="5%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="5%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="5%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="5%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>1&nbsp;Year</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>3&nbsp;Years</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>5&nbsp;Years</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>10&nbsp;Years</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total Expenses Incurred</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">26</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">59</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">94</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">192</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_3"></A>FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The selected data below sets forth the per share operating performance and ratios for the periods presented. The financial information
was derived from and should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements of the Fund and Notes thereto, which are incorporated by reference into this Prospectus and the SAI. The financial information for the fiscal year ended
December&nbsp;31, 2011 and for each of the preceding fiscal periods presented, has been audited by
[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;], the Fund&#146;s independent
registered public accounting firm, whose unqualified report on such Financial Statements is incorporated by reference into the SAI. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Selected data for a share outstanding throughout each period: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="75%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="18" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Year Ended December&nbsp;31,</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>2011</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>2010</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>2009</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>2008</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>2007</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Operating Performance:</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Net asset value, beginning of period</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5.85</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5.03</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">4.14</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">9.22</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">9.40</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Net investment income</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.07</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.05</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.06</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.12</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.14</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Net realized and unrealized gain/(loss) on investments, written options, futures contracts, swap contracts, and foreign currency
transactions</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.08</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.35</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.62</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(4.30</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.12</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total from investment operations</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.01</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.40</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.68</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(4.18</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.26</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Distributions to Preferred Shareholders:(a)</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Net investment income</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.06</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.05</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.07</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.11</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.02</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Net realized gain</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.01</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.12</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Return of capital</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.02</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total distributions to preferred shareholders</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.07</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.07</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.07</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.11</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.14</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
</TABLE>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P></div></div>

 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 12 -
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
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<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


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<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Net Increase/(Decrease) in Net Assets Attributable to Common Shareholders Resulting from Operations</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.08</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.33</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.61</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(4.29</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.12</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Distributions to Common Shareholders:</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Net investment income</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.02</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)(e)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)(e)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.12</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Net realized gain</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)(e)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.57</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Return of capital</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.55</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.51</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.72</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.80</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.61</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total distributions to common shareholders</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.57</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.51</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.72</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0.80</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1.30</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Fund Share Transactions:</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Increase in net asset value from common stock share transactions</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(e)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.01</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Increase in net asset value from repurchase of preferred shares</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(e)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(e)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Recapture of gain on sale of Fund shares by an affiliate</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(e)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Offering costs for preferred shares charged to paid-in capital</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(e)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Offering costs for issuance of rights charged to paid-in capital</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total fund share transactions</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(e)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(e)&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.01</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Net Asset Value Attributable to Common Shareholders, End of Period</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5.20</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5.85</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5.03</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">4.14</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">9.22</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">NAV total return &#134;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1.17</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">28.15</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">44.10</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(49.06</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">12.14</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Market value, end of period</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">4.99</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5.67</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5.04</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3.70</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">9.28</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Investment total return &#134;&#134;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(2.15</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">23.96</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">61.56</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(54.77</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">12.75</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data:</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares, end of period (in 000&#146;s)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1,265,307</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1,364,172</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1,215,626</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1,106,614</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1,990,123</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Net assets attributable to common shares, end of period (in 000&#146;s)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">959,950</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1,058,815</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">910,269</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">724,076</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1,586,381</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Ratio of net investment income to average net assets attributable to common shares before preferred distributions</FONT></P></TD>

<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.26</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.92</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.53</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.73</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.16</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets attributable to common shares before fees waived</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.48</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.74</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.52</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets attributable to common shares net of fee reduction, if any</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.19</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.72</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.19</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.46</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares before fees
waived</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.15</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.14</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.22</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.14</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets including liquidation value of preferred shares net of fee reduction, if
any</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.92 </FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.14 </FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.20 </FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0.89 </FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.17 </FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Portfolio turnover rate &#134;&#134;&#134;</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">6.3</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5.5</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">6.7</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">13.5</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">17.2</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P></div></div>

 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">-13 -
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


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<TD WIDTH="62%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
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<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Preferred Stock:</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Auction Rate Series&nbsp;C Cumulative Preferred Stock</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Liquidation value, end of period (in 000&#146;s)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">72,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">72,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">72,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">117,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">130,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total shares outstanding (in 000&#146;s)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Liquidation preference per share</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Average market value (c)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Asset coverage per share</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">103,593</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">111,687</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">99,525</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">72,320</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">123,230</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>5.875% Series&nbsp;D Cumulative Preferred Stock</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Liquidation value, end of period (in 000&#146;s)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">59,097</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">59,097</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">59,097</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">72,532</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">73,743</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total shares outstanding (in 000&#146;s)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2,364</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2,364</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2,364</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2,901</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2,950</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Liquidation preference per share</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Average market value (b)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25.35</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25.03</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">23.39</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">22.69</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">23.86</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Asset coverage per share</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">103.59</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">111.69</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">99.53</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">72.32</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">123.23</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Auction Rate Series&nbsp;E Cumulative Preferred Stock</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Liquidation value, end of period (in 000&#146;s)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">28,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">28,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">28,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">45,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">50,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total shares outstanding (in 000&#146;s)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Liquidation preference per share</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Average market value (c)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Asset coverage per share</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">103,593</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">111,687</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">99,525</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">72,320</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">123,230</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>6.200% Series&nbsp;F Cumulative Preferred Stock</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Liquidation value, end of period (in 000&#146;s)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">146,260</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">146,260</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">146,260</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">148,007</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">150,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total shares outstanding (in 000&#146;s)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5,850</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5,850</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5,850</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5,920</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">6,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Liquidation preference per share</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Average market value (b)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25.57</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25.71</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">24.08</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">23.48</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">24.69</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Asset coverage per share</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">103.59</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">111.69</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">99.53</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">72.32</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">123.23</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Asset Coverage (d)</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">414</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">447</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">398</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">289</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">493</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#134;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Based on net asset value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of distributions at prices obtained under the Fund&#146;s dividend reinvestment plan.
</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#134;&#134;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Based on market value per share, adjusted for reinvestment of distributions at prices determined under the Fund&#146;s dividend reinvestment plan.
</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#134;&#134;&#134;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Effective in 2008, a change in accounting policy was adopted with regard to the calculation of the portfolio turnover rate to include cash proceeds due to mergers. Had
this policy been adopted retroactively, the portfolio turnover rate for the years ended December&nbsp;31, 2007 would have been 27.3%. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(a)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Calculated based upon average common shares outstanding on the record dates throughout the periods. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(b)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Based on weekly prices. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(c)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Liquidation value, except for 2007 when price was based on weekly auction prices. Since February&nbsp;2008, the weekly auctions have failed. Holders that have submitted
orders have not been able to sell any or all of their shares in the auctions. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(d)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Asset coverage is calculated by combining all series of preferred stock. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(e)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Amount represents less than $0.005 per share. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P></div></div>

 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 14 -
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_4"></A>USE OF PROCEEDS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser expects that it will initially invest the proceeds of the offering in high quality short-term debt securities and
instruments. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund&#146;s investment objectives and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to
substantially be completed within three months; however, changes in market conditions could result in the Fund&#146;s anticipated investment period extending to as long as six months. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_5"></A>THE FUND </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund was organized as a Maryland corporation on May&nbsp;20, 1986. The Fund commenced its
investment operations on August&nbsp;21, 1986. The Fund&#146;s principal office is located at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422. and its telephone number is (800)&nbsp;422-3554. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_6"></A>INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Investment Objectives </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund&#146;s primary investment objective is to
achieve long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity securities consisting of common stock, preferred stock, convertible or exchangeable securities, and warrants and rights to purchase such securities selected by the
Investment Adviser. Income is a secondary investment objective. The investment objectives of long-term growth of capital and income are fundamental policies of the Fund. These fundamental policies and the investment limitations described in the SAI
under the caption &#147;Investment Restrictions&#148; cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of the Fund&#146;s outstanding shares of preferred stock voting as a separate class and the approval of the holders of a
majority of the Fund&#146;s outstanding voting securities. Such majority votes require, in each case, the lesser of (i)&nbsp;67% of the Fund&#146;s applicable shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the Fund&#146;s applicable
shares outstanding are represented, whether in person or by proxy, or (ii)&nbsp;more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the applicable class. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of the value of its total assets in equity securities. The 80% Policy may be changed without shareholder approval. The Fund will provide
shareholders with notice at least 60&nbsp;days prior to the implementation of any change in the 80% Policy. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment
Adviser selects investments on the basis of fundamental value and, accordingly, the Fund typically invests in the securities of companies that are believed by the Investment Adviser to be priced lower than justified in relation to their underlying
assets. Other important factors in the selection of investments include favorable price/earnings and debt/equity ratios and strong management. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund seeks to achieve its secondary investment objective of income, in part, by investing up to 10% of its total assets in fixed-income securities rated as low as C by Moody&#146;s or D by S&amp;P or
may be unrated securities considered to be of equivalent quality. Securities that are rated C by Moody&#146;s are the lowest rated class and can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever obtaining investment-grade standing. Debt rated D
by S&amp;P is in default or is expected to default upon maturity of payment date. These debt securities, which are often referred to in the financial press as &#147;junk bonds,&#148; are predominantly speculative and involve major risk exposure to
adverse conditions. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund invests in equity securities across all market capitalization ranges. The Fund may invest up to
35% of its total assets in foreign securities. Among the foreign securities in which the Fund may invest are those issued by companies located in emerging markets. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">No assurance can be given that the Fund&#146;s investment objectives will be achieved. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 15 -
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Investment Methodology of the Fund </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In selecting securities for the Fund, the Investment Adviser normally will consider the following factors, among others: </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the Investment Adviser&#146;s own evaluations of the private market value (as defined below), cash flow, earnings per share and other fundamental
aspects of the underlying assets and business of the company; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the potential for capital appreciation of the securities; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the interest or dividend income generated by the securities; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the prices of the securities relative to other comparable securities; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">whether the securities are entitled to the benefits of call protection or other protective covenants; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the existence of any anti-dilution protections or guarantees of the security; and </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the diversification of the portfolio of the Fund as to issuers. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser&#146;s investment philosophy with respect to equity securities is to identify assets that are selling in the
public market at a discount to their private market value. The Investment Adviser defines private market value as the value informed purchasers are willing to pay to acquire assets with similar characteristics. The Investment Adviser also normally
evaluates an issuer&#146;s free cash flow and long-term earnings trends. Finally, the Investment Adviser looks for a catalyst, something indigenous to the company, its industry or country, that will surface additional value. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Certain Investment Practices </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Foreign Securities</I>. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in foreign securities. Among the foreign securities in which the Fund may invest are those issued by companies located in
developing countries, which are countries in the initial stages of their industrialization cycles. Investing in the equity and debt markets of developing countries involves exposure to economic structures that are generally less diverse and less
mature, and to political systems that may have less stability, than those of developed countries. The markets of developing countries historically have been more volatile than the markets of the more mature economies of developed countries, but
often have provided higher rates of return to investors. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund may also invest in the debt securities of foreign
governments. Although such investments are not a principal strategy of the Fund, there is no independent limit on its ability to invest in the debt securities of foreign governments. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Temporary Defensive Investments</I>. Subject to the Fund&#146;s investment restrictions, when a temporary defensive period is believed
by the Investment Adviser to be warranted (&#147;temporary defensive periods&#148;), the Fund may, without limitation, hold cash or invest its assets in securities of United States government sponsored instrumentalities, in repurchase agreements in
respect of those instruments, and in certain high-grade commercial paper instruments. During temporary defensive periods, the Fund may also invest in money market mutual funds that invest primarily in securities of United States government sponsored
instrumentalities and repurchase agreements in respect of those instruments. Obligations of certain agencies and instrumentalities of the United States government, such as the Government National Mortgage Association, are supported by the &#147;full
faith and credit&#148; of the United States government; others, such as those of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the United States Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal
National Mortgage Association, are supported by the discretionary authority of the United States government to purchase the agency&#146;s obligations; and still others, such as those of the Student Loan Marketing Association, are supported only by
the credit of the instrumentality. No assurance can be given that the United States government would provide financial support to United States government sponsored instrumentalities if it is not obligated to do so by law. During temporary defensive
periods, the Fund may be less likely to achieve its secondary investment objective of income. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Non-Investment Grade
Securities. </I>The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in fixed income securities rated below investment grade by recognized statistical rating agencies or unrated securities of comparable quality. These securities, which may be preferred
stock or debt, are predominantly speculative and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. Debt securities that are not rated or that are rated lower than &#147;BBB&#148; by S&amp;P or lower than &#147;Baa&#148; by Moody&#146;s are referred
to in the financial press as &#147;junk bonds.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Generally, such lower grade securities and unrated securities of
comparable quality offer a higher current yield than is offered by higher rated securities, but also (i)&nbsp;will likely have some quality and protective characteristics that, in the judgment of the rating organizations, are outweighed by large
uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions and (ii)&nbsp;are predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer&#146;s capacity to pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. The market values
of certain of these securities also tend to be more sensitive to individual corporate </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 16 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">
developments and changes in economic conditions than higher quality securities. In addition, such securities generally present a higher degree of credit risk. The risk of loss due to default by
these issuers is significantly greater because such lower grade securities and unrated securities of comparable quality generally are unsecured and frequently are subordinated to the prior payment of senior indebtedness. In light of these risks, the
Investment Adviser, in evaluating the creditworthiness of an issue, whether rated or unrated, will take various factors into consideration, which may include, as applicable, the issuer&#146;s operating history, financial resources and its
sensitivity to economic conditions and trends, the market support for the facility financed by the issue, the perceived ability and integrity of the issuer&#146;s management and regulatory matters. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In addition, the market value of securities in lower rated categories is more volatile than that of higher quality securities, and the
markets in which such lower rated or unrated securities are traded are more limited than those in which higher rated securities are traded. The existence of limited markets may make it more difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations
for purposes of valuing its portfolio and calculating its net asset value. Moreover, the lack of a liquid trading market may restrict the availability of securities for the Fund to purchase and may also have the effect of limiting the ability of the
Fund to sell securities at their fair value in response to changes in the economy or the financial markets.&nbsp;Lower grade securities also present risks based on payment expectations. If an issuer calls the obligation for redemption (often a
feature of fixed income securities), the Fund may have to replace the security with a lower yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for investors. Also, as the principal value of nonconvertible bonds and preferred stocks moves inversely
with movements in interest rates, in the event of rising interest rates, the value of the securities held by the Fund may decline proportionately more than a portfolio consisting of higher rated securities. Investments in zero coupon bonds may be
more speculative and subject to greater fluctuations in value due to changes in interest rates than bonds that pay regular income streams. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">As part of its investment in non-investment grade securities, the Fund may invest in securities of issuers in default. The Fund will make an investment in securities of issuers in default only when the
Investment Adviser believes that such issuers will honor their obligations or emerge from bankruptcy protection under a plan pursuant to which the securities received by the Fund in exchange for its defaulted securities will have a value in excess
of the Fund&#146;s investment. By investing in securities of issuers in default, the Fund bears the risk that these issuers will not continue to honor their obligations or emerge from bankruptcy protection or that the value of the securities will
not otherwise appreciate. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In addition to using recognized rating agencies and other sources, the Investment Adviser also
performs its own analysis of issues in seeking investments that it believes to be underrated (and thus higher yielding) in light of the financial condition of the issuer. Its analysis of issuers may include, among other things, current and
anticipated cash flow and borrowing requirements, value of assets in relation to historical cost, strength of management, responsiveness to business conditions, credit standing, and current anticipated results of operations. In selecting investments
for the Fund, the Investment Adviser may also consider general business conditions, anticipated changes in interest rates, and the outlook for specific industries. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Subsequent to its purchase by the Fund, an issue of securities may cease to be rated or its rating may be reduced. In addition, it is possible that statistical rating agencies may change their ratings of
a particular issue to reflect subsequent events. Moreover, such ratings do not assess the risk of a decline in market value. None of these events will require the sale of the securities by the Fund, although the Investment Adviser will consider
these events in determining whether the Fund should continue to hold the securities. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The market for lower grade and
comparable unrated securities has experienced several periods of significantly adverse price and liquidity, particularly at or around times of economic recessions. Past market recessions have adversely affected the value of such securities as well
as the ability of certain issuers of such securities to repay principal and pay interest thereon or to refinance such securities. The market for those securities may react in a similar fashion in the future. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Futures Contracts and Options on Futures</I>. On behalf of the Fund, the Investment Adviser may, subject to the Fund&#146;s investment
restrictions and guidelines of the Board, purchase and sell financial futures contracts and options thereon which are traded on a commodities exchange or board of trade for certain hedging, yield enhancement and risk management purposes. These
futures contracts and related options may be on debt securities, financial indices, securities indices, United States government securities and foreign currencies. A financial futures contract is an agreement to purchase or sell an agreed amount of
securities or currencies at a set price for delivery in the future. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser has claimed an exclusion from the
definition of the term &#147;commodity pool operator&#148; under the Commodity Exchange Act and therefore is not subject to the registration requirements under the Commodity Exchange Act. Accordingly, the Fund&#146;s investments in derivative
instruments are not limited by or subject to regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act or otherwise regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. Nevertheless, the Fund&#146;s investment restrictions place certain limitations and
prohibitions on its ability to purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts. In addition, investment in futures contracts and related options generally will be limited by the rating agency guidelines applicable to any of the Fund&#146;s
outstanding preferred stock. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 17 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Forward Currency Exchange Contracts</I>. Subject to guidelines of the Board, the Fund may
enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts to protect the value of its portfolio against future changes in the level of currency exchange rates. The Fund may enter into such contracts on a &#147;spot&#148; (i.e., cash) basis at the rate
then prevailing in the currency exchange market or on a forward basis, by entering into a forward contract to purchase or sell currency. A forward contract on foreign currency is an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future
date, which may be any fixed number of days agreed upon by the parties from the date of the contract at a price set on the date of the contract. The Fund&#146;s dealings in forward contracts generally will be limited to hedging involving either
specific transactions or portfolio positions. The Fund does not have an independent limitation on its investments in foreign currency futures contracts and options on foreign currency futures contracts. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Repurchase Agreements</I>. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with banks and non-bank dealers of United States government
securities which are listed as reporting dealers of the Federal Reserve Bank and which furnish collateral at least equal in value or market price to the amount of their repurchase obligation. In a repurchase agreement, the Fund purchases a debt
security from a seller who undertakes to repurchase the security at a specified resale price on an agreed future date. Repurchase agreements are generally for one business day and generally will not have a duration of longer than one week. The SEC
has taken the position that, in economic reality, a repurchase agreement is a loan by a fund to the other party to the transaction secured by securities transferred to the fund. The resale price generally exceeds the purchase price by an amount
which reflects an agreed upon market interest rate for the term of the repurchase agreement. The Fund&#146;s risk is primarily that, if the seller defaults, the proceeds from the disposition of the underlying securities and other collateral for the
seller&#146;s obligation may be less than the repurchase price. If the seller becomes insolvent, the Fund might be delayed in or prevented from selling the collateral. In the event of a default or bankruptcy by a seller, the Fund will promptly seek
to liquidate the collateral. To the extent that the proceeds from any sale of the collateral upon a default in the obligation to repurchase is less than the repurchase price, the Fund will experience a loss. If the financial institution that is a
party to the repurchase agreement petitions for bankruptcy or becomes subject to the United States Bankruptcy Code, the law regarding the rights of the Fund is unsettled. As a result, under extreme circumstances, there may be a restriction on the
Fund&#146;s ability to sell the collateral and the Fund could suffer a loss. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Loans of Portfolio Securities</I>. To
increase income, the Fund may lend its portfolio securities to securities broker-dealers or financial institutions if (i)&nbsp;the loan is collateralized in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and (ii)&nbsp;no loan will cause the
value of all loaned securities to exceed 20% of the value of its total assets. If the borrower fails to maintain the requisite amount of collateral, the loan automatically terminates and the Fund could use the collateral to replace the securities
while holding the borrower liable for any excess of replacement cost over the value of the collateral. As with any extension of credit, there are risks of delay in recovery and in some cases even loss of rights in collateral should the borrower of
the securities fail financially. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">While these loans of portfolio securities will be made in accordance with guidelines
approved by the Fund&#146;s Board, there can be no assurance that borrowers will not fail financially. On termination of the loan, the borrower is required to return the securities to the Fund, and any gain or loss in the market price during the
loan would inure to the Fund. If the counterparty to the loan petitions for bankruptcy or becomes subject to the United States Bankruptcy Code, the law regarding the Fund&#146;s rights is unsettled. As a result, under these circumstances, there may
be a restriction on the Fund&#146;s ability to sell the collateral and it would suffer a loss. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Borrowing</I>. The Fund may
borrow money in accordance with its investment restrictions, including as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes. It may not borrow for investment purposes. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Leveraging</I>. As provided in the 1940 Act, and subject to compliance with the Fund&#146;s investment limitations, the Fund may issue
senior securities representing stock, such as preferred stock, so long as immediately following such issuance of stock, its total assets exceed 200% of the amount of such stock. The use of leverage magnifies the impact of changes in net asset value.
For example, a fund that uses 33% leverage will show a 1.5% increase or decline in net asset value for each 1% increase or decline in the value of its total assets. In addition, if the cost of leverage exceeds the return on the securities acquired
with the proceeds of leverage, the use of leverage will diminish, rather than enhance, the return to the Fund. The use of leverage generally increases the volatility of returns to the Fund. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Further information on the investment objectives and policies of the Fund is set forth in the SAI. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 18 -
</FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Investment Restrictions</I>. The Fund has adopted certain investment restrictions as
fundamental policies of the Fund. Under the 1940 Act, a fundamental policy may not be changed without the vote of a majority, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (voting together as a single class). In
addition, pursuant to the Fund&#146;s Articles Supplementary of each series of preferred stock, a majority, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding preferred stock of the Fund (voting separately as a single class) is also required to change a
fundamental policy, as defined in the 1940 Act. The Fund&#146;s investment restrictions are more fully discussed under &#147;Investment Restrictions&#148; in the SAI. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B><B></B><I>Portfolio Turnover</I><B></B>. The Fund does not engage in the trading of securities for the purpose of realizing short-term profits, but adjusts its portfolio as it deems advisable in
view of prevailing or anticipated market conditions to accomplish its investment objectives. A high rate of portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater brokerage commission expenses than a lower rate, and such expenses must be borne by the
Fund and its shareholders. High portfolio turnover may also result in the realization of substantial net short-term capital gains and any distributions resulting from such gains will be taxable at ordinary income rates for United States federal
income tax purposes. The Fund&#146;s portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal years ended December&nbsp;31, 2011 and 2010 were 6.3% and 5.5%, respectively. The portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of sales or purchases of
portfolio securities by the average monthly value of a fund&#146;s portfolio securities. For purposes of this calculation, portfolio securities exclude purchases and sales of debt securities having a maturity at the date of purchase of one year or
less.<B> </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_7"></A>RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Investors should consider the following risk factors and special considerations associated with investing in the Fund: </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Leverage Risk </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund
uses financial leverage for investment purposes by issuing preferred stock. As of March&nbsp;31, 2012, the amount of leverage represented approximately 22% of the Fund&#146;s net assets. The Series&nbsp;C Auction Rate Preferred, Series&nbsp;D
Preferred, Series&nbsp;E Auction Rate Preferred, and Series F Preferred have the same seniority with respect to distributions and liquidation preference. Preferred stock has seniority over common stock. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund&#146;s use of leverage, which can be described as exposure to changes in price at a ratio greater than the amount of equity
invested, either through the issuance of preferred stock or other forms of market exposure, magnifies both the favorable and unfavorable effects of price movements in the investments made by the Fund. The Fund&#146;s leveraged capital structure
creates special risks not associated with unleveraged funds having similar investment objectives and policies. The Fund cannot assure that the issuance of preferred stock will result in a higher yield or return to the holders of the common stock.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Preferred Stock Risk</B>. The issuance of preferred stock causes the net asset value and market value of the common stock to become more volatile.
If the dividend rate on the preferred stock approaches the net rate of return on the Fund&#146;s investment portfolio, the benefit of leverage to the holders of the common stock would be reduced. If the dividend rate on the preferred stock plus the
management fee annual rate of 1.00% (as applicable) exceeds the net rate of return on the Fund&#146;s portfolio, the leverage will result in a lower rate of return to the holders of common stock than if the Fund had not issued preferred stock.
</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:8%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Any decline in the net asset value of the Fund&#146;s investments would be borne entirely by the holders of
common stock. Therefore, if the market value of the Fund&#146;s portfolio declines, the leverage will result in a greater decrease in net asset value to the holders of common stock than if the Fund were not leveraged. This greater net asset value
decrease will also tend to cause a greater decline in the market price for the common stock. The Fund might be in danger of failing to maintain the required asset coverage of the preferred stock or of losing its ratings on the preferred stock or, in
an extreme case, the Fund&#146;s current investment income might not be sufficient to meet the dividend requirements on the preferred stock. In order to counteract such an event, the Fund might need to liquidate investments in order to fund a
redemption of some or all of the preferred stock. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:8%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In addition, the Fund would pay (and the holders of common stock will bear)
all costs and expenses relating to the issuance and ongoing maintenance of the preferred shares, including the advisory fees on the incremental assets attributable to such shares. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:8%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Holders of preferred stock may have different interests than holders of common stock and may at times have disproportionate influence over
the Fund&#146;s affairs. Holders of preferred stock, voting separately as a single class, would have the right to elect two members of the Board at all times and in the event dividends become two full years in arrears would have the right to elect a
majority of the Directors until such arrearage is completely eliminated. In addition, preferred shareholders have class voting rights on certain matters, including changes in fundamental investment restrictions and conversion of the fund to open-end
status, and accordingly can veto any such changes. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 19 -
</FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:8%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Restrictions imposed on the declarations and payment of dividends or other distributions to
the holders of the Fund&#146;s common stock and preferred stock, both by the 1940 Act and by requirements imposed by rating agencies, might impair the Fund&#146;s ability to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company for federal
income tax purposes. While the Fund intends to redeem its preferred stock to the extent necessary to enable the Fund to distribute its income as required to maintain its qualification as a regulated investment company under the Code, there can be no
assurance that such actions can be effected in time to meet the Code requirements. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Portfolio Guidelines of Rating Agencies for Preferred Stock and/or Credit Facility</B>. In order to obtain and maintain attractive credit quality
ratings for preferred stock, the Fund must comply with investment quality, diversification and other guidelines established by the relevant rating agencies. These guidelines could affect portfolio decisions and may be more stringent than those
imposed by the 1940 Act. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Impact on Common Stock</B><I>. </I>The following table is furnished in response to requirements of the SEC. It is designed to illustrate the effect
of leverage on common stock total return, assuming investment portfolio total returns (comprised of net investment income of the Fund, realized gains or losses of the Fund and changes in the value of the securities held in the Fund&#146;s portfolio)
of -10%, -5%, 0%, 5% and 10%. These assumed investment portfolio returns are hypothetical figures and are not necessarily indicative of the investment portfolio returns experienced or expected to be experienced by the Fund. See &#147;Risks.&#148;
The table further reflects leverage representing 22% of the Fund&#146;s net assets, the Fund&#146;s current projected blended annual average leverage dividend or interest rate of 4.15%, a management fee at an annual rate of 1.00% of the liquidation
preference of any outstanding preferred shares and estimated annual incremental expenses attributable to any outstanding preferred shares of 0.01% of the Fund&#146;s net assets attributable to common shares. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="78%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Assumed Portfolio Total Return (Net of Expenses)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(10</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(5</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">10</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Common Stock Total Return</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(14.28</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(7.87</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1.46</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">)%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">4.95</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">11.37</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:8%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Common stock total return is composed of two elements &#151; the common share distributions paid by the
Fund (the amount of which is largely determined by the taxable income of the Fund (including realized gains or losses) after paying interest on any debt and/or dividends on any preferred shares) and unrealized gains or losses on the value of the
securities the Fund owns. As required by SEC rules, the table assumes that the Fund is more likely to suffer capital losses than to enjoy total return. For example, to assume a total return of 0% the Fund must assume that the income it receives on
its investments is entirely offset by expenses and losses in the value of those investments. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Special Risks to Holders of Fixed Rate
Preferred Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Illiquidity Prior to Exchange Listing. </I>Prior to the offering, there will be no public market for
any additional series of Fixed Rate Preferred Stock. In the event any additional series of Fixed Rate Preferred Stock are issued, prior application will have been made to list such shares on a national securities exchange, which will likely be the
NYSE. However, during an initial period, which is not expected to exceed 30&nbsp;days after the date of its initial issuance, such shares may not be listed on any securities exchange. During such period, the underwriters may make a market in such
shares, though, they will have no obligation to do so. Consequently, an investment in such shares may be illiquid during such period. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Market Price Fluctuation</I>. Shares of Fixed Rate Preferred Stock may trade at a premium to or discount from liquidation value for various reasons, including changes in interest rates. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Special Risks for Holders of Auction Rate Preferred Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Auction Risk. </I>Sine February 2008, the auctions for the Auction Rate Preferred Stock have failed and have continued to fail. Failing means that more Auction Rate Preferred Stock is offered for sale
than there are buyers for those shares. During this period while auctions have continued to fail, holders of the Fund&#146;s Auction Rate Preferred Stock who wanted to sell their shares at par through the auction process have been unable to do so.
Holders have continued to receive dividends on their Auction Rate Preferred Stock at a maximum rate determined by reference to short term rates, rather than at a price set by auction. At present the maximum rate is equal to 150% of the
&#147;AA&#148; Financial Composite Commercial Paper Rate, determined on each calculation date. For the fiscal quarter ended March&nbsp;31, 2012, the dividend rates for the Series C Auction </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 20 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">
Rate Preferred and the Series E Auction Rate Preferred ranged from 0.030% to 0.180% and 0.030% to 0.150%, respectively. A failed auction is not a default and the Fund has no obligation under its
Charter to redeem its Auction Rate Preferred Stock because the auctions continue to fail. The Fund cannot estimate when or if auction markets for the Auction Rate Preferred Stock will resume functioning. There appears to be a secondary market in
certain auction market preferred issues, although the Fund is not aware whether there is or will be an active trading market for the Fund&#146;s shares. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If the auctions were to resume, which management does not consider to be likely, other risks would apply. For example, if you place an order (a hold order) at an auction to retain Auction Rate Preferred
Stock only at a specified rate that exceeds the rate set at the auction, you will not retain your Auction Rate Preferred Stock. Additionally, if you place a hold order without specifying a rate below which you would not wish to continue to hold your
shares and the auction sets a below-market rate, you will receive a lower rate of return on your shares than the market rate. Finally, the dividend period may be changed, subject to certain conditions and with notice to the holders of the Auction
Rate Preferred Stock, which could also affect the liquidity of your investment. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Secondary Market Risk.</I> If you try to
sell your Auction Rate Preferred Stock between auctions, you may not be able to sell them for their liquidation preference per share or such amount per share plus accumulated dividends. If the Fund has designated a special dividend period of more
than seven days, changes in interest rates could affect the price you would receive if you sold your shares in the secondary market. Broker-dealers that maintain a secondary trading market for the Auction Rate Preferred Stock are not required to
maintain this market and the Fund is not required to redeem Auction Rate Preferred Stock if either an auction or an attempted secondary market sale fails because of a lack of buyers. The Auction Rate Preferred Stock will not be registered on a stock
exchange. If you sell your Auction Rate Preferred Stock to a broker-dealer or other party between auctions, you may receive less than the price you paid for them. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Common Stock Distribution Policy Risk </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund has adopted a policy, which
may be changed at any time by the Board, of paying a minimum annual distribution of 10% of the average net asset value of the Fund to common shareholders. In the event the Fund does not generate a total return from dividends and interest received
and net realized capital gains in an amount equal to or in excess of its stated distribution in a given year, the Fund may return capital as part of such distribution, which may have the effect of decreasing the asset coverage per share with respect
to the Fund&#146;s preferred stock. Any return of capital should not be considered by investors as yield or total return on their investment in the Fund. For the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2011, the Fund made distributions of $0.57 per
share of common stock, of which approximately $0.55 per share was deemed a return of capital. The total 2011 distributions of $0.57 per share of common stock consisted of $0.57 per share in the form of cash distributions. The Fund has made quarterly
distributions with respect to its common stock since 1987. A portion of the distributions to common shareholders during fourteen of the twenty-five fiscal years since the Fund&#146;s inception has constituted a return of capital. The composition of
each distribution is estimated based on the earnings of the Fund as of the record date for each distribution. The actual composition of each of the current year&#146;s distributions will be based on the Fund&#146;s investment activity through the
end of the calendar year. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Value Investing Risk </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund invests in dividend-paying common and preferred stocks that the Investment Adviser believes are undervalued or inexpensive relative to other investments. These types of securities may present
risks in addition to the general risks associated with investing in common and preferred stocks. These securities generally are selected on the basis of an issuer&#146;s fundamentals relative to current market price. Such securities are subject to
the risk of mis-estimation of certain fundamental factors. In addition, during certain time periods market dynamics may strongly favor &#147;growth&#148; stocks of issuers that do not display strong fundamentals relative to market price based upon
positive price momentum and other factors. Disciplined adherence to a &#147;value&#148; investment mandate during such periods can result in significant underperformance relative to overall market indices and other managed investment vehicles that
pursue growth style investments and/or flexible equity style mandates. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 21 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Non-Diversified Status </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund is classified as a &#147;non-diversified&#148; investment company under the 1940 Act, which means it is not limited by the 1940 Act in the proportion of its assets that may be invested in the
securities of a single issuer. As a non-diversified investment company, the Fund may invest in the securities of individual issuers to a greater degree than a diversified investment company. As a result, the Fund may be more vulnerable to events
affecting a single issuer and therefore subject to greater volatility than a fund that is more broadly diversified. Accordingly, an investment in the Fund may present greater risk to an investor than an investment in a diversified company. To
qualify as a &#147;regulated investment company,&#148; or &#147;RIC,&#148; for purposes of the Code, the Fund has in the past conducted and intends to conduct its operations in a manner that will relieve it of any liability for federal income tax to
the extent its earnings are distributed to shareholders. To so qualify as a &#147;regulated investment company,&#148; among other requirements, the Fund will limit its investments so that, at the close of each quarter of the taxable year:
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">not more than 25% of the market value of its total assets will be invested in the securities (other than United States government securities or the
securities of other RICs) of a single issuer, any two or more issuers in which the fund owns 20% or more of the voting securities and which are determined to be engaged in the same, similar or related trades or businesses or in the securities of one
or more qualified publicly traded partnerships (as defined in the Code); and </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">at least 50% of the market value of the Fund&#146;s assets will be represented by cash, securities of other regulated investment companies, United
States government securities and other securities, with such other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of its assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer.
</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Market Value and Net Asset Value </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company. Shares of closed-end funds are bought and sold in the securities markets and may trade at either a premium to or discount from net
asset value. Listed shares of closed-end investment companies often trade at discounts from net asset value. This characteristic of shares of a closed-end fund is a risk separate and distinct from the risk that its net asset value may decrease. The
Fund cannot predict whether its listed stock will trade at, below or above net asset value. Since inception, the Fund&#146;s shares of common stock have traded at both premiums to and discounts from net asset value. As of March&nbsp;31, 2012, the
shares closed at a premium of 1.05%. Shareholders desiring liquidity may, subject to applicable securities laws, trade their Fund shares on the NYSE or other markets on which such shares may trade at the then-current market value, which may differ
from the then-current net asset value. Shareholders will incur brokerage or other transaction costs to sell stock. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Industry Concentration
Risk </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in securities of a single industry. Should the Fund choose to do
so, the net asset value of the Fund will be more susceptible to factors affecting those particular types of companies, which, depending on the particular industry, may include, among others: governmental regulation; inflation; cost increases in raw
materials, fuel and other operating expenses; technological innovations that may render existing products and equipment obsolete; and increasing interest rates resulting in high interest costs on borrowings needed for capital investment, including
costs associated with compliance with environmental and other regulations. In such circumstances, the Fund&#146;s investments may be subject to greater risk and market fluctuation than a fund that had securities representing a broader range of
industries. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Special Risks Related to Preferred Securities </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">There are special risks associated with the Fund&#146;s investing in preferred securities, including: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Deferral. </I>Preferred securities may include provisions that permit the issuer, at its discretion, to defer dividends or distributions for a
stated period without any adverse consequences to the issuer. If the Fund owns a preferred security that is deferring its dividends or distributions, the Fund may be required to report income for tax purposes although it has not yet received such
income. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Non-Cumulative Dividends. </I>Some preferred securities are non-cumulative, meaning that the dividends do not accumulate and need not ever be paid.
A portion of the portfolio may include investments in non-cumulative preferred securities, whereby the issuer does not have an obligation to make up any arrearages to its shareholders. Should an issuer of a non-cumulative preferred security held by
the Fund determine not to pay dividends or distributions on such security, the Fund&#146;s return from that security may be adversely affected. There is no assurance that dividends or distributions on non-cumulative preferred securities in which the
Fund invests will be declared or otherwise made payable. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Subordination</I>. Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in an issuer&#146;s capital structure in terms of
priority to corporate income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than more senior debt security instruments. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Liquidity. </I>Preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as common stocks or U.S. government
securities. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 22 -
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<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Limited Voting Rights. </I>Generally, preferred security holders (such as the Fund) 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 be entitled to elect a number of directors to the issuer&#146;s board. Generally, once all the arrearages have been paid,
the preferred security holders no longer have voting rights. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Special Redemption Rights. </I>In certain varying circumstances, an issuer of preferred securities may redeem the securities prior to a specified
date. For instance, for certain types of preferred securities, a redemption may be triggered by a change in federal income tax or securities laws. A redemption by the issuer may negatively impact the return of the security held by the Fund.
</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Market Disruption Risk </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Certain events have a disruptive effect on the securities markets, such as terrorist attacks, war and other geopolitical events. The Fund cannot predict the effects of similar events in the future on the
U.S. economy. Lower rated securities and securities of issuers with smaller market capitalizations tend to be more volatile than higher rated securities and securities of issuers with larger market capitalizations so that these events and any
actions resulting from them may have a greater impact on the prices and volatility of lower rated securities and securities of issuers with smaller market capitalizations than on higher rated securities and securities of issuers with larger market
capitalizations. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Interest Rate Transactions </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund may enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions in relation to all or a portion of its Auction Rate Preferred Stock in order to manage the impact on its portfolio of changes in the dividend
rate of such stock. Through these transactions the Fund may, for example, obtain the equivalent of a fixed rate for such Auction Rate Preferred Stock that is lower than the Fund would have to pay if it issued Fixed Rate Preferred Stock. The use of
interest rate swaps and caps is a highly specialized activity that involves certain risks to the Fund including, among others, counterparty risk and early termination risk. See &#147;How the Fund Manages Risk&#151;Interest Rate Transactions.&#148;
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Foreign Securities </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in securities of foreign issuers, determined at the time of purchase. 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 United States
companies. Foreign securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies may be subject to less government supervision and regulation than exists in the United States. Dividend and interest income may be subject to withholding and other foreign taxes,
which may adversely affect the net return on such investments. There may be difficulty in obtaining or enforcing a court judgment abroad. In addition, it may be difficult to effect repatriation of capital invested in certain countries. Also, with
respect to certain countries, there are risks of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, political or social instability or diplomatic developments that could affect assets of the Fund held in foreign countries. Dividend income that the Fund receives
from foreign securities may not be eligible for the special tax treatment applicable to qualified dividend income. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">There may
be less publicly available information about a foreign company than a United States company. Foreign securities markets may have substantially less volume than United States securities markets and some foreign company securities are less liquid than
securities of otherwise comparable United States companies. A portfolio of foreign securities may also be adversely affected by fluctuations in the rates of exchange between the currencies of different nations and by exchange control regulations.
Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures that could cause the Fund to encounter difficulties in purchasing and selling securities on such markets and may result in the Fund missing attractive investment opportunities
or experiencing loss. In addition, a portfolio that includes foreign securities can expect to have a higher expense ratio because of the increased transaction costs on non-United States securities markets and the increased costs of maintaining the
custody of foreign securities. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund also may purchase sponsored American Depositary Receipts (&#147;ADRs&#148;) or United
States dollar denominated securities of foreign issuers. 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.
</FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 23 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Emerging Markets </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in foreign securities, including securities of issuers whose primary operations or principal trading market is in an &#147;emerging market.&#148; An
&#147;emerging market&#148; country is any country that is considered to be an emerging or developing country by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (the &#147;World Bank&#148;). Investing in securities of companies in emerging
markets may entail special risks relating to potential political and economic instability and the risks of expropriation, nationalization, confiscation or the imposition of restrictions on foreign investment, the lack of hedging instruments and
restrictions on repatriation of capital invested. Emerging securities markets are substantially smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities markets. The limited size of emerging securities markets and limited
trading value compared to the volume of trading in U.S. securities could cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors that affect the quality of the securities. For example, limited market size may cause prices to be unduly influenced
by traders who control large positions. Adverse publicity and investors&#146; perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis, may decrease the value and liquidity of portfolio securities, especially in these markets. Other risks include
high concentration of market capitalization and trading volume in a small number of issuers representing a limited number of industries, as well as a high concentration of investors and financial intermediaries; overdependence on exports, including
gold and natural resources exports, making these economies vulnerable to changes in commodity prices; overburdened infrastructure and obsolete or unseasoned financial systems; environmental problems; less developed legal systems; and less reliable
securities custodial services and settlement practices. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Smaller Companies </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund may invest in smaller companies that may benefit from the development of new products and services. These smaller companies may
present greater opportunities for capital appreciation, and may also involve greater investment risk than larger, more established companies. For example, smaller companies may have more limited product lines, market or financial resources and their
securities may trade less frequently and in lower volume than the securities of larger, more established companies. As a result, the prices of the securities of such smaller companies may fluctuate to a greater degree than the prices of securities
of other issuers. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Investment Companies </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies to the extent permitted by law. To the extent the Fund invests in the common equity of investment companies, the Fund will bear its
ratable share of any such investment company&#146;s expenses, including management fees. The Fund will also remain obligated to pay management fees to the Investment Adviser with respect to the assets invested in the securities of other investment
companies. In these circumstances holders of the Fund&#146;s common stock will be subject to duplicative investment expenses. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Non-Investment Grade Securities </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in fixed income securities rated below investment grade by recognized statistical rating agencies or unrated securities of comparable quality. These
securities, which may be preferred stock or debt, are predominantly speculative and involve major risk exposure to adverse conditions. Debt securities that are not rated or that are rated lower than &#147;BBB&#148; by S&amp;P or lower than
&#147;Baa&#148; by Moody&#146;s are referred to in the financial press as &#147;junk bonds.&#148; Such securities are subject to greater risks than investment grade securities, which reflect their speculative character, including the following:
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">greater volatility; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">greater credit risk; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">potentially greater sensitivity to general economic or industry conditions; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">potential lack of attractive resale opportunities (illiquidity); and </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">additional expenses to seek recovery from issuers who default. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Fixed income securities purchased by the Fund may be rated as low as C by Moody&#146;s or D by S&amp;P or may be unrated securities
considered to be of equivalent quality. Securities that are rated C by Moody&#146;s are the lowest rated class and can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever obtaining investment-grade standing. Debt rated D by S&amp;P is in default
or is expected to default upon maturity of payment date. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 24 -
</FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The market value of lower rated securities may be more volatile than the market value of
higher rated securities and generally tends to reflect the market&#146;s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and short-term market developments to a greater extent than more highly rated securities, which primarily reflect fluctuations
in general levels of interest rates. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Ratings are relative and subjective, and are not absolute standards of quality.
Securities ratings are based largely on the issuer&#146;s historical financial condition and the rating agencies&#146; analysis at the time of rating. Consequently, the rating assigned to any particular security is not necessarily a reflection of
the issuer&#146;s current financial condition. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">As part of its investment in lower grade securities, the Fund may invest in
securities of issuers in default. The Fund will make an investment in securities of issuers in default only when the Investment Adviser believes that such issuers will honor their obligations or emerge from bankruptcy protection under a plan
pursuant to which the securities received by the Fund in exchange for its defaulted securities will have a value in excess of the Fund&#146;s investment. By investing in securities of issuers in default, the Fund bears the risk that these issuers
will not continue to honor their obligations or emerge from bankruptcy protection or that the value of the securities will not otherwise appreciate. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Special Risks of Derivative Transactions </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Participation in the options or
futures markets and in currency exchange transactions involves investment risks and transaction costs to which the Fund would not be subject absent the use of these strategies. If the Investment Adviser&#146;s prediction of movements in the
direction of the securities, foreign currency and interest rate markets are inaccurate, the consequences to the Fund may leave it in a worse position than if such strategies were not used. Risks inherent in the use of options, foreign currency,
futures contracts and options on futures contracts, securities indices and foreign currencies include: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">dependence on the Investment Adviser&#146;s ability to predict correctly movements in the direction of interest rates, securities prices and currency
markets; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">imperfect correlation between the price of options and futures contracts and options thereon and movements in the prices of the securities or
currencies being hedged; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the fact that skills needed to use these strategies are different from those needed to select portfolio securities; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the possible absence of a liquid secondary market for any particular instrument at any time; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the possible need to defer closing out certain hedged positions to avoid adverse tax consequences; and </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">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 &#147;cover&#148; or to segregate securities in connection with the hedging techniques. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Futures Transactions </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Futures and options on futures entail certain risks, including but not limited to the following: </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">no assurance that futures contracts or options on futures can be offset at favorable prices; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">possible reduction of the yield of the Fund due to the use of hedging; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">possible reduction in value of both the securities hedged and the hedging instrument; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">possible lack of liquidity due to daily limits or price fluctuations; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">imperfect correlation between the contracts and the securities being hedged; and </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">losses from investing in futures transactions that are potentially unlimited and the segregation requirements for such transactions.
</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">For a further description, see &#147;Investment Objectives and Policies&#151;Investment Practices&#148; in
the SAI. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Forward Currency Exchange Contracts </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The use of forward currency exchange contracts may involve certain risks, including the failure of the counterparty to perform its obligations under the contract and that the use of forward contracts may
not serve as a complete hedge because of an imperfect correlation between movements in the prices of the contracts and the prices of the currencies hedged or used for cover. For a further description of such investments, see &#147;Investment
Objectives and Policies&#151;Investment Practices&#148; in the SAI. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 25 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Counterparty Risk </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to the derivative contracts purchased by the Fund. If a counterparty becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its
obligations under a derivative contract due to financial difficulties, the Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivative contract in bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Fund may obtain only a
limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Loans of Portfolio Securities</B>. Consistent with applicable regulatory
requirements and the Fund&#146;s investment restrictions, the Fund may lend its portfolio securities to securities broker-dealers or financial institutions, provided that such loans are callable at any time by the Fund (subject to notice provisions
described in the SAI) and are at all times secured by cash or cash equivalents, which are maintained in a segregated account pursuant to applicable regulations and that are at least equal to the market value, determined daily, of the loaned
securities. The advantage of such loans is that the Fund continues to receive the income on the loaned securities while at the same time earning interest on the cash amounts deposited as collateral, which will be invested in short-term obligations.
The Fund will not lend its portfolio securities if such loans are not permitted by the laws or regulations of any state in which its shares are qualified for sale. The Fund&#146;s loans of portfolio securities will be collateralized in accordance
with applicable regulatory requirements. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">For a further description of such loans of portfolio securities, see
&#147;Investment Objectives and Policies&#151;Certain Investment Practices&#151;Loans of Portfolio Securities.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Management Risk
</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. The Investment 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. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Dependence on Key Personnel </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Mario J. Gabelli serves as the Fund&#146;s
portfolio manager. The Investment Adviser is dependent upon the expertise of Mr.&nbsp;Mario J. Gabelli in providing advisory services with respect to the Fund&#146;s investments. If the Investment Adviser were to lose the services of
Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli, its ability to service the Fund could be adversely affected. There can be no assurance that a suitable replacement could be found for Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli in the event of his death, resignation, retirement or inability to act on behalf
of the Investment Adviser. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Anti-Takeover Provisions of the Fund&#146;s Governing Documents </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund&#146;s 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. See &#147;Anti-Takeover Provisions of the Fund&#146;s Governing Documents.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Status as a
Regulated Investment Company </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund has qualified, and intends to remain qualified, for federal income tax purposes as a
regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. Qualification requires, among other things, compliance by the Fund with certain distribution requirements. Statutory limitations on distributions on the common stock if the Fund fails to
satisfy the 1940 Act&#146;s asset coverage requirements could jeopardize the Fund&#146;s ability to meet such distribution requirements. The Fund presently intends, however, to purchase or redeem preferred stock to the extent necessary in order to
maintain compliance with such asset coverage requirements. See &#147;Taxation&#148; for a more complete discussion of these and other federal income tax considerations. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Temporary Investments </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">During temporary defensive periods and during
inopportune periods to be fully invested, the Fund may invest in U.S. government securities and in money market mutual funds that invest in those securities. Obligations of certain agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. government, such as the
Government National Mortgage Association, are supported by the &#147;full faith and credit&#148; of the U.S. government; others, such as those of the Export-Import Bank of the United States, are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from
the U.S. Treasury; others, such as those of the Federal National Mortgage Association, are supported by the discretionary authority of the U.S. government to purchase the agency&#146;s obligations; and still others, such as those of the Student Loan
Marketing Association, are supported only by the credit of the instrumentality. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government would provide financial support to U.S. government-sponsored instrumentalities if it is not obligated to do so by law.
</FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 26 -
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_8"></A>HOW THE FUND MANAGES RISK </B> </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Investment Restrictions </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund has adopted certain investment limitations, some of which are fundamental policies of the Fund, designed to limit investment risk
and maintain portfolio diversification. Under the 1940 Act, a fundamental policy may not be changed without the vote of a majority, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (voting together as a single class). In
addition, pursuant to the Articles Supplementary of each of the series of preferred stock, a majority, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding shares of preferred stock of the Fund (voting separately as a single class) is also required to
change a fundamental policy. The Fund may become subject to guidelines that are more limiting than its current investment restrictions in order to obtain and maintain ratings from Moody&#146;s and S&amp;P on its preferred stock. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Interest Rate Transactions </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund may enter into interest rate swap or cap transactions in relation to all or a portion of its Auction Rate Preferred Stock in order to manage the impact on its portfolio of changes in the dividend
rate of such stock. Through these transactions, the Fund may, for example, obtain the equivalent of a fixed rate for such Auction Rate Preferred Stock that is lower than the Fund would have to pay if it issued Fixed Rate Preferred Stock. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The use of interest rate swaps and caps is a highly specialized activity that involves investment techniques and risks different from
those associated with ordinary portfolio security transactions. In an interest rate swap, the Fund would agree to pay to the other party to the interest rate swap (which is known as the &#147;counterparty&#148;) periodically a fixed rate payment in
exchange for the counterparty agreeing to pay to the Fund periodically a variable rate payment that is intended to approximate the Fund&#146;s variable rate payment obligation on its Auction Rate Preferred Stock. In an interest rate cap, the Fund
would pay a premium to the counterparty to the interest rate cap and, to the extent that a specified variable rate index exceeds a predetermined fixed rate, would receive from the counterparty payments of the difference based on the notional amount
of such cap. Interest rate swap and cap transactions introduce additional risk because the Fund would remain obligated to pay preferred stock dividends or distributions when due in accordance with the Articles Supplementary of the relevant series of
the Auction Rate Preferred Stock even if the counterparty defaulted. Depending on the general state of short-term interest rates and the returns on the Fund&#146;s portfolio securities at that point in time, such a default could negatively affect
the Fund&#146;s ability to make dividend or distribution payments on the Auction Rate Preferred Stock. In addition, at the time an interest rate swap or cap transaction reaches its scheduled termination date, there is a risk that the Fund will not
be able to obtain a replacement transaction or that the terms of the replacement will not be as favorable as on the expiring transaction. If this occurs, it could have a negative impact on the Fund&#146;s ability to make dividend or distribution
payments on the Auction Rate Preferred Stock. To the extent there is a decline in interest rates, the value of the interest rate swap or cap could decline, resulting in a decline in the asset coverage for the Auction Rate Preferred Stock. A sudden
and dramatic decline in interest rates may result in a significant decline in the asset coverage. Under the Articles Supplementary for each series of the preferred stock, if the Fund fails to maintain the required asset coverage on the outstanding
preferred stock or fails to comply with other covenants, the Fund may be required to redeem some or all of these shares. The Fund generally may redeem any series of Auction Rate Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at its option at any time
(usually on a dividend or distribution payment date), other than during a non-call period. Such redemption would likely result in the Fund seeking to terminate early all or a portion of any swap or cap transactions. Early termination of a swap could
result in a termination payment by the Fund to the counterparty, while early termination of a cap could result in a termination payment to the Fund. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund will usually enter into swaps or caps on a net basis; that is, the two payment streams will be netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates specified in the instrument, with the
Fund receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two payments. The Fund intends to segregate cash or liquid securities having a value at least equal to the value of the Fund&#146;s net payment obligations under any swap
transaction, marked to market daily. The Fund will monitor any such swap with a view to ensuring that the Fund remains in compliance with all applicable regulatory investment policy and tax requirements. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 27 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_9"></A>MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>General </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Board (who,
with its officers, are described in the SAI) has overall responsibility for the management of the Fund. The Board decides upon matters of general policy and reviews the actions of the Investment Adviser. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>The Investment Adviser </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser is a New York limited liability company which serves as an investment adviser to sixteen open-end and ten
closed-end registered management investment companies and a Luxembourg SICAV with combined aggregate net assets in excess of $20.0 billion as of December&nbsp;31, 2011. The Investment Adviser is a registered investment adviser under the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Mr.&nbsp;Mario&nbsp;J. Gabelli may be deemed a &#147;controlling person&#148; of the Investment Adviser on the basis of his controlling interest in GBL, the parent company of the Investment Adviser. The Investment
Adviser has several affiliates that provide investment advisory services: GAMCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of GBL, acts as investment adviser for individuals, pension trusts, profit-sharing trusts and endowments, and as sub-adviser to certain third
party investment funds, which include registered investment companies, and had assets under management of approximately of $13.5 billion as of December&nbsp;31, 2011; Teton Advisors, Inc. (formerly Gabelli Advisers, Inc.), an affiliate of the
Investment Adviser with assets under management of approximately $846 million as of December&nbsp;31, 2011, acts as investment adviser to The GAMCO Westwood Funds; Gabelli Securities, Inc., a majority owned subsidiary of GBL, acts as investment
adviser to certain alternative investment products, consisting primarily of risk arbitrage and merchant banking limited partnerships and offshore companies, with assets under management of approximately $600 million as of December&nbsp;31, 2011; and
Gabelli Fixed Income LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of GBL, acts as investment adviser for separate accounts having assets under management of approximately $26 million as of December&nbsp;31, 2011. Teton Advisors, Inc. was spun off by GBL
in March 2009 and is an affiliate of GBL by virtue of Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli&#146;s ownership of GGCP, Inc., the principal shareholder of Teton Advisors, Inc. as of December&nbsp;31, 2011. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc., a New York corporation whose Class&nbsp;A Common Stock is
traded on the NYSE under the symbol &#147;GBL.&#148; Mr.&nbsp;Mario J. Gabelli may be deemed a &#147;controlling person&#148; of the Investment Adviser on the basis of his ownership of a majority of the stock of GGCP, Inc., which owns a majority of
the capital stock of GAMCO Investors, Inc. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser has sole investment discretion for the Fund&#146;s assets
under the supervision of the Fund&#146;s Board and in accordance with the Fund&#146;s stated policies. The Investment Adviser will select investments for the Fund and will place purchase and sale orders on behalf of the Fund. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser is obligated to pay expenses associated with providing the services contemplated by the Fund&#146;s investment
advisory agreement (the &#147;Advisory Agreement&#148;), including compensation of and office space for its officers and employees connected with investment and economic research, trading and investment management and administration of the Fund (but
excluding costs associated with the calculation of the net asset value and allocated costs of the chief compliance officer function and officers of the Fund that are employed by the Fund and are not employed by the Investment Adviser), and the fees
of all Directors of the Fund who are affiliated with the Investment Adviser. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In addition to the fees of the Investment
Adviser, the Fund is responsible for the payment of all other expenses incurred in the operation of the Fund, which include, among other things, offering expenses, expenses for legal and Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm services, rating
agency fees, costs of printing proxies, stock certificates and shareholder reports, charges of the custodian, any subcustodian, auction agent, transfer agent(s) and dividend disbursing agent expenses in connection with its respective automatic
dividend reinvestment and voluntary cash purchase plan, SEC fees, fees and expenses of unaffiliated directors, accounting and pricing costs, including costs of calculating the net asset value of the Fund, membership fees in trade associations,
fidelity bond coverage for its officers and employees, directors&#146; and officers&#146; errors and omission insurance coverage, interest, brokerage costs, taxes, stock exchange listing fees and expenses, expenses of qualifying its shares for sale
in various states, litigation and other extraordinary or non-recurring expenses, and other expenses properly payable by the Fund. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Advisory
Agreement </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser manages the portfolio of the Fund in
accordance with its stated investment objectives and policies, makes investment decisions for the Fund, and places orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Fund and manages the Fund&#146;s other business and affairs, all subject to
the supervision and direction of its Board. In addition, under the Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser oversees the administration of all </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 28 -
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aspects of the Fund&#146;s business and affairs and provides, or arranges for others to provide, at the Investment Adviser&#146;s expense, certain enumerated services, including maintaining the
Fund&#146;s books and records, preparing reports to its shareholders and supervising the calculation of the net asset value of its stock. All expenses of computing the Fund&#146;s net asset value, including any equipment or services obtained solely
for the purpose of pricing shares of stock or valuing the Fund&#146;s investment portfolio, will be an expense of the Fund under the Advisory Agreement unless the Investment Adviser voluntarily assumes responsibility for such expense. During fiscal
year 2011, the Fund reimbursed the Investment Adviser $45,000 in connection with the cost of computing the Fund&#146;s net asset value. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Advisory Agreement combines investment advisory and administrative responsibilities in one agreement. For services rendered by the Investment Adviser on behalf of the Fund under the Advisory
Agreement, the Fund pays the Investment Adviser a fee computed weekly and paid monthly at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund&#146;s average weekly net assets plus the liquidation value of any outstanding preferred stock. The Investment Adviser has
agreed to reduce the management fee on the incremental assets attributable to the Series C Auction Rate Preferred, Series D Preferred, Series E Auction Rate Preferred and Series F Preferred during the fiscal year if the total return of the net asset
value of the common stock, including distributions and management fees subject to reduction for that year, does not exceed the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each particular series of preferred stock for the period. In other
words, if the effective cost of the leverage for the Series C Auction Rate Preferred, Series D Preferred, Series E Auction Rate Preferred or Series F Preferred exceeds the total return (based on net asset value) on the Fund&#146;s common stock, the
Investment Adviser will waive that portion of its management fee on the incremental assets attributable to the leverage for that series of preferred stock to mitigate the negative impact of the leverage on the common shareholder&#146;s total return.
This fee waiver is voluntary and may be discontinued at any time. The Fund&#146;s total return on the net asset value of its common stock is monitored on a monthly basis to assess whether the total return on the net asset value of its common stock
exceeds the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each particular series of outstanding preferred stock for the period. The test to confirm the accrual of the management fee on the assets attributable to each particular series of
preferred stock is annual. The Fund will accrue for the management fee on these assets during the fiscal year if it appears probable that the Fund will incur the management fee on those assets. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">For the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2011, the Fund&#146;s total return on the net asset value of the common stock did not exceed the
stated dividend rate of the outstanding Preferred Stock. Thus, management fees with respect to the liquidation value of the Preferred Stock were not accrued. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Advisory Agreement provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties thereunder, the Investment Adviser is not liable
for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund. As part of the Advisory Agreement, the Fund has agreed that the name &#147;Gabelli&#148; is the Investment Adviser&#146;s property, and that in the event the
Investment Adviser ceases to act as an investment adviser to the Fund, the Fund will change its name to one not including &#147;Gabelli.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Pursuant to its terms, the Advisory Agreement will remain in effect with respect to the Fund from year to year if approved annually (i)&nbsp;by the Fund&#146;s Board or by the holders of a majority of the
Fund&#146;s outstanding voting securities and (ii)&nbsp;by a majority of the Directors who are not &#147;interested persons&#148; (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to the Advisory Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on such approval. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A discussion regarding the basis of the Board&#146;s approval of the Advisory Agreement
is available in the Fund&#146;s semi-annual report to shareholders for the six months ended June&nbsp;30, 2011. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Selection of Securities
Brokers </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Advisory Agreement contains provisions relating to the selection of securities brokers to effect the portfolio
transactions of the Fund. Under those provisions, the Investment Adviser may (i)&nbsp;direct Fund portfolio brokerage to Gabelli&nbsp;&amp; Company, Inc. (&#147;Gabelli&nbsp;&amp; Company&#148;) or other broker-dealer affiliates of the Investment
Adviser and (ii)&nbsp;pay commissions to brokers other than Gabelli&nbsp;&amp; Company that are higher than might be charged by another qualified broker to obtain brokerage and/or research services considered by the Investment Adviser to be useful
or desirable for its investment management of the Fund and/or its other advisory accounts or those of any investment adviser affiliated with it. The SAI contains further information about the Advisory Agreement, including a more complete description
of the advisory and expense arrangements, exculpatory and brokerage provisions, as well as information on the brokerage practices of the Fund. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 29 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Portfolio Managers </B> </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Mario J. Gabelli is currently and has been responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund since its inception. Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GAMCO
Investors, Inc. and its predecessors since 1976. Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli is the Chief Investment Officer &#151; Value Portfolios for the Investment Adviser and GAMCO Asset Management Inc. Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli serves as portfolio manager for several funds in
the Gabelli fund family and is a director of several funds in the Gabelli fund family. Because of the diverse nature of Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli&#146;s responsibilities, he will devote less than all of his time to the day-to-day management of the Fund.
Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli is also Chief Executive Officer of GGCP, Inc., as well as Chairman of the Board of Lynch Interactive Corporation, a multimedia and communication services company. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Mr. Zahid Siddique has been an associate portfolio manager since August 2010. Mr.&nbsp;Siddique joined GAMCO in 2005 as a research
analyst covering the global industrial and infrastructure sectors. Previously, he worked as an equity analyst at Tribeca Investments, a Citigroup hedge fund. Prior to that, he was a consultant at GE Capital and American Management Systems, where he
advised on several restructuring, strategic, and operational assignments. Mr.&nbsp;Siddique received a B.A. in Mathematics from Hamilton College and a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Columbia University, where he was recognized by the National
Industrial Engineering Honor Society. He also holds an MBA from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The SAI
provides additional information about the Portfolio Managers&#146; compensation, other accounts managed by the Portfolio Managers and the Portfolio Managers&#146; ownership of securities in the Fund. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Sub-Administrator </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The
Investment Adviser has entered into a sub-administration agreement with BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc. (the &#147;Sub-Administrator&#148;) pursuant to which the Sub-Administrator provides certain administrative services necessary for the
Fund&#146;s operations that do not include the investment and portfolio management services provided by the Investment Adviser. For these services and the related expenses borne by the Sub-Administrator, the Investment Adviser pays a prorated
monthly fee at the annual rate of 0.0275% of the first $10&nbsp;billion of the aggregate average net assets of the Fund and all other funds advised by the Investment Adviser and Teton Advisors, Inc. and administered by the Sub-Administrator, 0.0125%
of the aggregate average net assets exceeding $10&nbsp;billion and 0.01% of the aggregate average net assets in excess of $15&nbsp;billion. The Sub-Administrator has its principal office at 760 Moore Road, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania 19406.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Regulatory Matters </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">On April&nbsp;24, 2008, the Investment Adviser entered into a settlement with the SEC to resolve an inquiry regarding prior frequent trading in shares of the GAMCO Global Growth Fund (the &#147;Global
Growth Fund&#148;) by one investor who was banned from the Global Growth Fund in August 2002. Under the terms of the settlement, the Investment Adviser, without admitting or denying the SEC&#146;s findings and allegations, paid $16 million (which
included a $5 million civil monetary penalty). On the same day, the SEC filed a civil action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Investment Adviser,
alleging violations of certain federal securities laws arising from the same matter. The officer, who is also an officer of the Global Growth Fund and other funds in the Gabelli/GAMCO complex, including this Fund, denies the allegations and is
continuing in his positions with the Investment Adviser and the funds. The settlement by the Investment Adviser did not have, and the resolution of the action against the officer is not expected to have, a material adverse impact on the Investment
Adviser or its ability to fulfill its obligations under the Investment Advisory Agreement. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_10"></A>PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Principal transactions are not entered into with affiliates of the Fund. However, Gabelli&nbsp;&amp; Company, Inc., an affiliate of the Investment Adviser, may execute portfolio transactions on stock
exchanges and in the over-the-counter markets on an agency basis and receive a stated commission therefor. For a more detailed discussion of the Fund&#146;s brokerage allocation practices, see &#147;Portfolio Transactions&#148; in the SAI.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_11"></A>DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund has a policy, which may be modified at any time by its Board, of paying a minimum annual distribution of 10% of the average net
asset value of the Fund to common shareholders. The Fund&#146;s quarterly distribution level is set at $0.14 per share for the first quarter of 2012. Each year the Fund pays an adjusting distribution in the fourth quarter of an amount sufficient to
pay 10% of the average net asset value of the Fund, as of the last day of the four preceding calendar quarters, or to satisfy the minimum distribution requirements of the Code, whichever is greater. Each quarter, the Board reviews the </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 30 -
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amount of any potential distribution and the income, capital gain or capital available. This policy permits common shareholders to realize a predictable, but not assured, level of cash flow and
some liquidity periodically with respect to their shares of common stock without having to sell their shares. The Fund may retain for reinvestment, and pay the resulting federal income taxes on, its net capital gain, if any, although the Fund
reserves the authority to distribute its net capital gain in any year. To avoid paying income tax at the corporate level, the Fund distributes substantially all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain. A portion of all
distributions to common shareholders for the past five years have constituted a return of capital. Shareholders who periodically receive the payment of a dividend or other distribution consisting of a return of capital may be under the impression
that they are receiving net profits when they are not. Shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution from the Fund is net profit. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Under the Fund&#146;s distribution policy, the Fund declares and pays quarterly distributions from net investment income, capital gains, and paid-in capital. The actual source of the distribution is
determined after the end of the year. Pursuant to this policy, distributions during the year may be made in excess of required distributions. To the extent such distributions are made from current earnings and profits, they are considered ordinary
income or long-term capital gains. The Fund&#146;s current distribution policy may restrict the Fund&#146;s ability to pass through to shareholders all of its net realized long-term capital gains as a capital gain dividend, subject to the maximum
federal income tax rate of 15% (scheduled to rise to 20% in 2013), and may cause such gains to be treated as ordinary income subject to a maximum federal income tax rate of 35% (scheduled to rise to 39.6% in 2013). Distributions sourced from paid-in
capital should not be considered as dividend yield or the total return from an investment in the Fund. Shareholders who periodically receive the payment of a dividend or other distribution consisting of a return of capital may be under the
impression that they are receiving net profits when they are not. Shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution from the Fund is net profit. The composition of each distribution is estimated based on the earnings of the Fund as of
the record date for each distribution. The actual composition of each of the current year&#146;s distributions will be based on the Fund&#146;s investment activity through December&nbsp;31, 2012. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If, for any calendar year, the total quarterly distributions to common shareholders and the amount of distributions on any preferred
stock issued by the Fund exceed investment company taxable income and net capital gain (prior to any adjustment for a capital loss carryover from a prior year), the excess will generally be treated as a tax-free return of capital up to the amount of
a shareholder&#146;s tax basis in the stock. Any distributions to the holders of common or preferred stock which constitute tax-free return of capital will reduce a shareholder&#146;s tax basis in such stock, thereby increasing such
shareholder&#146;s potential taxable gain or reducing his or her potential taxable loss on the sale of the stock. Any amounts distributed to a shareholder in excess of the basis in the stock will generally be taxable to the shareholder as capital
gain. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In the event the Fund distributes amounts in excess of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain, such
distributions will decrease the Fund&#146;s total assets and, therefore, have the likely effect of increasing its expense ratio, as the Fund&#146;s fixed expenses will become a larger percentage of the Fund&#146;s average net assets. In addition, in
order to make such distributions, the Fund might have to sell a portion of its investment portfolio at a time when independent investment judgment might not dictate such action. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund, along with other closed-end registered investment companies advised by the Investment Adviser, has obtained an exemption from
Section&nbsp;19(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule&nbsp;19b-1 thereunder permitting it to make periodic distributions of long-term capital gains provided that any distribution policy of the Fund with respect to its common stock calls for periodic (e.g.,
quarterly or semi-annually, but in no event more frequently than monthly) distributions in an amount equal to a fixed percentage of the Fund&#146;s average net asset value over a specified period of time or market price per share of common stock at
or about the time of distribution or payment of a fixed dollar amount. The exemption also permits the Fund to make distributions with respect to its preferred stock in accordance with such stock&#146;s terms. See &#147;Automatic Dividend
Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_12"></A>ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">During the twelve months ended December&nbsp;31, 2011, the Fund did not have any transactions in shares of common stock or preferred
stock. Gabelli&nbsp;&amp; Company, Inc., an affiliate of Gabelli Funds, LLC, the Fund&#146;s Investment Adviser, may act as sales manager for future offerings. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_13"></A>AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND VOLUNTARY CASH PURCHASE PLAN </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Under the Fund&#146;s Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan (the &#147;Plan&#148;), a shareholder whose common shares are registered in his or her own name will have all
distributions reinvested automatically by Computershare Trust Company, N.A. (&#147;Computershare&#148;), which is agent under the Plan, unless the shareholder elects to receive cash. Distributions with respect to shares registered in the name of a
broker-dealer or other nominee (that is, in &#147;street name&#148;) will be reinvested by the broker or nominee in additional shares under the Plan, unless the service is not provided by the broker or nominee or the shareholder elects to receive
distributions in cash. Investors who own common shares registered in street name should consult their broker-dealers for details regarding reinvestment. All distributions to investors who do not participate in the Plan will be paid by check mailed
directly to the record holder by Computershare as dividend-disbursing agent. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 31 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Enrollment in the Plan </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">It is the policy of the Fund to automatically reinvest dividends. As a &#147;registered&#148; shareholder, you automatically become a participant in the Fund&#146;s Plan. The Plan authorizes the Fund to
issue common shares to participants upon an income dividend or a capital gains distribution regardless of whether the shares are trading at a discount or a premium to net asset value. All distributions to shareholders whose shares are registered in
their own names will be automatically reinvested pursuant to the Plan in additional shares of the Fund. Plan participants may send their share certificates to Computershare to be held in their dividend reinvestment account. Registered shareholders
wishing to receive their distribution in cash must submit this request in writing to: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">c/o Computershare </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">P.O. Box 43010 </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Providence, RI 02940-3010 </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Shareholders requesting this cash election must include the shareholder&#146;s name and address as they appear on the share certificate. Shareholders with additional questions regarding the Plan, or
requesting a copy of the terms of the Plan may contact Computershare at (800)&nbsp;336-6983. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If your shares are held in the
name of a broker, bank, or nominee, you should contact such institution. If such institution is not participating in the Plan, your account will be credited with a cash dividend. In order to participate in the Plan through such institution, it may
be necessary for you to have your shares taken out of &#147;street name&#148; and re-registered in your own name. Once registered in your own name, your dividends will be automatically reinvested. Certain brokers participate in the Plan.
Shareholders holding shares in &#147;street name&#148; at participating institutions will have dividends automatically reinvested. Shareholders wishing a cash dividend at such institution must contact their broker to make this change. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The number of common shares distributed to participants in the Plan in lieu of cash dividends is determined in the following manner.
Under the Plan, whenever the market price of the Fund&#146;s common shares is equal to or exceeds net asset value at the time shares are valued for purposes of determining the number of shares equivalent to the cash dividends or capital gains
distribution, participants are issued common shares valued at the greater of (i)&nbsp;the net asset value as most recently determined or (ii)&nbsp;95% of the then current market price of the Fund&#146;s common shares. The valuation date is the
dividend or distribution payment date or, if that date is not a NYSE trading day, the next trading day. If the net asset value of the common shares at the time of valuation exceeds the market price of the common shares, participants will receive
shares from the Fund valued at market price. If the Fund should declare a dividend or capital gains distribution payable only in cash, Computershare will buy common shares in the open market, or on the NYSE or elsewhere, for the participants&#146;
accounts, except that Computershare will endeavor to terminate purchases in the open market and cause the Fund to issue shares at net asset value if, following the commencement of such purchases, the market value of the common shares exceed the then
current net asset value. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The automatic reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions will not relieve
participants of any income tax which may be payable on such distributions. A participant in the Plan will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as having received, on a dividend payment date, a dividend or distribution in an amount equal
to the cash the participant could have received instead of shares. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan
as applied to any voluntary cash payments made and any dividend or distribution paid subsequent to written notice of the change sent to the members of the Plan at least 90&nbsp;days before the record date for such dividend or distribution. The Plan
also may be amended or terminated by Computershare on at least 90&nbsp;days&#146; written notice to participants in the Plan. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 32 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan is yet another vehicle for our shareholders to increase their investment in the Fund. In order to participate in the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan, shareholders must have
their shares registered in their own name. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Participants in the Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan have the option of making
additional cash payments to Computershare for investments in the Fund&#146;s shares at the then current market price. Shareholders may send an amount from $250 to $10,000. Computershare will use these funds to purchase shares in the open market on
or about the 1st and 15th of each month. Computershare will charge each shareholder who participates $0.75, plus a pro rata share of the brokerage commissions. Brokerage charges for such purchases are expected to be less than the usual brokerage
charge for such transactions. It is suggested that any voluntary cash payments be sent to Computershare, P.O. Box 43010, Providence, RI 02940-3010 such that Computershare receives such payments approximately 10&nbsp;days before the 1st and 15th of
the month. Funds not received at least five days before the investment date shall be held for investment until the next purchase date. A payment may be withdrawn without charge if notice is received by Computershare at least 48 hours before such
payment is to be invested. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Shareholders wishing to liquidate shares held at Computershare must do so in writing or by
telephone. Please submit your request to the above mentioned address or telephone number. Include in your request your name, address and account number. The cost to liquidate shares is $2.50 per transaction as well as the brokerage commission
incurred. Brokerage charges are expected to be less than the usual brokerage charge for such transactions. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">For more
information regarding the Automatic Dividend Reinvestment Plan and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan, brochures are available by calling (914)&nbsp;921-5070 or by writing directly to the Fund. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plans as applied to any voluntary cash payments made and any dividend or
distribution paid subsequent to written notice of the change sent to the members of the Plan at least 90&nbsp;days before the record date for such dividend or distribution. The Plan also may be amended or terminated by Computershare on at least
90&nbsp;days&#146; written notice to participants in the Plan. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_14"></A>DESCRIPTION OF THE CAPITAL STOCK
</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>The following is a brief description of the terms of the Fund&#146;s common stock and preferred stock.&nbsp;This
description does not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to the Fund&#146;s Governing Documents.&nbsp;For complete terms of the common stock and preferred stock, please refer to the actual terms of such series, which are set forth
in the Governing Documents. </I> </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Common Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Pursuant to an amendment to the Fund&#146;s Articles of Incorporation that was approved by shareholders in 2004, the Board may increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock of the Fund or
the number of shares of any class or series that the Fund has authority to issue without shareholder approval. The Fund is currently authorized to issue 246,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share. Holders of the common stock are
entitled to one vote per share held. Holders of the common stock are entitled to share equally in distributions authorized by the Fund&#146;s Board payable to the holders of such shares and in the net assets of the Fund available on liquidation for
distribution to holders of such shares. The shares of common stock have noncumulative voting rights and no conversion, preemptive or other subscription rights, and are not redeemable. In the event of liquidation, each share of Fund common stock is
entitled to its proportion of the Fund&#146;s assets after payment of debts and expenses and the amounts payable to holders of the Fund&#146;s preferred stock ranking senior to the shares of common stock of the Fund as described below. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Offerings of stock require approval by the Board. Any additional offering of common stock will be subject to the requirements of the 1940
Act, which provides that common stock may not be issued at a price below the then current net asset value, exclusive of sales load, except in connection with an offering to existing holders of common stock or with the consent of a majority of the
Fund&#146;s outstanding voting securities. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund&#146;s outstanding common stock is listed and traded on the NYSE under
the symbol &#147;GAB.&#148; The average weekly trading volume of the common stock on the NYSE during the period from January&nbsp;1, 2011 through December&nbsp;31, 2011 was 1,740,000 shares. The average weekly trading volume of the common stock on
the NYSE during the period from January&nbsp;1, 2012 through March&nbsp;31, 2012 was 1,810,000 shares. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund&#146;s net
asset value per share will be reduced immediately following the offering of common shares by the amount of the sales load and offering expenses paid by the Fund. See &#147;Use of Proceeds.&#148; Unlike open-end funds, closed-end funds like the Fund
do not continuously offer shares and do not provide daily redemptions. Rather, if a shareholder determines to buy additional common shares or sell shares already held, the shareholder may do so by trading through a broker on the NYSE or otherwise.
</FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 33 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Shares of closed-end investment companies often trade on an exchange at prices lower than
net asset value. The Fund&#146;s shares of common stock have traded in the market at both premiums to and discounts from net asset value. Over the Fund&#146;s twenty-five year history, the range fluctuated from a 38% premium in June&nbsp;2002 to a
27% discount in December&nbsp;1987. Beginning in early 2001, the market price of the Fund exceeded the net asset value and this premium continued through August&nbsp;2005. The previous extended period over which the premium existed occurred during
the twenty month period from August&nbsp;1993 to March&nbsp;1995. During 2011, the market price of the Fund has closed below the net asset value with an average discount of 0.7697%. As of March&nbsp;31, 2012, the shares closed at a premium of 1.05%.
Because the market value of the common shares may be influenced by such factors as dividend and distribution levels (which are in turn affected by expenses), dividend and distribution stability, net asset value, market liquidity, relative demand for
and supply of such shares in the market, unrealized gains, general market and economic conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Fund, the Fund cannot assure you that common shares will trade at a price equal to or higher than net asset
value in the future. The common shares are designed primarily for long- term investors and you should not purchase the common shares if you intend to sell them soon after purchase. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund&#146;s common shareholders vote as a single class to elect the Fund&#146;s Board and on additional matters with respect to which
the 1940 Act, the Governing Documents or resolutions adopted by the Directors provide for a vote of the Fund&#146;s common shareholders. The Fund&#146;s common shareholders and preferred shareholders vote together as a single class, except that the
preferred shareholders vote as a separate class to elect two of the directors of the Fund. See &#147;Anti-Takeover Provisions of the Fund&#146;s Governing Documents.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund may repurchase its shares of common stock from time to time as and when it deems such repurchase advisable, subject to maintaining required asset coverage for each series of outstanding preferred
stock. The Board has adopted a policy to authorize such repurchases when the shares are trading at a discount of 10% or more (or such other percentage as the Board may determine from time to time) from the net asset value of the shares. Although the
Board has authorized such repurchases, the Fund is not required to repurchase its shares. The policy does not limit the amount of common stock that can be repurchased. The percentage of the discount from net asset value at which share repurchases
will be authorized may be changed at any time by the Board. Through December&nbsp;31, 2012, the Fund has not repurchased shares of its common stock under this authorization. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Preferred Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Currently, 24,000,000 shares of the Fund&#146;s capital
stock, which include the preferred stock being registered with this registration statement, have been classified by the Board as preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share. The Fund&#146;s Board may reclassify authorized and unissued shares of the
Fund, previously classified as common stock, as preferred stock prior to the completion of any offering. The terms of each series of preferred stock may be fixed by the Board and may materially limit and/or qualify the rights of the holders of the
Fund&#146;s common stock. As of March&nbsp;31, 2012, the Fund had 2,880 outstanding shares of Series&nbsp;C Auction Rate Preferred, 2,363,860 outstanding shares of Series&nbsp;D Preferred, 1,120 outstanding shares of Series&nbsp;E Auction Rate
Preferred, and 5,850,402 outstanding shares of Series&nbsp;F Preferred. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Distributions on the Series&nbsp;C Auction Rate
Preferred accumulate at a variable maximum rate based on short term rates. At present the maximum rate is equal to 150% of the &#147;AA&#148; Financial Composite Commercial Paper Rate determined on each calculation date. Prior to the failing of
auctions for the Fund&#146;s Series C Auction Rate Preferred, these securities paid dividends set at a weekly auction (<I>See</I> &#147;Auctions for Auction Rate Preferred Stock&#148; below). The liquidation preference of the Series&nbsp;C Auction
Rate Preferred is $25,000 per share. The Fund generally may redeem the outstanding Series&nbsp;C Auction Rate Preferred, in whole or in part, at any time other than during a non-call period. The Series&nbsp;C Auction Rate Preferred is not traded on
any public exchange. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Distributions on the Series&nbsp;D Preferred accumulate at an annual rate of 5.875% of the liquidation
preference of $25 per share, are cumulative from the date of original issuance thereof, and are payable quarterly on March&nbsp;26, June&nbsp;26, September&nbsp;26 and December&nbsp;26 of each year. The Fund&#146;s outstanding Series&nbsp;D
Preferred is redeemable at the liquidation preference plus accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) at the option of the Fund at any time. The Series&nbsp;D Preferred is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol
&#147;GAB PrD.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Distributions on the Series&nbsp;E Auction Rate Preferred accumulate at a variable maximum rate based on
short term rates. At present the maximum rate is equal to 150% of the &#147;AA&#148; Financial Composite Commercial Paper Rate determined on each calculation date. Prior to the failing of auctions for the Fund&#146;s Series E Auction Rate Preferred,
these securities paid dividends set at a weekly auction (<I>See</I> &#147;Auctions for Auction Rate Preferred Stock&#148; below). The liquidation preference of the Series&nbsp;E Auction Rate Preferred is $25,000 per share. The Fund generally may
redeem the outstanding Series&nbsp;E Auction Rate Preferred, in whole or in part, at any time other than during a non-call period. The Series&nbsp;E Auction Rate Preferred is not traded on any public exchange. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 34 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Distributions on the Series&nbsp;F Preferred accumulate at an annual rate of 6.20% of the
liquidation preference of $25 per share, are cumulative from the date of original issuance thereof, and are payable quarterly on March&nbsp;26, June&nbsp;26, September&nbsp;26 and December&nbsp;26 of each year. The Fund&#146;s outstanding
Series&nbsp;F Preferred is redeemable at the liquidation preference plus accumulated but unpaid dividends (whether or not earned or declared) at the option of the Fund at anytime. The Series&nbsp;F Preferred is listed and traded on the NYSE under
the symbol &#147;GAB PrF.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If the Fund issues any additional series of preferred stock, it will pay dividends to the
holders at either a fixed rate or a rate that will be reset frequently based on short-term interest rates, as described in the Prospectus Supplement accompanying each preferred stock offering. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The following table shows (i)&nbsp;the classes of capital stock authorized, (ii)&nbsp;the number of shares authorized in each class, and
(iii)&nbsp;the number of shares outstanding in each class as of March&nbsp;31, 2012. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="76%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="72%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Title Of Class</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Amount<BR>Authorized</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Amount<BR>Outstanding</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Common Stock</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">246,000,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">185,376,493</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Series&nbsp;A Preferred</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5,367,900</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Series&nbsp;B Preferred</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">6,600,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Series&nbsp;C Auction Rate Preferred</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5,200</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2,880</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Series&nbsp;D Preferred</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3,000,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2,363,860</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Series&nbsp;E Auction Rate Preferred</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1,120</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Series&nbsp;F Preferred</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">6,000,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5,850,402</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Preferred Stock</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3,024,900</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">As of December&nbsp;31, 2011, the Fund does not hold any shares of capital stock for its account. Upon a
liquidation, each holder of preferred stock will be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Fund available for distribution to shareholders (after payment of claims of the Fund&#146;s creditors but before any distributions with respect to the
Fund&#146;s common stock or any other class of capital stock of the Fund ranking junior to the preferred stock as to liquidation payments) an amount per share equal to such share&#146;s liquidation preference plus any accumulated but unpaid
distributions (whether or not earned or declared, excluding interest thereon) to the date of distribution, and such shareholders shall be entitled to no further participation in any distribution or payment in connection with such liquidation. Each
series of preferred stock ranks on a parity with any other series of preferred stock of the Fund as to the payment of distributions and the distribution of assets upon liquidation, and is junior to the Fund&#146;s obligations with respect to any
outstanding senior securities representing debt. The preferred stock carries one vote per share on all matters on which such shares are entitled to vote. The preferred shares will, upon issuance, be fully paid and nonassessable and will have no
preemptive, exchange or conversion rights. The Board may by resolution classify or reclassify any authorized but unissued capital shares of the Fund from time to time by setting or changing the preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers,
restrictions, limitations as to distributions or terms or conditions of redemption. The Fund will not issue any class of capital stock senior to the preferred stock. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Rating Agency Guidelines. </I>The Fund expects that it will be required under Moody&#146;s and S&amp;P guidelines to maintain assets having in the aggregate a discounted value at least equal to the
Basic Maintenance Amount (as defined below) for its outstanding preferred stock with respect to the separate guidelines Moody&#146;s and S&amp;P has each established for determining discounted value. To the extent any particular portfolio holding
does not satisfy the applicable rating agency&#146;s guidelines, all or a portion of such holding&#146;s value will not be included in the calculation of discounted value (as defined by such rating agency). The Moody&#146;s and S&amp;P guidelines
also impose certain diversification requirements and industry concentration limitations on the Fund&#146;s overall portfolio, and apply specified discounts to securities held by the Fund (except certain money market securities). The &#147;Basic
Maintenance Amount&#148; is equal to (i)&nbsp;the sum of (a)&nbsp;the aggregate liquidation preference of any preferred shares then outstanding plus (to the extent not included in the liquidation preference of such preferred stock) an amount equal
to the aggregate accumulated but unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared) in respect of such preferred stock, (b)&nbsp;the total principal of any debt (plus accrued and projected interest), (c)&nbsp;certain Fund expenses and
(d)&nbsp;certain other current liabilities (excluding any unmade distributions on the Fund&#146;s common stock) less (ii)&nbsp;the Fund&#146;s (a)&nbsp;cash and (b)&nbsp;assets consisting of indebtedness which (y)&nbsp;mature prior to or on the date
of redemption or repurchase of the preferred stock and are U.S. government securities or evidences of indebtedness rated at least &#147;Aaa,&#148; &#147;P-1&#148;, &#147;VMIG-1&#148; or &#147;MIG-1&#148; by Moody&#146;s or &#147;AAA&#148;,
&#147;SP-1+&#148; or &#147;A-1+&#148; by S&amp;P, and (z)&nbsp;is held by the Fund for distributions, the redemption or repurchase of preferred stock or the Fund&#146;s liabilities. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 35 -
</FONT></P>


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<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If the Fund does not cure in a timely manner a failure to maintain a discounted value of its
portfolio equal to the Basic Maintenance Amount in accordance with the requirements of the applicable rating agency or agencies then rating the preferred stock at the request of the Fund, the Fund may, and in certain circumstances will be required
to, mandatorily redeem preferred stock, as described below under &#147;&#151; Redemption.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund may, but is not
required to, adopt any modifications to the rating agency guidelines that may hereafter be established by Moody&#146;s and S&amp;P. Failure to adopt any such modifications, however, may result in a change in the relevant rating agency&#146;s ratings
or a withdrawal of such ratings altogether. In addition, any rating agency providing a rating for the preferred stock at the request of the Fund may, at any time, change or withdraw any such rating. The Board, without further action by the
shareholders, may amend, alter, add to or repeal certain of the definitions and related provisions that have been adopted by the Fund pursuant to the rating agency guidelines if the Board determines that such modification is necessary to prevent a
reduction in rating of the preferred stock by Moody&#146;s and S&amp;P, as the case may be, is in the best interests of the holders of common stock and is not adverse to the holders of preferred stock in view of advice to the Fund by Moody&#146;s
and S&amp;P (or such other rating agency then rating the preferred stock at the request of the Fund) that such modification would not adversely affect, as the case may be, its then current rating of the preferred stock. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">With respect to Auction Rate Preferred Stock, the Board may amend the Articles Supplementary definition of &#147;Maximum Rate&#148; (the
&#147;maximum rate&#148; as defined below under &#147;&#151;Distributions on the Preferred Shares&#151;Maximum Rate&#148;) to increase the percentage amount by which the applicable reference rate is multiplied or to increase the applicable spread to
which the reference rate is added to determine the maximum rate without the vote or consent of the holders of the preferred stock or any other shareholder of the Fund, but only after consultation with the broker-dealers and with confirmation from
each applicable rating agency that the Fund could meet applicable rating agency asset coverage tests immediately following any such increase. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">As described by Moody&#146;s and S&amp;P, the ratings assigned to each series of preferred stock are assessments of the capacity and willingness of the Fund to pay the obligations of each such series. The
ratings on these series of preferred stock are not recommendations to purchase, hold or sell shares of any series, inasmuch as the ratings do not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. The rating agency guidelines also
do not address the likelihood that an owner of preferred stock will be able to sell such shares on an exchange, in an auction or otherwise. The ratings are based on current information furnished to Moody&#146;s and S&amp;P by the Fund and the
Investment Adviser and information obtained from other sources. The ratings may be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or the unavailability of, such information. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The rating agency guidelines apply to each series of preferred stock only so long as such rating agency is rating such series at the
request of the Fund. The Fund pays fees to Moody&#146;s and S&amp;P for rating the preferred stock. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Asset Maintenance
Requirements</I>. In addition to the requirements summarized under &#147;&#151;Rating Agency Guidelines&#148; above, the Fund must also satisfy asset maintenance requirements under the 1940 Act with respect to its preferred stock. Under the 1940
Act, debt or additional preferred stock may be issued only if immediately after such issuance the value of the Fund&#146;s total assets (less ordinary course liabilities) is at least 300% of the amount of any debt outstanding and at least 200% of
the amount of any preferred stock and debt outstanding. The Fund is required under the applicable Articles Supplementary to determine whether it has, as of the last business day of each March, June, September and December of each year for its Series
D Preferred, Series E Preferred and Series F Preferred, and as of the last business day of each month for its Series C Preferred, an &#147;asset coverage&#148; (as defined in the 1940 Act) of at least 200% (or such higher or lower percentage as may
be required at the time under the 1940 Act) with respect to all outstanding senior securities of the Fund that are debt or stock, including any outstanding preferred stock. If the Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage required under the 1940 Act
on such dates and such failure is not cured on or before 60 days, in the case of the Fixed Rate Preferred Stock, or 10 business days, in the case of the Auction Rate Preferred Stock, the Fund may, and in certain circumstances will be required to,
mandatorily redeem shares of preferred stock sufficient to satisfy such asset coverage. See &#147;&#151;Redemption&#148; below. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Distributions</I>. In connection with the offering of one or more additional series of preferred stock, an accompanying Prospectus
Supplement will specify whether dividends on such preferred stock will be based on a fixed or variable rate. If such Prospectus Supplement specifies that dividends will be paid at a fixed rate, holders of such Fixed Rate Preferred Stock will be
entitled to receive, out of funds legally available therefor, cumulative cash distributions, at an annual rate set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, payable with such frequency as set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. Such
distributions will accumulate from the date on which such shares are issued. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 36 -
</FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In the alternative, the Prospectus Supplement may state that the holders of one or more
series of Auction Rate Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cash distributions at annual rates stated as a percentage of liquidation preference, that will vary from dividend period to dividend period. The liquidation preference per share and the
dividend rate for the initial dividend period for any such series of preferred stock will be the rate set forth in the Prospectus Supplement for such series. For subsequent dividend periods, each such series of preferred stock will pay distributions
based on a rate set at an auction, normally held weekly, but not in excess of a maximum rate. Dividend periods generally will be seven days, and the dividend periods generally will begin on the first business day after an auction. In most instances,
distributions are also paid weekly, on the business day following the end of the dividend period. The Fund, subject to some limitations, may change the length of the dividend periods, designating them as &#147;special dividend periods,&#148; as
described below under &#147;&#151;Designation of Special Dividend Periods.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Distribution Payments</I>. Except as
described below, the dividend payment date for a series of Auction Rate Preferred Stock will be the first business day after the dividend period ends. The dividend payment dates for special dividend periods of more (or less) than seven days will be
set out in the notice designating a special dividend period. See &#147;&#151;Designation of Special Dividend Periods&#148; for a discussion of payment dates for a special dividend period. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If a dividend payment date for a series of Auction Rate Preferred Stock is not a business day because the NYSE is closed for business for
more than three consecutive business days due to an act of God, natural disaster, act of war, civil or military disturbance, act of terrorism, sabotage, riots or a loss or malfunction of utilities or communications services, or the dividend payable
on such date can not be paid for any such reason, then: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the dividend payment date for the affected dividend period will be the next business day on which the Fund and its paying agent, if any, are able to
cause the distributions to be paid using their reasonable best efforts; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the affected dividend period will end on the day it would have ended had such event not occurred and the dividend payment date had remained the
scheduled date; and </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the next dividend period will begin and end on the dates on which it would have begun and ended had such event not occurred and the dividend payment
date remained the scheduled date. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Determination of Dividend Rates</I>. The Fund computes the
distributions per share for a series of Auction Rate Preferred Stock by multiplying the applicable rate determined at the auction by a fraction, the numerator of which normally is the number of days in such dividend period and the denominator of
which is 360. This applicable rate is then multiplied by the liquidation preference per share of such series to arrive at the distribution per share. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Maximum Rate</I>. The dividend rate for a series of Auction Rate Preferred Stock that results from an auction for such shares will not be greater than the applicable &#147;maximum rate.&#148; The
maximum rate for any standard dividend period will be the greater of the applicable percentage of the reference rate or the reference rate plus the applicable spread. The reference rate will be the applicable LIBOR Rate (as defined below) for a
dividend period of fewer than 365&nbsp;days or the Treasury Index Rate (as defined below) for a dividend period of 365&nbsp;days or more. The applicable percentage and the applicable spread will be determined based on the lower of the credit ratings
assigned to such series of preferred shares by Moody&#146;s and S&amp;P on the auction date for such period (as set forth in the table below). If Moody&#146;s and/or S&amp;P do not make such rating available, the rate will be determined by reference
to equivalent ratings issued by a substitute rating agency. In the case of a special dividend period, (1)&nbsp;the Fund will communicate the maximum applicable rate in a notice of special rate period for such dividend payment period, (2)&nbsp;the
applicable percentage and applicable spread will be determined on the date two business days before the first day of such special dividend period and (3)&nbsp;the reference rate will be the applicable LIBOR Rate for a dividend period of fewer than
365&nbsp;days or the Treasury Index Rate for a dividend period of 365&nbsp;days or more. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The &#147;LIBOR Rate,&#148; as
described in greater detail in the Articles Supplementary, is the applicable London Inter-Bank Offered Rate for deposits in U.S. dollars for the period most closely approximating the applicable dividend period for the preferred stock. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The &#147;Treasury Index Rate,&#148; as described in greater detail in the Articles Supplementary, is the average yield to maturity for
certain U.S. Treasury securities having substantially the same length to maturity as the applicable dividend period for the preferred stock. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 37 -
</FONT></P>


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<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="92%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="25%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="19%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="19%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="19%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="3" NOWRAP ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Credit Ratings</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ROWSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Applicable</B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Percentage</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ROWSPAN="2"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ROWSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Applicable</B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Spread</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ROWSPAN="2"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Moody&#146;s</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>S&amp;P</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Aaa</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">AAA</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">150</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Aa3 to Aa1</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">AA&#150;to AA+</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">250</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2.50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A3 to A1</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A&#150;to&nbsp;A+</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">350</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3.50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Baa1 or lower</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">BBB+&nbsp;or&nbsp;lower</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">550</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5.50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If the Fund maintains an &#147;AAA&#148; and/or &#147;Aaa&#148; rating on the preferred stock, the
practical effect of the different methods used to determine the maximum rate is shown in the table below: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="84%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="51%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="12%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="12%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="12%"></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Reference Rate</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Maximum<BR>Applicable<BR>Rate&nbsp;Using&nbsp;the<BR>Applicable<BR>Percentage</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Maximum&nbsp;Applicable<BR>Rate Using the<BR>Applicable Spread</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Method&nbsp;Used&nbsp;to<BR>Determine&nbsp;the<BR>Maximum&nbsp;Applicable<BR>Rate</B></FONT></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1%</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2.50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Spread</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2%</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3.50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Spread</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3%</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">4.50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">4.50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Either</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">4%</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">6.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5.50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Percentage</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5%</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">7.50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">6.50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Percentage</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">6%</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">9.00</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">7.50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Percentage</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">There is no minimum dividend rate in respect of any dividend period. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Effect of Failure to Pay Distributions in a Timely Manner</I>. If the Fund fails to pay the paying agent the full amount of any
distribution or redemption price, as applicable, for a series of Auction Rate Preferred Stock in a timely manner, the dividend rate for the dividend period following such a failure to pay (such period referred to as the default period) and any
subsequent dividend period for which such default is continuing will be a default rate to be calculated under the applicable Articles Supplementary. In the event that the Fund fully pays all default amounts due during a dividend period, the dividend
rate for the remainder of that dividend period will be, as the case may be, the applicable rate (for the first dividend period following a dividend default) or the then maximum rate (for any subsequent dividend period for which such default is
continuing). </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Designation of Special Dividend Periods</I>. The Fund may instruct the auction agent to hold auctions more or
less frequently than weekly and may designate dividend periods longer or shorter than one week. The Fund may do this if, for example, the Fund expects that short-term rates might increase or market conditions otherwise change, in an effort to
optimize the potential benefit of the Fund&#146;s leverage for holders of its common stock. The Fund does not currently expect to hold auctions and pay distributions less frequently than weekly or establish dividend periods longer or shorter than
one week. If the Fund designates a special dividend period, changes in interest rates could affect the price received if preferred shares are sold in the secondary market. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Any designation of a special dividend period for a series of Auction Rate Preferred Stock will be effective only if (i)&nbsp;notice thereof has been given as provided for in the Governing Documents,
(ii)&nbsp;any failure to pay in a timely manner to the auction agent the full amount of any distribution on, or the redemption price of, any preferred stock has been cured as provided for in the Governing Documents, (iii)&nbsp;the auction
immediately preceding the special dividend period was not a failed auction, (iv)&nbsp;if the Fund has mailed a notice of redemption with respect to any preferred stock, the Fund has deposited with the paying agent all funds necessary for such
redemption and (v)&nbsp;the Fund has confirmed that as of the auction date next preceding the first day of such special dividend period, it has assets with an aggregate discounted value at least equal to the Basic Maintenance Amount, and the Fund
has provided notice of such designation and a Basic Maintenance Report to each rating agency then rating the preferred stock at the request of the Fund. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The dividend payment date for any such special dividend period will be set out in the notice designating the special dividend period. In addition, for special dividend periods of at least 91&nbsp;days,
dividend payment dates will occur on the first business day of each calendar month within such dividend period and on the business day following the last day of such dividend period. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 38 -
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Before the Fund designates a special dividend period: (i)&nbsp;at least seven business days
(or two business days in the event the duration of the dividend period prior to such special dividend period is less than eight days) and not more than 30 business days before the first day of the proposed special dividend period, the Fund will
issue a press release stating its intention to designate a special dividend period and inform the auction agent of the proposed special dividend period by telephonic or other means and confirm it in writing promptly thereafter and (ii)&nbsp;the Fund
must inform the auction agent of the proposed special dividend period by 3:00 p.m., New York City time on the second business day before the first day of the proposed special dividend period. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions for the Preferred Stock </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">So long as any preferred stock is outstanding, the Fund may not pay any dividend or distribution (other than a dividend or distribution
paid in common stock or in options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase common stock) in respect of the common stock or call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any common stock (except by conversion
into or exchange for shares of the Fund ranking junior to the preferred stock as to the payment of dividends or distributions and the distribution of assets upon liquidation), unless: </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the Fund has declared and paid (or provided to the relevant dividend paying agent) all cumulative distributions on the Fund&#146;s outstanding
preferred stock due on or prior to the date of such common stock dividend or distribution; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the Fund has redeemed the full number of shares of preferred stock to be redeemed pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision in the Fund&#146;s
Governing Documents; and </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">after making the distribution, the Fund meets applicable asset coverage requirements described under &#147;&#151;Rating Agency Guidelines&#148; and
&#147;&#151;Asset Maintenance Requirements.&#148; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">No full distribution will be declared or made on any
series of preferred stock for any dividend period, or part thereof, unless full cumulative distributions due through the most recent dividend payment dates therefor for all outstanding series of preferred stock of the Fund ranking on a parity with
such series as to distributions have been or contemporaneously are declared and made. If full cumulative distributions due have not been made on all outstanding preferred stock of the Fund ranking on a parity with such series of preferred stock as
to the payment of distributions, any distributions being paid on the preferred stock will be paid as nearly pro rata as possible in proportion to the respective amounts of distributions accumulated but unmade on each such series of preferred stock
on the relevant dividend payment date. The Fund&#146;s obligation to make distributions on the preferred stock will be subordinate to its obligations to pay interest and principal, when due, on any senior securities representing debt. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Redemption </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Mandatory
Redemption Relating to Asset Coverage Requirements</I>. The Fund may, at its option, consistent with its Governing Documents and the 1940 Act, and in certain circumstances will be required to, mandatorily redeem preferred stock in the event that:
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage requirements specified under the 1940 Act on a quarterly valuation date and such failure is not cured on
or before 60&nbsp;days, in the case of the Fixed Rate Preferred Stock, or 10 business days, in the case of the Auction Rate Preferred Stock, following such failure; or </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage requirements as calculated in accordance with the applicable rating agency guidelines as of any monthly
valuation date, and such failure is not cured on or before 10 business days after such valuation date. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The
redemption price for preferred stock subject to mandatory redemption will be the liquidation preference, as stated in the Articles Supplementary of each existing series of preferred stock or the Prospectus Supplement accompanying the issuance of any
additional series of preferred stock, plus an amount equal to any accumulated but unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared) to the date fixed for redemption, plus (in the case of preferred stock having a dividend period of more than
one year) any applicable redemption premium determined by the Board and included in the Articles Supplementary. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The number of
shares of preferred stock that will be redeemed in the case of a mandatory redemption will equal the minimum number of outstanding shares of preferred stock, the redemption of which, if such redemption had occurred immediately prior to the opening
of business on the applicable cure date, would have resulted in the relevant asset coverage requirement having been met or, if the required asset coverage cannot be so restored, all of the shares of preferred stock. In the event that shares of
preferred stock are redeemed due to a failure to satisfy the 1940 Act asset coverage requirements, the Fund may, but is not required to, redeem a sufficient number of shares of preferred stock so that the Fund&#146;s assets exceed the </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 39 -
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act after the redemption by 10% (that is, 220% asset coverage).
In the event that shares of preferred stock are redeemed due to a failure to satisfy applicable rating agency guidelines, the Fund may, but is not required to, redeem a sufficient number of shares of preferred stock so that the Fund&#146;s
discounted portfolio value (as determined in accordance with the applicable rating agency guidelines) after redemption exceeds the asset coverage requirements of each applicable rating agency by up to 10% (that is, 110% rating agency asset
coverage). </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If the Fund does not have funds legally available for the redemption of, or is otherwise unable to redeem, all the
shares of preferred stock to be redeemed on any redemption date, the Fund will redeem on such redemption date that number of shares for which it has legally available funds, or is otherwise able to redeem, from the holders whose shares are to be
redeemed ratably on the basis of the redemption price of such shares, and the remainder of those shares to be redeemed will be redeemed on the earliest practicable date on which the Fund will have funds legally available for the redemption of, or is
otherwise able to redeem, such shares upon written notice of redemption. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If fewer than all shares of the Fund&#146;s
outstanding preferred stock are to be redeemed, the Fund, at its discretion and subject to the limitations of the Charter, the 1940 Act, and Maryland law, will select the one or more series of preferred stock from which shares will be redeemed and
the amount of preferred stock to be redeemed from each such series. If fewer than all shares of a series of preferred stock are to be redeemed, such redemption will be made as among the holders of that series pro rata in accordance with the
respective number of shares of such series held by each such holder on the record date for such redemption (or by such other equitable method as the Fund may determine). If fewer than all shares of preferred stock held by any holder are to be
redeemed, the notice of redemption mailed to such holder will specify the number of shares to be redeemed from such holder, which may be expressed as a percentage of shares held on the applicable record date. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Optional Redemption of Fixed Rate Preferred Stock</I>. Shares of Fixed Rate Preferred Stock are not subject to optional redemption by
the Fund until the date, if any, specified in the applicable Prospectus or Prospectus Supplement, unless such redemption is necessary, in the judgment of the Fund, to maintain the Fund&#146;s status as a regulated investment company under the Code.
Commencing on such date and thereafter, the Fund may at any time redeem such Fixed Rate Preferred Stock in whole or in part for cash at a redemption price per share equal to the liquidation preference per share plus accumulated and unpaid
distributions (whether or not earned or declared) to the redemption date. Such redemptions are subject to the notice requirements set forth under &#147;&#151;Redemption Procedures&#148; and the limitations of the Charter, the 1940 Act and Maryland
law. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Optional Redemption of Auction Rate Preferred Stock</I>. The Fund generally may redeem Auction Rate Preferred Stock,
in whole or in part, at its option at any time (usually on a dividend or distribution payment date), other than during a non-call period. The Fund may designate a non-call period during a dividend period of more than seven days. In the case of such
preferred stock having a dividend period of one year or less, the redemption price per share will equal the liquidation preference plus an amount equal to any accumulated but unpaid distributions thereon (whether or not earned or declared) to the
redemption date, and in the case of such preferred stock having a dividend period of more than one year, the redemption price per share will equal the liquidation preference plus any redemption premium applicable during such dividend period. Such
redemptions are subject to the notice requirements set forth under &#147;&#151;Redemption Procedures&#148; and the limitations of the limitations of the Charter, the 1940 Act and Maryland law. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Redemption Procedures</I>. A notice of redemption with respect to an optional redemption will be given to the holders of record of
preferred stock selected for redemption not less than 15&nbsp;days (subject to NYSE requirements), in the case of Fixed Rate Preferred Stock, and not less than seven days, in the case of Auction Rate Preferred Stock, nor, in both cases, more than
40&nbsp;days prior to the date fixed for redemption. Preferred shareholders may receive shorter notice in the event of a mandatory redemption. Each notice of redemption will state (i)&nbsp;the redemption date, (ii)&nbsp;the number or percentage of
shares of preferred stock to be redeemed (which may be expressed as a percentage of such shares outstanding), (iii)&nbsp;the CUSIP number(s) of such shares, (iv)&nbsp;the redemption price (specifying the amount of accumulated distributions to be
included therein), (v)&nbsp;the place or places where such shares are to be redeemed, (vi)&nbsp;that distributions on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accumulate on such redemption date, (vii)&nbsp;the provision of the Articles Supplementary
under which the redemption is being made and (viii)&nbsp;any conditions precedent to such redemption. No defect in the notice of redemption or in the mailing thereof will affect the validity of the redemption proceedings, except as required by
applicable law. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The holders of preferred shares, whether subject to a variable or fixed rate, will not have the right to
redeem any of their shares at their option. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Liquidation Rights </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Fund, the holders of preferred stock then
outstanding will be entitled to receive a preferential liquidating distribution, which is expected to equal the original purchase price per preferred share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, whether or not declared, before any distribution of
assets is made to holders of common stock. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by
the Fund. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 40 -
</FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Voting Rights </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Except as otherwise stated in this Prospectus, specified in the Fund&#146;s Charter or resolved by the Board or as otherwise required by applicable law, holders of preferred stock shall be entitled to one
vote per share held on each matter submitted to a vote of the shareholders of the Fund and will vote together with holders of common stock and of any other preferred stock then outstanding as a single class. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In connection with the election of the Fund&#146;s Directors, holders of the outstanding shares of preferred stock, voting together as a
single class, will be entitled at all times to elect two of the Fund&#146;s Directors, and the remaining Directors will be elected by holders of common stock and holders of preferred stock, voting together as a single class. In addition, if
(i)&nbsp;at any time dividends and distributions on outstanding shares of preferred stock are unpaid in an amount equal to at least two full years&#146; dividends and distributions thereon and sufficient cash or specified securities have not been
deposited with the applicable paying agent for the payment of such accumulated dividends and distributions or (ii)&nbsp;at any time holders of any other series of preferred stock are entitled to elect a majority of the Directors of the Fund under
the 1940 Act or the applicable Articles Supplementary creating such shares, then the number of Directors constituting the Board automatically will be increased by the smallest number that, when added to the two Directors elected exclusively by the
holders of preferred stock as described above, would then constitute a simple majority of the Board as so increased by such smallest number. Such additional Directors will be elected by the holders of the outstanding shares of preferred stock,
voting together as a single class, at a special meeting of shareholders which will be called as soon as practicable and will be held not less than ten nor more than twenty days after the mailing date of the meeting notice. If the Fund fails to send
such meeting notice or to call such a special meeting, the meeting may be called by any preferred shareholder on like notice. The terms of office of the persons who are Directors at the time of that election will continue. If the Fund thereafter
pays, or declares and sets apart for payment in full, all dividends and distributions payable on all outstanding shares of preferred stock for all past dividend periods or the holders of other series of preferred stock are no longer entitled to
elect such additional Directors, the additional voting rights of the holders of the preferred stock as described above will cease, and the terms of office of all of the additional Directors elected by the holders of the preferred stock (but not of
the Directors with respect to whose election the holders of common stock were entitled to vote or the two Directors the holders of preferred stock have the right to elect as a separate class in any event) will terminate automatically. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">So long as shares of preferred stock are outstanding, the Fund will not, without the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority (as
defined in the 1940 Act) of the shares of preferred stock outstanding at the time, and present and voting on such matter, voting separately as one class, amend, alter or repeal the provisions of the Fund&#146;s Charter whether by merger,
consolidation or otherwise, so as to materially adversely affect any of the rights, preferences or powers expressly set forth in the Charter with respect to such shares of preferred stock, unless the Fund obtains written confirmation from
Moody&#146;s, S&amp;P or any such other rating agency then rating the preferred stock that such amendment, alteration or repeal would not impair the rating then assigned by such rating agency to the preferred stock, in which case the vote or consent
of the holders of the preferred stock is not required. Also, to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act, in the event shares of more than one series of preferred stock are outstanding, the Fund will not approve any of the actions set forth in the
preceding sentence which materially adversely affect the rights, preferences or powers expressly set forth in the Charter with respect to such shares of a series of preferred stock differently than those of a holder of shares of any other series of
preferred stock without the affirmative vote of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of preferred stock of each series materially adversely affected and outstanding at such time (each such materially adversely affected series voting
separately as a class to the extent its rights are affected differently). For purposes of this paragraph, no matter shall be deemed to adversely affect any right, preference or power unless such matter (i)&nbsp;adversely alters or abolishes any
preferential right of such series; (ii)&nbsp;creates, adversely alters or abolishes any right in respect of redemption of such series; or (iii)&nbsp;creates or adversely alters (other than to abolish) any restriction on transfer applicable to such
series. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%;padding-bottom:0px;"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Under the Charter and applicable provisions of the 1940 Act or Maryland law, the affirmative vote
of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of the preferred stock, voting together as a single class, will be required to approve any plan of reorganization adversely affecting the preferred stock. The approval
of 66</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">2</SUP></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/</FONT><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUB STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; top:.4ex">3</SUB></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">% of each class, voting separately, of the Fund&#146;s outstanding voting
stock is required to authorize the conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company. The approval of a majority (as that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund&#146;s outstanding preferred stock and a majority (as
that term is defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund&#146;s outstanding voting securities are required to approve any action requiring a vote of security holders under Section&nbsp;13(a) of the 1940 Act (other </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 41 -
</FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">than a conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company), including, among other
things, changes in the Fund&#146;s investment objectives or changes in the investment restrictions described as fundamental policies under &#147;Investment Objectives and Policies&#148; in this Prospectus and the SAI, &#147;How the Fund Manages
Risk&#151;Investment Restrictions&#148; in this Prospectus and &#147;Investment Restrictions&#148; in the SAI. For purposes of this paragraph, except as otherwise required under the 1940 Act, the majority of the outstanding preferred stock means, in
accordance with Section&nbsp;2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act, the vote, at the annual or a special meeting of the shareholders of the Fund duly called (i)&nbsp;of 67% or more of the shares of preferred stock present at such meeting, if the holders of more
than 50% of the outstanding shares of preferred stock are present or represented by proxy, or (ii)&nbsp;more than 50% of the outstanding shares of preferred stock, whichever is less. The class vote of holders of preferred stock described above in
each case will be in addition to a separate vote of the requisite percentage of common stock, and any other preferred stock, voting together as a single class, that may be necessary to authorize the action in question. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The calculation of the elements and definitions of certain terms of the rating agency guidelines may be modified by action of the Board
without further action by the shareholders if the Board determines that such modification is necessary to prevent a reduction in rating of the shares of preferred stock by Moody&#146;s and/or S&amp;P (or such other rating agency then rating the
preferred stock at the request of the Fund), as the case may be, or is in the best interests of the holders of common stock and is not adverse to the holders of preferred stock in view of advice to the Fund by the relevant rating agencies that such
modification would not adversely affect its then-current rating of the preferred stock. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The foregoing voting provisions will
not apply to any series of preferred stock if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote otherwise would be required will be effected, such stock will have been redeemed or called for redemption and sufficient cash or cash
equivalents provided to the applicable paying agent to effect such redemption. The holders of preferred stock will have no preemptive rights or rights to cumulative voting. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Limitation on Issuance of Preferred Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">So long as the Fund has
preferred stock outstanding, subject to receipt of approval from the rating agencies of each series of preferred stock outstanding, and subject to compliance with the Fund&#146;s investment objectives, policies and restrictions, the Fund may issue
and sell shares of one or more other series of additional preferred stock provided that the Fund will, immediately after giving effect to the issuance of such additional preferred stock and to its receipt and application of the proceeds thereof
(including, without limitation, to the redemption of preferred stock to be redeemed out of such proceeds), have an &#147;asset coverage&#148; for all senior securities of the Fund which are stock, as defined in the 1940 Act, of at least 200% of the
sum of the liquidation preference of the shares of preferred stock of the Fund then outstanding and all indebtedness of the Fund constituting senior securities and no such additional preferred stock will have any preference or priority over any
other preferred stock of the Fund upon the distribution of the assets of the Fund or in respect of the payment of dividends or distributions. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund will consider from time to time whether to offer additional preferred stock or securities representing indebtedness and may issue such additional securities if the Board concludes that such an
offering would be consistent with the Fund&#146;s Charter and applicable law, and in the best interest of existing common shareholders. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Book Entry. </I>Shares of Fixed Rate Preferred Stock sold through this offering will initially be held in the name of Cede&nbsp;&amp; Co. as nominee for DTC. The Fund will treat Cede&nbsp;&amp; Co. as
the holder of record of such shares for all purposes. In accordance with the procedures of DTC, however, purchasers of Fixed Rate Preferred Stock will be deemed the beneficial owners of shares purchased for purposes of dividends, voting and
liquidation rights. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Shares of Auction Rate Preferred Stock will initially be held by the auction agent as custodian for
Cede&nbsp;&amp; Co., in whose name the shares of Auction Rate Preferred Stock will be registered. The Fund will treat Cede&nbsp;&amp; Co. as the holder of record of the such shares for all purposes. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_15"></A>ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS OF THE FUND&#146;S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund presently has provisions in its Governing Documents that could have the effect of limiting, in each case: </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the Fund&#146;s freedom to engage in certain transactions; or </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the ability of the Fund&#146;s Directors or shareholders to amend the Governing Documents or effectuate changes in the Fund&#146;s management.
</FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 42 -
</FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">These provisions of the Governing Documents may be regarded as &#147;anti-takeover&#148;
provisions. The Board is divided into three classes, each having a term of three years. Each year the term of one class of Directors will expire. Accordingly, only those Directors in one class may be changed in any one year, and it would require two
years to change a majority of the Board. Further, one Director in each of two of the classes of the Fund is elected solely by the holders of the Fund&#146;s preferred stock and cannot be removed or replaced by the holders of the common stock. The
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present at a meeting of stockholders duly called and at which a quorum is present is required to elect a Director. A classified Board may have the effect of maintaining the continuity of management and,
thus, make it more difficult for the stockholders of the Fund to change the majority of Directors. A Director of the Fund may be removed only for cause by a vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast for the election of Directors of the
Fund. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%;padding-bottom:0px;"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In addition, the affirmative vote of the holders of 66</FONT><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">2</SUP></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUB
STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; top:.4ex">3</SUB></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">% of the outstanding voting shares of the Fund, and the vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the holders of
preferred shares, voting as a single class, is required to authorize the conversion of the Fund from a closed-end to an open-end investment company or generally to authorize any of the following transactions: </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the merger or consolidation of the Fund with any entity; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the issuance of any securities of the Fund for cash to any entity or person; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the sale, lease or exchange of all or any substantial part of the assets of the Fund to any entity or person (except assets having an aggregate fair
market value of less than $1,000,000 over a 12-month period); or </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the sale, lease or exchange to the Fund, in exchange for securities of the Fund, of any assets of any entity or person (except assets having an
aggregate fair market value of less than $1,000,000 over a 12-month period); </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">if such person or entity is directly, or
indirectly through affiliates, the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of the Fund. Such vote would not be required, however, when, under certain circumstances, the Board approves the transaction or when each class of voting
securities of the entity that is the other party to any of the above-listed transactions is (directly or indirectly) majority owned by the Fund. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund&#146;s Bylaws provide that the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the entire Board of Directors shall be required to approve or declare advisable: </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Any amendment to the Charter to make the Fund&#146;s common stock a &#147;redeemable security&#148; or to convert the Fund, whether by merger or otherwise, from a
&#147;closed-end company&#148; to an &#147;open-end company&#148; (as defined in the 1940 Act); </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The liquidation or dissolution of the Fund and any amendment to the Charter to effect any such liquidation or dissolution; or </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Any merger, consolidation, share exchange or sale or exchange of all or substantially all of the assets of the Fund that Maryland law requires be approved by the
stockholders of the Fund. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Further, unless a higher percentage is provided for under the Charter, the
affirmative vote of a majority (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of the Fund&#146;s preferred stock, voting as a separate class, will be required to approve any plan of reorganization
adversely affecting such stock or any action requiring a vote of security holders under Section&nbsp;13(a) of the 1940 Act, including, among other things, changing the Fund&#146;s subclassification as a closed-end investment company, changing the
Fund&#146;s investment objectives or changing its fundamental investment restrictions. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Maryland corporations that are subject
to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the &#147;1934 Act&#148;), and have at least three outside directors, such as the Fund, may by board resolution elect to become subject to certain corporate governance provisions set forth in the
Maryland General Corporation Law, even if such provisions are inconsistent with the corporation&#146;s charter and by-laws. Accordingly, notwithstanding the Fund&#146;s Governing Documents, under Maryland law the Board may elect by resolution (and
the filing of Articles Supplementary) to, among other things: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">require that the call of special meetings by shareholders be permitted only at the request of shareholders entitled to cast at least a majority of the
votes entitled to be cast at such meeting; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">reserve for the Board the right to fix the number of Fund Directors; </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 43 -
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<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">provide that Directors are subject to removal only by the vote of the stockholders entitled to cast two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast
generally in the election of Directors; and </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">retain for the Board sole authority to fill any vacancies on the Board, with any Director so appointed to serve for the balance of the unexpired term
rather than only until the next annual meeting of shareholders. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Governing Documents of the Fund
presently: (i)&nbsp;require holders of not less than a majority of the votes entitled to be cast to call a special meeting of stockholders; and (ii)&nbsp;provide that the Board shall fix the number of Fund Directors. On December&nbsp;3, 2010, in
accordance with Maryland law, the Fund&#146;s Board elected by resolution and approved Articles Supplementary to vest in the Board the sole power to fill any vacancies on the Board, with any Director so elected to serve for the full term of the
directorship in which the vacancy occurred and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Under the Maryland
General Corporation Law, if the directors have been divided into classes, unless the charter provides otherwise (which the Charter does not), a director may be removed only for cause by the affirmative vote of a majority of all the votes entitled to
be cast generally for the election of directors. The Board could elect in the future to be subject to the provision of Maryland law that would increase the vote required to remove a Director to two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund&#146;s Bylaws provide that, with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders, nominations or persons for election
to the Board of Directors and the proposal of business to be considered by stockholders may be made only (1)&nbsp;by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (2)&nbsp;by a stockholder who is entitled to vote at the meeting and who has
complied with the advance notice procedures of the Bylaws. With respect to special meetings of stockholders, only the business specified in the Fund&#146;s notice of the meeting may be brought before the meeting. Nominations of persons for election
to the Board of Directors at a special meeting may be made only (1)&nbsp;by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (2)&nbsp;provided that a special meeting has been called for the purpose of electing directors, by a stockholder who is
entitled to vote at the meeting and who has complied with the advance notice provisions of the Bylaws. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund&#146;s Bylaws
provide that special meetings of stockholders may be called by the Board of Directors and certain of the Fund&#146;s officers. Additionally, the Fund&#146;s Bylaws provide that, subject to the satisfaction of certain procedural and informational
requirements by the stockholders requesting the meeting, a special meeting of stockholders will be called by the secretary of the Fund upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast not less than a majority of all the votes entitled to be
cast at such meeting. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The provisions of the Governing Documents and Maryland law described above could have the effect of
depriving the owners of stock in the Fund of opportunities to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices, by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund in a tender offer or similar transaction. The
overall effect of these provisions is to render more difficult the accomplishment of a merger or the assumption of control by a principal stockholder. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Governing Documents of the Fund are on file with the SEC. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_16">
</A>CLOSED-END FUND STRUCTURE </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company (commonly referred
to as a closed-end fund). Closed-end funds differ from open-end funds (which are generally referred to as mutual funds) in that closed-end funds generally list their shares for trading on a stock exchange and do not redeem their shares at the
request of a shareholder. This means that if you wish to sell your shares of a closed-end fund you must trade them on the market like any other stock at the prevailing market price at that time. In a mutual fund, if the shareholder wishes to sell
shares of the fund, the mutual fund will redeem or buy back the shares at &#147;net asset value.&#148; Also, mutual funds generally offer new shares on a continuous basis to new investors, and closed-end funds generally do not. The continuous
inflows and outflows of assets in a mutual fund can make it difficult to manage the fund&#146;s investments. By comparison, closed-end funds are generally able to stay more fully invested in securities that are consistent with their investment
objectives, to have greater flexibility to make certain types of investments and to use certain investment strategies such as financial leverage and investments in illiquid securities. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount to their net asset value. Because of this possibility and the recognition that any
such discount may not be in the interest of shareholders, the Fund&#146;s Board might consider from time to time engaging in open-market repurchases, tender offers for shares or other programs intended to reduce a discount. We cannot guarantee or
assure, however, that the Fund&#146;s Board will decide to engage in any of these actions. Nor is there any guarantee </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 44 -
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or assurance that such actions, if undertaken, would result in the shares trading at a price equal or close to net asset value per share. The Board might also consider converting the Fund to an
open-end mutual fund, which would also require a supermajority vote of the shareholders of the Fund and a separate vote of any outstanding preferred shares. We cannot assure you that the Fund&#146;s common shares will not trade at a discount.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_17"></A>REPURCHASE OF COMMON STOCK </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company and as such its shareholders do not, and will not, have the right
to require the Fund to repurchase their shares. The Fund, however, may repurchase shares of its common stock from time to time as and when it deems such a repurchase advisable. The Board has authorized such repurchases to be made when shares of the
Fund&#146;s common stock are trading at a discount from net asset value of 10% or more (or such other percentage as the Board of the Fund may determine from time to time). Although the Board has authorized such repurchases, the Fund is not required
to repurchase shares of its common stock. The Board has not established a limit on the number of shares that could be purchased during such period. Pursuant to the 1940 Act, the Fund may repurchase shares of its common stock on a securities exchange
(provided that the Fund has informed its shareholders within the preceding six months of its intention to repurchase such shares) or pursuant to tenders and may also repurchase shares privately if the Fund meets certain conditions regarding, among
other things, distribution of net income for the preceding fiscal year, status of the seller, price paid, brokerage commissions, prior notice to shareholders of an intention to purchase shares and purchasing in a manner and on a basis that does not
discriminate unfairly against the other shareholders through their interests in the Fund. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Shares repurchased by the Fund will
revert to the status of authorized but unissued shares and will be available for reissuance. The Fund may incur debt to finance share repurchase transactions. Any gain in the value of the investments of the Fund during the term of the borrowing that
exceeds the interest paid on the amount borrowed would cause the net asset value of the Fund&#146;s shares to increase more rapidly than in the absence of borrowing. Conversely, any decline in the value of the investments of the Fund would cause the
net asset value of the Fund&#146;s shares to decrease more rapidly than in the absence of borrowing. Borrowing money thus creates an opportunity for greater capital gains but at the same time increases exposure to capital risk. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">When the Fund repurchases shares of its common stock for a price below net asset value, the net asset value of the shares of common stock
that remain outstanding shares will be enhanced, but this does not necessarily mean that the market price of the outstanding common shares will be affected, either positively or negatively. Further, interest on borrowings to finance share repurchase
transactions will reduce the net income of the Fund. The repurchase of common stock will reduce the total assets of the Fund available for investment and may increase the Fund&#146;s expense ratio. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund does not currently have an established tender offer program or established schedule for considering tender offers. No assurance
can be given that the Board will decide to undertake any such tender offers in the future, or, if undertaken, that they will reduce any market discount. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_18"></A>RIGHTS OFFERINGS </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund may in the future,
and at its discretion, choose to make offerings of subscription rights to purchase its common stock or preferred stock. Any such future rights offering will be made in accordance with the 1940 Act. Under the laws of Maryland, the Board is authorized
to approve rights offerings without obtaining shareholder approval. The staff of the SEC has interpreted the 1940 Act as not requiring shareholder approval of a transferable rights offering at a price below the then current net asset value so long
as certain conditions are met, including: (i)&nbsp;a good faith determination by a fund&#146;s Board that such offering would result in a net benefit to existing shareholders; (ii)&nbsp;the offering fully protects shareholders&#146; preemptive
rights and does not discriminate among shareholders (except for the possible effect of not offering fractional rights); (iii)&nbsp;management uses its best efforts to ensure an adequate trading market in the rights for use by shareholders who do not
exercise such rights; and (iv)&nbsp;the ratio of a transferable rights offering does not exceed one new share for each three rights held. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 45 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_19"></A>NET ASSET VALUE </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The net asset value of the Fund&#146;s shares is computed based on the market value of the securities it holds and determined daily as of
the close of the regular trading day on the NYSE. For purposes of determining the Fund&#146;s net asset value per share, portfolio securities listed or traded on a nationally recognized securities exchange or traded in the U.S. over-the-counter
market for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the last quoted sale price or a market&#146;s official closing price as of the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. If there were no sales that day, the
security is valued at the average of the closing bid and asked prices or, if there were no asked prices quoted on that day, then the security is valued at the closing bid price on that day. If no bid or asked prices are quoted on such day, the
security is valued at the most recently available price or, if the Board so determines, by such other method as the Board shall determine in good faith to reflect its fair market value. Portfolio securities traded on more than one national
securities exchange or market are valued according to the broadest and most representative market, as determined by the Investment Adviser. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Portfolio securities primarily traded on a foreign market are generally valued at the preceding closing values of such securities on the relevant market, but may be fair valued pursuant to procedures
established by the Board if market conditions change significantly after the close of the foreign market but prior to the close of business on the day the securities are being valued. Debt instruments with remaining maturities of 60&nbsp;days or
less that are not credit impaired are valued at amortized cost, unless the Board determines such amount does not reflect the securities&#146; fair value, in which case these securities will be fair valued as determined by the Board. Debt instruments
having a maturity greater than 60&nbsp;days for which market quotations are readily available are valued at the average of the latest bid and asked prices. If there were no asked prices quoted on such day, the security is valued using the closing
bid price. Futures contracts are valued at the closing settlement price of the exchange or board of trade on which the applicable contract is traded. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Securities and assets for which market quotations are not readily available are fair valued as determined by the Board. Fair valuation methodologies and procedures may include, but are not limited to:
analysis and review of available financial and non-financial information about the company; comparisons to the valuation and changes in valuation of similar securities, including a comparison of foreign securities to the equivalent U.S. dollar value
ADR securities at the close of the U.S. exchange; and evaluation of any other information that could be indicative of the value of the security. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund obtains valuations on the basis of prices provided by one or more pricing services approved by the Board. All other investment assets, including restricted and not readily marketable securities,
are valued in good faith at fair value under procedures established by and under the general supervision and responsibility of the Fund&#146;s Board. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In addition, whenever developments in one or more securities markets after the close of the principal markets for one or more portfolio securities and before the time as of which the Fund determines its
net asset value would, if such developments had been reflected in such principal markets, likely have more than a minimal effect on the Fund&#146;s net asset value per share, the Fund may fair value such portfolio securities based on available
market information as of the time the Fund determines its net asset value. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>NYSE Closings. </I>The holidays (as observed)
on which the NYSE is closed, and therefore days upon which shareholders cannot purchase or sell shares, currently are: New Year&#146;s Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents&#146; Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day and on the preceding Friday or subsequent Monday when a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_20"></A>LIMITATION ON DIRECTORS&#146; AND OFFICERS&#146; LIABILITY </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Governing Documents provide that the Fund will indemnify its Directors and officers and may indemnify its employees or agents against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with litigation in
which they may be involved because of their positions with the Fund, to the fullest extent permitted by law. However, nothing in the Governing Documents protects or indemnifies a Director, officer, employee or agent of the Fund against any liability
to which such person would otherwise be subject in the event of such person&#146;s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her position. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_21"></A>TAXATION </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The following discussion is a brief summary of certain federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and the purchase, ownership and disposition of the Fund&#146;s shares. A more complete
discussion of the tax rules applicable to the Fund and its shareholders can be found in the SAI that is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. This discussion assumes you are a U.S. person (as defined for U.S. federal income tax purposes)
and that you hold your shares as capital assets. This </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 46 -
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discussion is based upon current provisions of the Code, the regulations promulgated thereunder and judicial and administrative authorities, all of which are subject to change or differing
interpretations by the courts or the Internal Revenue Service (the &#147;IRS&#148;), possibly with retroactive effect. No ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS regarding any matter discussed herein. Counsel to the Fund has not rendered and
will not render any legal opinion regarding any tax consequences relating to the Fund or an investment in the Fund. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all federal tax concerns affecting the Fund and its shareholders (including
shareholders owning large positions in the Fund). </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>The discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice and
potential investors are urged to consult their own tax advisers to determine the tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund. </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Taxation of the Fund </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund has elected to be treated and has qualified, and intends to continue to qualify, as a regulated investment company under
Subchapter M of the Code. Accordingly, the Fund must, among other things, meet the following requirements regarding the source of its income and the diversification of its assets: </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(i)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund must derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from the following sources, which are referred to herein as &#147;Qualifying Income&#148;:
(a)&nbsp;dividends, interest (including tax-exempt interest), payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, and other income (including but not limited to
gain from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or foreign currencies; and (b)&nbsp;interests in publicly traded partnerships that are treated as partnerships for U.S.
federal income tax purposes and that derive less than 90% of their gross income from the items described in (a)&nbsp;above (each a &#147;Qualified Publicly Traded Partnership&#148;). </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(ii)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund must diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year (a)&nbsp;at least 50% of the market value of the Fund&#146;s total assets
is represented by cash and cash items (including receivables), U.S. government securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of any one issuer, to an amount
not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund&#146;s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (b)&nbsp;not more than 25% of the market value of the Fund&#146;s total assets is invested in the
securities (other than U.S. government securities and the securities of other regulated investment companies) of (I)&nbsp;any one issuer, (II)&nbsp;any two or more issuers in which the Fund owns 20% or more of the voting stock and that are
determined to be engaged in the same business or similar or related trades or businesses or (III)&nbsp;any one or more Qualified Publicly Traded Partnerships. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">As a regulated investment company, the Fund generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on income and gains that the Fund distributes to its shareholders, provided that it distributes each
taxable year at least the sum of (i)&nbsp;90% of the Fund&#146;s investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest and the excess of any net short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss and other
taxable income, other than any net long-term capital gain, reduced by deductible expenses) determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and (ii)&nbsp;90% of the Fund&#146;s net tax-exempt interest (the excess of its gross tax-exempt
interest over certain disallowed deductions). The Fund intends to distribute substantially all of such income at least annually. The Fund will be subject to income tax at regular corporation rates on any taxable income or gains that it does not
distribute to its shareholders. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Code imposes a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the Fund to the extent the Fund does not
distribute by the end of any calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of (i)&nbsp;98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gain or loss) for the calendar year and (ii)&nbsp;98.2% of its capital gain in excess of its
capital loss (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period generally ending on October&nbsp;31 of the calendar year (unless an election is made to use the Fund&#146;s fiscal year). In addition, the minimum amounts that must be
distributed in any year to avoid the excise tax will be increased or decreased to reflect any under-distribution or over-distribution, as the case may be, from the previous year. While the Fund intends to distribute any income and capital gain in
the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% excise tax, there can be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the Fund&#146;s taxable income and capital gain will be distributed to entirely avoid the imposition of the excise tax. In that
event, the Fund will be liable for the excise tax only on the amount by which it does not meet the foregoing distribution requirement. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If for any taxable year the Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company, all of its taxable income (including its net capital gain) will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates without
any deduction for distributions to shareholders. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 47 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Taxation of Shareholders </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Distributions paid to you by the Fund from its net realized long-term capital gains, if any, that the Fund reports as capital gains dividends (&#147;capital gain dividends&#148;) are taxable as long-term
capital gains, regardless of how long you have held your shares. All other dividends paid to you by the Fund (including dividends from short-term capital gains) from its current or accumulated earnings and profits (&#147;ordinary income
dividends&#148;) are generally subject to tax as ordinary income. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Special rules apply, however, to ordinary income dividends
paid to individuals with respect to taxable years beginning on or before December&nbsp;31, 2012. If you are an individual, any such ordinary income dividend that you receive from the Fund generally will be eligible for taxation at the Federal rates
applicable to long-term capital gains (currently at a maximum rate of 15%) to the extent that (i)&nbsp;the ordinary income dividend is attributable to &#147;qualified dividend income&#148; (i.e., generally dividends paid by U.S. corporations and
certain foreign corporations) received by the Fund, (ii)&nbsp;the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other requirements with respect to the stock on which such qualified dividend income was paid and (iii)&nbsp;you satisfy certain holding
period and other requirements with respect to your shares. There can be no assurance as to what portion of the Fund&#146;s ordinary income dividends will constitute qualified dividend income. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Beginning in 2013, a 3.8 percent Medicare contribution tax will be imposed on net investment income, including interest, dividends, and
capital gain, of U.S. individuals with income exceeding $200,000 (or $250,000 if married filing jointly), and of estates and trusts. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Any distributions you receive that are in excess of the Fund&#146;s current or accumulated earnings and profits will be treated as a tax-free return of capital to the extent of your adjusted tax basis in
your shares, and thereafter as capital gain from the sale of shares. The amount of any Fund distribution that is treated as a tax-free return of capital will reduce your adjusted tax basis in your shares, thereby increasing your potential gain or
reducing your potential loss on any subsequent sale or other disposition of your shares. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Dividends and other taxable
distributions are taxable to you even if they are reinvested in additional common shares of the Fund. Dividends and other distributions paid by the Fund are generally treated under the Code as received by you at the time the dividend or distribution
is made. If, however, the Fund pays you a dividend in January that was declared in the previous October, November or December and you were the shareholder of record on a specified date in one of such months, then such dividend will be treated for
tax purposes as being paid by the Fund and received by you on December&nbsp;31 of the year in which the dividend was declared. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund will send you information after the end of each year setting forth the amount and tax status of any distributions paid to you by
the Fund. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund will generally result in capital gain or loss to you, and will
be long-term capital gain or loss if you have held such shares for more than one year at the time of sale. Any loss upon the sale or exchange of shares held for six months or less will be treated as long-term capital loss to the extent of any
capital gain dividends received (including amounts credited as an undistributed capital gain dividend) by you with respect to such shares. Any loss you realize on a sale or exchange of shares will be disallowed if you acquire other shares (whether
through the automatic reinvestment of dividends or otherwise) within a 61-day period beginning 30&nbsp;days before and ending 30&nbsp;days after your sale or exchange of the shares. In such case, your tax basis in the shares acquired will be
adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund may be required to withhold, for U.S. federal backup withholding tax
purposes, a portion of the dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds payable to shareholders who fail to provide the Fund (or its agent) with their correct taxpayer identification number (in the case of individuals, generally, their social
security number) or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. Certain shareholders are exempt from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax and any
amount withheld may be refunded or credited against your U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that you furnish the required information to the IRS. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Taxation of Holders of Subscription Rights </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">As more fully described below,
upon receipt of a subscription right, a preferred shareholder generally will be treated as receiving a taxable distribution in an amount equal to the fair market value of the subscription right the preferred shareholder receives. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">To the extent that the distribution is made out of the Fund&#146;s earnings and profits, the subscription right will be a taxable
dividend to the preferred shareholder. If the amount of the distribution received by the preferred shareholder exceeds such shareholder&#146;s proportionate share of the Fund&#146;s earnings and profits, the excess will reduce the preferred
shareholder&#146;s tax basis in the preferred shares with respect to which the subscription right was issued (the old share). To the extent that the excess is greater than the preferred shareholder&#146;s tax basis in the old shares, such excess
will be treated as gain from the sale of the old shares. If the preferred shareholder held the old shares for more than one year, such gain will be treated as long-term capital gain. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A preferred shareholder&#146;s tax basis in the subscription rights received will equal the fair market value of the subscription rights
on the date of the distribution. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A preferred shareholder who allows the subscription rights received to expire generally will
recognize a short-term capital loss. Capital losses are deductible only to the extent of capital gains (subject to an exception for individuals under which $3,000 of capital losses may be offset against ordinary income). </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A preferred shareholder who sells the subscription rights will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount
realized on the sale and the preferred shareholder&#146;s tax basis in the subscription rights as described above. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A
preferred shareholder will not recognize any gain or loss upon the exercise of the subscription rights received in the rights offering. The tax basis of the shares acquired through exercise of the subscription rights (the new shares) will equal the
sum of the subscription price for the new shares and the preferred shareholder&#146;s tax basis in the subscription rights as described above. The holding period for the new shares acquired through exercise of the subscription rights will begin on
the day following the date on which the subscription rights are exercised. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Conclusion </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the provisions of the Code and the Treasury regulations in effect as they directly
govern the taxation of the Fund and its shareholders. These provisions are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, and any such change may be retroactive. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 48 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_22"></A>CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Bank of New York Mellon, located at 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, Massachusetts 02149, serves as the Custodian of
the Fund&#146;s assets pursuant to a custody agreement. Under the custody agreement, the Custodian holds the Fund&#146;s assets in compliance with the 1940 Act. For its services, the Custodian receives a monthly fee paid by the Fund based upon,
among other things, the average weekly value of the total assets of the Fund, plus certain charges for securities transactions and out-of-pocket expenses. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Rules adopted under the 1940 Act permit the Fund to maintain its foreign securities in the custody of certain eligible foreign banks and securities depositories. Pursuant to those rules, any foreign
securities in the portfolio of the Fund may be held by subcustodians approved by the Board in accordance with the regulations of the SEC. Selection of any such subcustodians will be made by the Board following a consideration of a number of factors,
including but not limited to the reliability and financial stability of the institution, the ability of the institution to perform capably custodial services for the Fund, the reputation of the institution in its national market, the political and
economic stability of the country or countries in which the subcustodians are located, and risks of potential nationalization or expropriation of assets of the Fund. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Computershare, located at 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021, serves as the Fund&#146;s dividend disbursing agent, as agent under the Fund&#146;s Plan and as transfer agent and registrar with
respect to the common stock of the Fund. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Computershare also serves as the Fund&#146;s transfer agent, registrar, dividend
disbursing agent and redemption agent with respect to the Series&nbsp;D Preferred and Series&nbsp;F Preferred. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Bank of
New York Mellon, located at One Wall Street, New York, New York 10286, serves as the auction agent, transfer agent, registrar, dividend disbursing agent and redemption agent with respect to the Series&nbsp;C Auction Rate Preferred and Series&nbsp;E
Auction Rate Preferred. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_23"></A>PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">We may sell shares through underwriters or dealers, directly to one or more purchasers, through agents, to or through underwriters or
dealers, or through a combination of any such methods of sale.&nbsp;The applicable Prospectus Supplement will identify any underwriter or agent involved in the offer and sale of our shares, any sales loads, discounts, commissions, fees or other
compensation paid to any underwriter, dealer or agent, the offering price, net proceeds and use of proceeds and the terms of any sale. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The distribution of our shares may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices
related to such prevailing market prices, or at negotiated prices, provided, however, that the offering price per share in the case of common shares, must equal or exceed the net asset value per share, exclusive of any underwriting commissions or
discounts, of our common shares. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">We may sell our shares directly to, and solicit offers from, institutional investors or
others who may be deemed to be underwriters as defined in the Securities Act of 1933 (the &#147;Securities Act&#148;) for any resales of the securities.&nbsp;In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved.&nbsp;We may use electronic
media, including the Internet, to sell offered securities directly. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In connection with the sale of our shares, underwriters
or agents may receive compensation from us in the form of discounts, concessions or commissions.&nbsp;Underwriters may sell our shares to or through dealers, and such dealers may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or
commissions from the underwriters and/or commissions from the purchasers for whom they may act as agents.&nbsp;Underwriters, dealers and agents that participate in the distribution of our shares may be deemed to be underwriters under the Securities
Act, and any discounts and commissions they receive from us and any profit realized by them on the resale of our shares may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act.&nbsp;Any such underwriter or agent will be
identified and any such compensation received from us will be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.&nbsp;The maximum commission or discount to be received by any FINRA member or independent broker-dealer will not exceed eight
percent.&nbsp;We will not pay any compensation to any underwriter or agent in the form of warrants, options, consulting or structuring fees or similar arrangements. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If a Prospectus Supplement so indicates, we may grant the underwriters an option to purchase additional shares at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts and commissions, within
45&nbsp;days from the date of the Prospectus Supplement, to cover any overallotments. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 49 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Under agreements into which we may enter, underwriters, dealers and agents who participate
in the distribution of our shares may be entitled to indemnification by us against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.&nbsp;Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with us, or perform services for
us, in the ordinary course of business. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If so indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, we will ourselves, or will
authorize underwriters or other persons acting as our agents to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase our shares from us pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on a future date.&nbsp;Institutions with which such
contacts may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable institutions and others, but in all cases such institutions must be approved by us.&nbsp;The obligation
of any purchaser under any such contract will be subject to the condition that the purchase of the shares shall not at the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which such purchaser is subject.&nbsp;The underwriters
and such other agents will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity or performance of such contracts.&nbsp;Such contracts will be subject only to those conditions set forth in the Prospectus Supplement, and the Prospectus Supplement
will set forth the commission payable for solicitation of such contracts. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, the underwriters may from time to time act as brokers or dealers and receive fees in connection with the execution of our portfolio transactions after the underwriters have ceased to be underwriters and,
subject to certain restrictions, each may act as a broker while it is an underwriter. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A Prospectus and accompanying
Prospectus Supplement in electronic form may be made available on the websites maintained by underwriters.&nbsp;The underwriters may agree to allocate a number of securities for sale to their online brokerage account holders.&nbsp;Such allocations
of securities for Internet distributions will be made on the same basis as other allocations.&nbsp;In addition, securities may be sold by the underwriters to securities dealers who resell securities to online brokerage account holders. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In order to comply with the securities laws of certain states, if applicable, our shares offered hereby will be sold in such
jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_24"></A>LEGAL MATTERS
</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Certain legal matters will be passed on by Willkie Farr&nbsp;&amp; Gallagher LLP, 787 Seventh Avenue, New York, New York
10019-6099, counsel to the Fund, in connection with the offering of the Fund&#146;s securities. Counsel for the Fund will rely, as to certain matters of Maryland law, on Venable LLP, 750 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_25"></A>INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] serves as the independent registered public accounting firm of
the Fund and audits the financial statements of the Fund. [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] is located at [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_26"></A>ADDITIONAL INFORMATION </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund is subject to the informational requirements of the 1934 Act and the 1940 Act, and in accordance therewith files reports and other information with the SEC. Reports, proxy statements and other
information filed by the Fund with the SEC pursuant to the informational requirements of such Acts can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. The SEC maintains a
web site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants, including the Fund, that file electronically with the SEC. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund&#146;s common stock, Series&nbsp;D Preferred and Series&nbsp;F Preferred are listed on the NYSE. Reports, proxy statements and
other information concerning the Fund and filed with the SEC by the Fund will be available for inspection at the NYSE, 11 Wall Street, New York, New York, 10005. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">This Prospectus constitutes part of a Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the SEC under the Securities Act and the 1940 Act. This Prospectus omits certain of the information contained in the
Registration Statement, and reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement and related exhibits for further information with respect to the Fund and the securities offered hereby. Any statements contained herein concerning the provisions of
any document are not necessarily </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 50 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">
complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or otherwise filed with the SEC. Each such statement is qualified
in its entirety by such reference. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed by its rules and regulations or free of charge through the SEC&#146;s web site (http://www.sec.gov). </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_27"></A>PRIVACY PRINCIPLES OF THE FUND </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund is committed to maintaining the privacy of its shareholders and to safeguarding their non-public personal information. The following information is provided to help you understand what personal
information the Fund collects, how the Fund protects that information and why, in certain cases, the Fund may share information with select other parties. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Generally, the Fund does not receive any non-public personal information relating to its shareholders, although certain non-public personal information of its shareholders may become available to the
Fund. The Fund does not disclose any non-public personal information about its shareholders or former shareholders to anyone, except as permitted by law or as is necessary in order to service shareholder accounts (for example, to a transfer agent or
third party administrator). </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund restricts access to non-public personal information about its shareholders to employees
of the Fund, the Investment Adviser, and its affiliates with a legitimate business need for the information. The Fund maintains physical, electronic and procedural safeguards designed to protect the non-public personal information of its
shareholders. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 51 -
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="tx334544_28"></A>TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">An SAI dated as of [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;], 2012, has been filed with
the SEC and is incorporated by reference in this Prospectus. An SAI may be obtained without charge by writing to the Fund at its address at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422 or by calling the Fund toll-free at (800)&nbsp;GABELLI
(422-3554). The Table of Contents of the SAI is as follows: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_1">The Fund</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_2">Investment Objectives and Policies</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_3">Investment Restrictions</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">9</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_4">Management of the Fund</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">10</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_5">Dividends and Distributions</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">23</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_6">Auctions for Auction Rate Preferred Stock</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">24</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_7">Portfolio Transactions</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">26</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_8">Portfolio Turnover</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">27</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_9">Taxation</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">27</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_10">Beneficial Owners</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">32</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_11">General Information</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">32</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_12">Appendix&nbsp;A&#151;Proxy Voting Policy</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A-1</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">No dealer, salesperson or other person has been authorized to give any information or to make any
representations in connection with this offering other than those contained in this Prospectus in connection with the offer contained herein, and, if given or made, such other information or representations must not be relied upon as having been
authorized by the Fund, the Investment Adviser or the underwriters. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale made hereunder will, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the Fund
since the date hereof or that the information contained herein is correct as of any time subsequent to its date. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities other than the securities to
which it relates. This Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy such securities in any circumstance in which such an offer or solicitation is unlawful. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">- 52 -
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="line-height:2px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:2pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:3px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="5"><B>$500,000,000 </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:24px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center">


<IMG SRC="g334544g67v98.jpg" ALT="LOGO">
 </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>Common Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>Preferred Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>Subscription Rights to Purchase Common Stock
</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>Subscription Rights to Purchase Preferred Stock </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:24px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:24px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;], 2012 </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:24px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="line-height:3px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:2px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:2pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>

<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Filed Pursuant to Rule 497(c) </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Registration Statement No. 333-173819 </B></FONT></P> <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Arial Narrow" SIZE="2" COLOR="#de1a1e"><B>The information in this Prospectus Supplement is not complete and may be changed. The Fund may not sell these securities until the
registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting offers to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not
permitted. </B></FONT></P> <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="right">


<IMG SRC="g334544g67v98.jpg" ALT="LOGO">
 </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(To Prospectus dated <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012) </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="5"><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shares of Common Stock </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">We are offering for sale <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;shares of our common stock. Our
common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol &#147;GAB.&#148; The last reported sale price for our common stock on <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;,
<U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;was $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;per share. The net asset value of the Fund&#146;s common shares at the close of business on [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;], 2012 was
$[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] per share. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>You should review the information set forth under &#147;<A HREF="#tx334544_7">Risk Factors and Special Considerations</A>&#148; on page
19 of the accompanying Prospectus before investing in our common shares. </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="76%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="72%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="6%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="6%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Per&nbsp;Share</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Total&nbsp;(1)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Public offering price</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Underwriting discounts and commissions</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Proceeds, before expenses, to us</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="line-height:8px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000;width:10%">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The aggregate expenses of the offering are estimated to be <U></U>$&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, which represents
approximately $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;per share. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The
underwriters may also purchase up to an additional <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; common stock from us at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and
commissions, to cover over-allotments, if any, within 30&nbsp;days after the date of this Prospectus Supplement. If the over-allotment option is exercised in full, the total proceeds, before expenses, to the Fund would be
$&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and the total underwriting discounts and commissions would be $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;. The
common shares will be ready for delivery on or about &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">You should read this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus before deciding whether to invest in our common shares and
retain it for future reference. The Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus contain important information about us. Material that has been incorporated by reference and other information about us can be obtained from us by calling
1-800-GABELLI (422-3554) or from the Securities and Exchange Commission&#146;s (&#147;SEC&#148;) website (<U>http://www.sec.gov</U>). </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012 </B></FONT></P>
<p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">S-1 </FONT></P>

<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. Neither the Fund nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the
offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying
Prospectus, respectively. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. In this Prospectus Supplement and in the accompanying Prospectus, unless otherwise indicated, &#147;Fund,&#148;
&#147;us,&#148; &#147;our&#148; and &#147;we&#148; refer to The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. This Prospectus Supplement also includes trademarks owned by other persons. </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="toc1"></A>TABLE OF CONTENTS </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Prospectus Supplement
</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="96%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Page</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup1334544_1">TABLE OF FEES AND EXPENSES</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">S-4</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup1334544_2">USE OF PROCEEDS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">S-4</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup1334544_3">FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">S-5</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup1334544_4">PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">S-5</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup1334544_5">PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">S-5</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup1334544_6">LEGAL MATTERS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">S-5</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Prospectus</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_1">PROSPECTUS SUMMARY</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_2">SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">11</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_3">FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">12</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_4">USE OF PROCEEDS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">15</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_5">THE FUND</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">15</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_6">INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">15</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_7">RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">19</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_8">HOW THE FUND MANAGES RISK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">27</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_9">MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">28</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_10">PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">30</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_11">DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">30</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_12">ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">31</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_13">AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND VOLUNTARY CASH PURCHASE PLAN</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">31</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_14">DESCRIPTION OF THE CAPITAL STOCK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">33</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_15">ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS OF THE FUND&#146;S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">42</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_16">CLOSED-END FUND STRUCTURE</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">44</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_17">REPURCHASE OF COMMON STOCK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">45</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_18">RIGHTS OFFERINGS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">45</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_19">NET ASSET VALUE</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">46</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_20">LIMITATION ON DIRECTORS&#146; AND OFFICERS&#146; LIABILITY</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">46</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_21">TAXATION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">46</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_22">CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">49</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_23">PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">49</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_24">LEGAL MATTERS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_25">INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_26">ADDITIONAL INFORMATION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_27">PRIVACY PRINCIPLES OF THE FUND</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">51</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_28">TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">52</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">S-2
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">This Prospectus Supplement, the accompanying Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information contain &#147;forward-looking
statements.&#148; Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words &#147;may,&#148; &#147;will,&#148; &#147;intend,&#148; &#147;expect,&#148; &#147;estimate,&#148; &#147;continue,&#148; &#147;plan,&#148; &#147;anticipate,&#148; and similar
terms and the negative of such terms. Such forward-looking statements may be contained in this Prospectus Supplement as well as in the accompanying Prospectus. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and
actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Several factors that could materially affect our actual results are the performance of the portfolio of securities we hold, the price at which our
shares will trade in the public markets and other factors discussed in our periodic filings with the SEC. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Although we believe
that the expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as
well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in the &#147;Risk Factors and Special Considerations&#148; section of the accompanying prospectus. All
forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement or the accompanying Prospectus are made as of the date of this Prospectus Supplement or the accompanying Prospectus, as the case may be. Except for our
ongoing obligations under the federal securities laws, we do not intend, and we undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this Prospectus Supplement, any accompanying Prospectus and
the Statement of Additional Information are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section&nbsp;27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &#147;Securities Act&#148;). </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Currently known risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to,
the factors described in the &#147;Risk Factors and Special Considerations&#148; section of the accompanying Prospectus. We urge you to review carefully those sections for a more detailed discussion of the risks of an investment in our common stock.
</FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">S-3
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup1334544_1"></A>TABLE OF FEES AND EXPENSES </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The following tables are intended to assist you in understanding the various costs and expenses directly or indirectly associated with
investing in our common stock as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock. Amounts are for the current fiscal year after giving effect to anticipated net proceeds of the offering, assuming that we incur the estimated offering
expenses, including preferred stock offering expenses. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="68%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="91%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="7%"></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Shareholder Transaction Expenses</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]%</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Offering Expenses Borne by the Fund (as a percentage of offering price)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]%</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Dividend Reinvestment Plan Fees</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">None(1)</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="68%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="69%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="30%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Percentage&nbsp;of&nbsp;Net&nbsp;Assets<BR>Attributable&nbsp;to&nbsp;Common&nbsp;Stock</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Annual Expenses</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Management Fees</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">]%(2)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Interest on Borrowed Funds</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">]&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Other Expenses</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">]%(2)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Dividends on Preferred Stock</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;%&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:3.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total annual fund operating expenses and dividends on preferred stock</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;%(2)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total Annual Expenses</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">]%(2)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:3px double #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="line-height:8px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000;width:10%">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">You will be charged a $[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] service charge and pay brokerage charges if you direct the plan agent
to sell your common stock held in a dividend reinvestment account. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser&#146;s fee is 1.00% annually of the Fund&#146;s average weekly net assets, with no deduction for the liquidation preference of any outstanding
preferred shares. Consequently, in as much as the Fund has preferred shares outstanding, the investment management fees and other expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares are higher than if the Fund did not utilize a
leveraged capital structure. &#147;Other Expenses&#148; are based on estimated amounts for the current year assuming completion of the proposed issuances. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Example </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The following example illustrates the expenses (including the
maximum estimated sales load of $[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] and estimated offering expenses of $[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] from the issuance of
$[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] million in common stock) you would pay on a $1,000 investment in common stock, assuming a 5% annual portfolio total return.* The actual amounts in connection with any offering will be set forth in
the Prospectus Supplement if applicable. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="92%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="72%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="7%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="7%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="7%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="7%"></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>1&nbsp;Year</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>3&nbsp;Years</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>5&nbsp;Years</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>10&nbsp;Years</B></FONT></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total Expenses Incurred</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="line-height:8px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000;width:10%">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">*</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>The example should not be considered a representation of future expenses</B>. The example assumes that the amounts set forth in the Annual Expenses table are
accurate and that all distributions are reinvested at net asset value. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those assumed. Moreover, the Fund&#146;s actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the
example. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup1334544_2"></A>USE OF PROCEEDS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">We estimate the total net proceeds of the offering to be
$&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;($&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;if the over-allotment option is exercised in full), based on the public offering price of
$&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;per share and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser expects that it will initially invest the proceeds of the offering in high-quality short-term debt securities and
instruments. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund&#146;s investment objectives and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to be
substantially completed within three months; however, changes in market conditions could result in the Fund&#146;s anticipated investment period extending to as long as six months. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">S-4
</FONT></P>


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<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup1334544_3"></A>FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.] </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup1334544_4">
</A>PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The following table sets forth for the quarters indicated, the high and low sale prices
on the New York Stock Exchange per share of our common stock and the net asset value and the premium or discount from net asset value per share at which the shares of common stock were trading, expressed as a percentage of net asset value, at each
of the high and low sale prices provided. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.] </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The last reported price for our common stock on <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<U></U>was $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
per share. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup1334544_5"></A>PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.] </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup1334544_6"></A>LEGAL MATTERS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Certain legal matters will be passed on by Willkie Farr&nbsp;&amp; Gallagher LLP, New York, New York, counsel to the Fund in connection with the offering
of the common stock. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;.
Willkie Farr&nbsp;&amp; Gallagher LLP and [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] may rely as to certain matters of Maryland law on the opinion of [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">S-5
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="line-height:2px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:2pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:3px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center">


<IMG SRC="g334544g67v98.jpg" ALT="LOGO">
 </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="6"><B>The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="5"><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shares of Common Stock </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>, 2012
</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Until &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all
dealers that buy, sell or trade the Common Stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to each dealer&#146;s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and
with respect to its unsold allotments or subscriptions. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="line-height:3px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:2px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:2pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">S-6
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Filed Pursuant to Rule 497(c) </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Registration Statement No. 333-173819 </B></FONT></P> <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Arial Narrow" SIZE="2" COLOR="#de1a1e"><B>The information in this Prospectus Supplement is not complete and may be changed. The Fund may not sell these securities until the
registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting offers to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not
permitted. </B></FONT></P> <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="right">


<IMG SRC="g334544g67v98.jpg" ALT="LOGO">
 </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(To Prospectus dated <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012) </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="5"><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shares </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="4"><B>Series [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] Preferred Stock </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">We are offering for sale <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; shares of our Series
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Preferred Stock. Our common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol &#147;GAB.&#148; The last reported sale price for our common stock on
<U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;was $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;per share. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>You should review the information set forth under &#147;<A HREF="#tx334544_7">Risk Factors and Special Considerations</A>&#148; on page
19 of the accompanying Prospectus before investing in our preferred stock. </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="76%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="72%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="6%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="6%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Per&nbsp;Share</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Total&nbsp;(1)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Public offering price</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Underwriting discounts and commissions</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Proceeds, before expenses, to us</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="line-height:8px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000;width:10%">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The aggregate expenses of the offering are estimated to be <U></U>$&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, which represents
approximately $ &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;per share. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The
Underwriters are expected to deliver the Series &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Preferred Stock in book-entry form through the Depositary Trust Company on or about
<U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">You should read this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus before deciding whether to invest in our preferred shares and retain it for future reference. The Prospectus Supplement and the
accompanying Prospectus contain important information about us. Material that has been incorporated by reference and other information about us can be obtained from us by calling 800-GABELLI (422-3554) or from the Securities and Exchange
Commission&#146;s (&#147;SEC&#148;) website (<U>http://www.sec.gov</U>). </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;,
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </B></FONT></P> <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">P-1 </FONT></P>

<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. Neither the Fund nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the
offer or sale is not permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying
Prospectus, respectively. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. In this Prospectus Supplement and in the accompanying Prospectus, unless otherwise indicated, &#147;Fund,&#148;
&#147;us,&#148; &#147;our&#148; and &#147;we&#148; refer to The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. This Prospectus Supplement also includes trademarks owned by other persons. </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A NAME="toc2"></A>TABLE OF CONTENTS </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Prospectus Supplement </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="96%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Page</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup2334544_1">TERMS OF THE SERIES [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] PREFERRED STOCK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">P-3</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup2334544_2">USE OF PROCEEDS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">P-4</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup2334544_3">CAPITALIZATION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">P-4</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup2334544_4">ASSET COVERAGE RATIO</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">P-4</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup2334544_5">SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE SERIES [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] PREFERRED
STOCK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">P-4</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup2334544_6">DESCRIPTION OF THE SERIES [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] PREFERRED STOCK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">P-4</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup2334544_7">TAXATION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">P-4</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup2334544_8">UNDERWRITING</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">P-4</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup2334544_9">LEGAL MATTERS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">P-4</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Prospectus</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="4"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_1">PROSPECTUS SUMMARY</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_2">SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">11</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_3">FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">12</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_4">USE OF PROCEEDS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">15</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_5">THE FUND</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">15</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_6">INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">15</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_7">RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">19</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_8">HOW THE FUND MANAGES RISK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">27</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_9">MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">28</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_10">PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">30</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_11">DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">30</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_12">ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">31</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_13">AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND VOLUNTARY CASH PURCHASE PLAN</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">31</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_14">DESCRIPTION OF THE CAPITAL STOCK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">33</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_15">ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS OF THE FUND&#146;S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">42</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_16">CLOSED-END FUND STRUCTURE</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">44</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_17">REPURCHASE OF COMMON STOCK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">45</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_18">RIGHTS OFFERINGS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">45</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_19">NET ASSET VALUE</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">46</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_20">LIMITATION ON DIRECTORS&#146; AND OFFICERS&#146; LIABILITY</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">46</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_21">TAXATION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">46</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_22">CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">49</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_23">PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">49</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_24">LEGAL MATTERS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_25">INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_26">ADDITIONAL INFORMATION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_27">PRIVACY PRINCIPLES OF THE FUND</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">51</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_28">TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">52</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">P-2
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">This Prospectus Supplement, the accompanying Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information contain &#147;forward-looking
statements.&#148; Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words &#147;may,&#148; &#147;will,&#148; &#147;intend,&#148; &#147;expect,&#148; &#147;estimate,&#148; &#147;continue,&#148; &#147;plan,&#148; &#147;anticipate,&#148; and similar
terms and the negative of such terms. Such forward-looking statements may be contained in this Prospectus Supplement as well as in the accompanying Prospectus. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and
actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Several factors that could materially affect our actual results are the performance of the portfolio of securities we hold, the price at which our
shares will trade in the public markets and other factors discussed in our periodic filings with the SEC. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Although we believe
that the expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as
well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in the &#147;Risk Factors and Special Considerations&#148; section of the accompanying prospectus. All
forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement or the accompanying Prospectus are made as of the date of this Prospectus Supplement or the accompanying Prospectus, as the case may be. Except for our
ongoing obligations under the federal securities laws, we do not intend, and we undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this Prospectus Supplement, any accompanying Prospectus and
the Statement of Additional Information are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section&nbsp;27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the &#147;Securities Act&#148;). </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Currently known risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to,
the factors described in the &#147;Risk Factors and Special Considerations&#148; section of the accompanying Prospectus. We urge you to review carefully those sections for a more detailed discussion of the risks of an investment in our preferred
stock. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">P-3
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup2334544_1"></A>TERMS OF THE SERIES
<U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;PREFERRED STOCK </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="27%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%"></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Dividend Rate</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The dividend rate [for the initial dividend
period]</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">1 </SUP></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">will be ___%.</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Dividend Payment Rate</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[Dividends will be paid when, as and if declared on <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;,
<U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, and <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;,
commencing <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;.]</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">2 </SUP></FONT><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The payment date for the initial dividend period will be <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;.]</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP
STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">1</SUP></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[Regular Dividend Period</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Regular dividend periods will be &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;days.]</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP
STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">1</SUP></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Liquidation Preference</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$ &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;per share</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[Non-Call Period</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The shares may not be called for redemption at the option of the Fund prior to <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;.]</FONT><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">2</SUP></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[Stock Exchange Listing]</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP
STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">2</SUP></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="line-height:8px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000;width:10%">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Applicable only if the preferred shares being offered are auction rate shares. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Applicable only if the preferred shares being offered are fixed rate shares. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">P-4
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup2334544_2"></A>USE OF PROCEEDS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">We estimate the total net proceeds of the offering to be
<U></U>$&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, based on the public offering price of $ &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;per share and after deduction of the underwriting
discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser expects that it will
initially invest the proceeds of the offering in high-quality short-term debt securities and instruments. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund&#146;s investment objectives
and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to be substantially completed within three months; however, changes in market conditions could result in the Fund&#146;s anticipated investment period extending
to as long as six months. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup2334544_3"></A>CAPITALIZATION </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.] </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup2334544_4">
</A>ASSET COVERAGE RATIO </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.] </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup2334544_5"></A>SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE SERIES [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] PREFERRED STOCK </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.] </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup2334544_6"></A>DESCRIPTION OF THE SERIES
[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] PREFERRED STOCK </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.] </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup2334544_7"></A>TAXATION </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.] </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup2334544_8"></A>UNDERWRITING </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.] </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:24px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup2334544_9"></A>LEGAL MATTERS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Certain legal matters will be passed on by Willkie Farr&nbsp;&amp; Gallagher LLP, New York, New York, counsel to the Fund in connection with the offering
of the Series [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] Preferred Stock. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by
<U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;. Willkie Farr&nbsp;&amp; Gallagher LLP and [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] may rely as to certain matters of Maryland law on
the opinion of [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">P-5
</FONT></P>


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<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="line-height:2px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:2pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:3px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center">


<IMG SRC="g334544g67v98.jpg" ALT="LOGO">
 </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="6"><B>The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="5"><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shares </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="4"><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;% Series [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]
Preferred Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="4"><B>(Liquidation Preference $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;per
share) </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>, 2012
</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Until &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all
dealers that buy, sell or trade the Preferred Stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to each dealer&#146;s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter
and with respect to its unsold allotments or subscriptions. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="line-height:3px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:2px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:2pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">P-6
</FONT></P>


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<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Filed Pursuant to Rule 497(c) </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Registration Statement No. 333-173819 </B></FONT></P> <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Arial Narrow" SIZE="2" COLOR="#de1a1e"><B>The information in this Prospectus Supplement is not complete and may be changed. The Fund may not sell these securities until the
registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting offers to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not
permitted. </B></FONT></P> <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="right">


<IMG SRC="g334544g67v98.jpg" ALT="LOGO">
 </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>(To Prospectus dated <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012) </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="4"><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rights for
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shares </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="4"><B>Subscription
Rights for Common Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. (the &#147;Fund&#148;, &#147;we&#148;, &#147;us&#148; or &#147;our&#148;) is issuing subscription rights
(the &#147;Rights&#148;) to our common stockholders to purchase additional shares of common stock. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund is a
non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the &#147;1940 Act&#148;). The Fund&#146;s primary investment objective is to achieve long-term growth of capital by investing
primarily in a portfolio of equity securities consisting of common stock, preferred stock, convertible or exchangeable securities and warrants and rights to purchase such securities. Income is a secondary investment objective. The Fund&#146;s
investment adviser is Gabelli Funds, LLC (the &#147;Investment Adviser&#148;). </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Shares of our common stock are traded on the
New York Stock Exchange (&#147;NYSE&#148;) under the symbol &#147;GAB.&#148; On &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012 (the last trading date prior to the Common Stock trading ex-Rights), the last reported net
asset value per share of the Common Stock was $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and the last reported sales price per share of Common Stock on the NYSE was
$&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">An investment in the Fund is not appropriate for
all investors. We cannot assure you that the Fund&#146;s investment objective will be achieved. You should read this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus before deciding whether to invest in common shares and retain it for future
reference. The Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus contain important information about us. Material that has been incorporated by reference and other information about us can be obtained from us by calling 800-GABELLI (422-3554) or
from the Securities and Exchange Commission&#146;s (&#147;SEC&#148;) website (<U>http://www.sec.gov</U>). For additional information all holders of rights should contact the Information Agent,
[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;], toll-free at [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] or please send written request to:
[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>Investing in
common stock through Rights involves certain risks that are described in the &#147;<A HREF="#sup3334544_7">Special Characteristics and Risks of the Rights Offering</A>&#148; section beginning on page R-7 of the Prospectus Supplement. </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B><B>STOCKHOLDERS WHO DO NOT EXERCISE THEIR RIGHTS MAY, AT THE COMPLETION OF THE OFFERING, OWN A SMALLER PROPORTIONAL INTEREST IN
THE FUND THAN IF THEY EXERCISED THEIR RIGHTS. AS A RESULT OF THE OFFERING YOU MAY EXPERIENCE DILUTION OR ACCRETION OF THE AGGREGATE NET ASSET VALUE OF YOUR SHARES OF COMMON STOCK DEPENDING UPON WHETHER THE FUND&#146;S NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE OF
COMMON STOCK IS ABOVE OR BELOW THE SUBSCRIPTION PRICE ON THE EXPIRATION DATE. </B></FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">R-1
</FONT></P>


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<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">NEITHER THE SEC NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE
SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="76%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="78%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="5%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="5%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Per Share</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Total</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Subscription&nbsp;price of Common Shares to shareholders exercising Rights</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Underwriting discounts and commissions</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ]</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ]</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Proceeds, before expenses, to the Fund (1)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The aggregate expenses of the offering are estimated to be $[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The common stock is expected to be ready for delivery in book-entry form through the Depository Trust Company on or about
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012. If the offer is extended, the common stock is expected to be ready for delivery in book-entry form through the Depository Trust Company on or about
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>The date of this Prospectus Supplement is
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012 </B></FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">R-2
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not
permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus, respectively.
Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. In this Prospectus Supplement and in the accompanying Prospectus, unless otherwise indicated, &#147;Fund,&#148; &#147;us,&#148;
&#147;our&#148; and &#147;we&#148; refer to The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. This Prospectus Supplement also includes trademarks owned by other persons. </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A NAME="toc3"></A>TABLE OF CONTENTS </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Prospectus Supplement </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="96%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Page</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup3334544_1">SUMMARY OF THE TERMS OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">R-5</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup3334544_2">DESCRIPTION OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">R-5</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup3334544_3">TABLE OF FEES AND EXPENSES</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">R-6</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup3334544_4">USE OF PROCEEDS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">R-6</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup3334544_5">CAPITALIZATION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">R-7</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup3334544_6">PRICE RANGE OF COMMON SHARES</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">R-7</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup3334544_7">SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">R-7</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup3334544_8">TAXATION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">R-8</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup3334544_9">LEGAL MATTERS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">R-8</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Prospectus </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="97%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_1">PROSPECTUS SUMMARY</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_2">SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">11</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_3">FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">12</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_4">USE OF PROCEEDS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">15</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_5">THE FUND</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">15</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_6">INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">15</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_7">RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">19</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_8">HOW THE FUND MANAGES RISK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">27</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_9">MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">28</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_10">PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">30</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_11">DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">30</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_12">ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">31</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_13">AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND VOLUNTARY CASH PURCHASE PLAN</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">31</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_14">DESCRIPTION OF THE CAPITAL STOCK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">33</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_15">ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS OF THE FUND&#146;S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">42</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_16">CLOSED-END FUND STRUCTURE</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">44</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_17">REPURCHASE OF COMMON STOCK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">45</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_18">RIGHTS OFFERINGS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">45</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_19">NET ASSET VALUE</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">46</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_20">LIMITATION ON DIRECTORS&#146; AND OFFICERS&#146; LIABILITY</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">46</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_21">TAXATION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">46</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_22">CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">49</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_23">PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">49</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_24">LEGAL MATTERS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_25">INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_26">ADDITIONAL INFORMATION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_27">PRIVACY PRINCIPLES OF THE FUND</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">51</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_28">TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">52</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">R-3
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">This Prospectus Supplement, the accompanying Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information contain &#147;forward-looking
statements.&#148; Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words &#147;may,&#148; &#147;will,&#148; &#147;intend,&#148; &#147;expect,&#148; &#147;estimate,&#148; &#147;continue,&#148; &#147;plan,&#148; &#147;anticipate,&#148; and similar
terms and the negative of such terms. Such forward-looking statements may be contained in this Prospectus Supplement as well as in the accompanying Prospectus. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and
actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Several factors that could materially affect our actual results are the performance of the portfolio of securities we hold, the price at which our
shares will trade in the public markets and other factors discussed in our periodic filings with the SEC. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Although we believe
that the expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as
well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in the &#147;Risk Factors and Special Considerations&#148; section of the accompanying Prospectus and
&#147;Special Characteristics and Risks of the Rights Offering&#148; in this Prospectus Supplement. All forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement or the accompanying Prospectus are made as of the
date of this Prospectus Supplement or the accompanying Prospectus, as the case may be. Except for our ongoing obligations under the federal securities laws, we do not intend, and we undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement.
The forward-looking statements contained in this Prospectus Supplement, any accompanying Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section&nbsp;27A of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the &#147;Securities Act&#148;). </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Currently known risk factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to, the factors described in the &#147;Risk Factors and Special Considerations&#148; section of the accompanying Prospectus as well as in the &#147;Special Characteristics and Risks of
the Rights Offering&#148; section of this Prospectus Supplement. We urge you to review carefully those sections for a more detailed discussion of the risks of an investment in the common stock. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">R-4
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup3334544_1"></A>SUMMARY OF THE TERMS OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="27%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%"></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Terms of the Offer</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.]</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Amount Available for Primary Subscription</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Title</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Subscription Rights for Common Stock</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Subscription&nbsp;Price</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Rights may be exercised at a price of $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;per share of Common Stock (the &#147;Subscription Price&#148;).
<I>See &#147;Terms of the Offer.&#148;</I></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Record Date</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Rights will be issued to holders of record of the Fund&#146;s Common Stock on&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012 (the &#147;Record
Date&#148;). <I>See &#147;Terms of the Offer.&#148;</I></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Number of Rights Issued</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Right will be issued in respect of each share of Common Stock of the Fund outstanding on the Record Date.
<I>See &#147;Terms of the Offer.&#148;</I></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Number of Rights Required to Purchase One Common Share</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A holder of Rights may purchase &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; share of Common Stock of the Fund for
every&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rights exercised. The number of Rights to be issued to a stockholder on the Record Date will be rounded up to the nearest number of Rights evenly divisible by
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;.&nbsp;<I>See &#147;Terms of the Offer.&#148;</I></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Over-Subscription Privilege</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.]</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Transfer of Rights</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.]</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Subscription&nbsp;Period</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Rights may be exercised at any time after issuance and prior to expiration of the Rights, which will be 5:00 PM Eastern Time on
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012 (the &#147;Expiration Date&#148;) (the &#147;Subscription Period&#148;). <I>See &#147;Terms of the Offer&#148; and &#147;Method of Exercise of
Rights.&#148;</I></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Offer Expenses</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The expenses of the Offer are expected to be approximately $[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]. <I>See &#147;Use of
Proceeds</I>.&#148;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Sale of Rights</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.]</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Use of Proceeds</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund estimates the net proceeds of the Offer to be approximately
$[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]. This figure is based on the Subscription Price per share of $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; and assumes all new shares of Common
Stock offered are sold and that the expenses related to the Offer estimated at approximately $[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] are paid.</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser anticipates that investment of the proceeds will be made in
accordance with the Fund&#146;s investment objectives and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to be substantially completed in approximately three months; however, the identification of appropriate
investment opportunities pursuant to the Fund&#146;s investment style or changes in market conditions may cause the investment period to extend as long as six months. Pending such investment, the proceeds will be held in high quality short-term debt
securities and instruments. <I>See &#147;Use of Proceeds</I>&#148;.</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Taxation/ERISA</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>See &#147;Employee Plan Considerations.&#148;</I></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Rights Agent</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.]</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup3334544_2"></A>DESCRIPTION OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.] </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">R-5
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup3334544_3"></A>TABLE OF FEES AND EXPENSES </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The following tables are intended to assist you in understanding the various costs and expenses directly or indirectly associated with
investing in our common stock as a percentage of net assets attributable to common stock. Amounts are for the current fiscal year after giving effect to anticipated net proceeds of the offering, assuming that we incur the estimated offering
expenses, including preferred stock offering expenses. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="68%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="91%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="7%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Shareholder Transaction Expenses</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Offering Expenses Borne by the Fund (as a percentage of offering price)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Dividend Reinvestment Plan Fees</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">None</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="84%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="74%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="25%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Percentage of Net Assets<BR>Attributable&nbsp;to&nbsp;Common&nbsp;Stock</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Annual Expenses</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Management Fees</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%(2)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Interest on Borrowed Funds</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Other Expenses</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%(2)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Dividends on Preferred Stock</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:3.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total annual fund operating expenses and dividends on preferred stock</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%(2)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total Annual Expenses</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">%(2)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="line-height:8px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000;width:10%">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">You will be charged a $[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] service charge and pay brokerage charges if you direct the plan agent
to sell your common stock held in a dividend reinvestment account. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser&#146;s fee is 1.00% annually of the Fund&#146;s average weekly net assets, with no deduction for the liquidation preference of any outstanding
preferred shares. Consequently, in as much as the Fund has preferred shares outstanding, the investment management fees and other expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares are higher than if the Fund did not utilize a
leveraged capital structure. &#147;Other Expenses&#148; are based on estimated amounts for the current year assuming completion of the proposed issuances. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Example </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The following example illustrates the expenses (including the
maximum estimated sales load of $[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] and estimated offering expenses of $[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] from the issuance of
$[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] million in common stock) you would pay on a $1,000 investment in common stock, assuming a 5% annual portfolio total return.* The actual amounts in connection with any
offering will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement if applicable. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="92%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="72%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="7%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="7%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="7%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="7%"></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>1&nbsp;Year</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>3&nbsp;Years</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>5&nbsp;Years</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>10&nbsp;Years</B></FONT></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total Expenses Incurred</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="line-height:8px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000;width:10%">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">*</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>The example should not be considered a representation of future expenses</B>. The example assumes that the amounts set forth in the Annual Expenses table are
accurate and that all distributions are reinvested at net asset value. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those assumed. Moreover, the Fund&#146;s actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the
example. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup3334544_4"></A>USE OF PROCEEDS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund estimates the net proceeds of the Offer to be $[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;], based
on the Subscription Price per share of $[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;], assuming all new shares of Common Stock offered are sold and that the expenses related to the Offer estimated at approximately
$[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] are paid and after deduction of the underwriting discounts and commissions. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser expects that it will initially invest the proceeds of the offering in high-quality short-term debt securities and instruments. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment
of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund&#146;s investment objectives and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to be substantially completed within three months; however, the
identification of appropriate investment opportunities pursuant to the Fund&#146;s investment style or changes in market conditions may cause the investment period to extend as long as six months. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">R-6
</FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup3334544_5"></A>CAPITALIZATION </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.] </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup3334544_6">
</A>PRICE RANGE OF COMMON SHARES </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The following table sets forth for the quarters indicated, the high and low sale prices
on the NYSE per share of our common shares and the net asset value and the premium or discount from net asset value per share at which the common shares were trading, expressed as a percentage of net asset value, at each of the high and low sale
prices provided. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.] </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">On &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012, the last reported net asset value per share of the Common Stock was
$&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and the last reported sales price per share of Common Stock on the NYSE was $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup3334544_7"></A>SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE RIGHTS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Risk is inherent in all investing. Therefore, before investing in the Common Shares you should consider the risks associated with such an
investment carefully. See &#147;Risk Factors and Special Considerations&#148; in the Prospectus. The following summarizes some of the matters that you should consider before investing in the Fund through the Offer: </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Dilution.</I> Shareholders who do not exercise their Rights may, at the completion of the Subscription Period, own a smaller
proportional interest in the Fund than if they exercised their Rights. As a result of the Offer, you may experience dilution in net asset value per share if the subscription price is below the net asset value per share at the completion of the
Subscription Period. If the Subscription Price per share is below the net asset value per share of the Fund&#146;s shares at the completion of the Subscription Period, you will experience an immediate dilution of the aggregate net asset value of
your shares if you do not participate in the Offer and you will experience a reduction in the net asset value per share of your shares whether or not you participate in the Offering. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund cannot state precisely the extent of this dilution if you do not exercise your Rights because the Fund does not know what the
net asset value per share will be when the Offer expires or what proportion of the Rights will be exercised. Assuming, for example, that all Rights are exercised, the Subscription Price is $[&#149;] and the Fund&#146;s net asset value per share at
the expiration of the Offer is $[&#149;] (the Fund&#146;s net asset value as of [&#149;]), the Fund&#146;s net asset value per share (after payment of estimated offering expenses) would be reduced by approximately $[&#149;] ([&#149;]%) per share.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If you do not wish to exercise your Rights, you should consider selling them as set forth in this Prospectus. The Fund cannot
give any assurance, however, that a market for the Rights will develop or that the Rights will have any marketable value. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Leverage.</I> Leverage creates a greater risk of loss, as well as a potential for more gain, for the Common Shares than if leverage
were not used. Following the completion of the Offer, the Fund&#146;s amount of leverage outstanding will decrease. The leverage of the Fund as of [&#149;] was [&#149;]%. After the completion of the Offer, the leverage of the Fund is expected to
decrease to [&#149;]%. The use of leverage for investment purposes creates opportunities for greater total returns but at the same time increases risk. When leverage is employed, the net asset value, market price of the Common Shares and the yield
to holders of Common Shares may be more volatile. Any investment income or gains earned with respect to the amounts borrowed in excess of the interest due on the borrowing will augment the Fund&#146;s income. Conversely, if the investment
performance with respect to the amounts borrowed fails to cover the interest on such borrowings, the value of the Fund&#146;s common shares may decrease more quickly than would otherwise be the case, and distributions on the Common Shares would be
reduced or eliminated. Interest payments and fees incurred in connection with such borrowings will reduce the amount of net income available for distribution to common shareholders. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Because the fee paid to the Investment Adviser is calculated on the basis of the Fund&#146;s average weekly net assets, which include the
proceeds of leverage, the dollar amount of the management fee paid by the Fund to the Investment Adviser will be higher (and the Investment Adviser will be benefited to that extent) when leverage is utilized. The Investment Adviser will utilize
leverage only if it believes such action would result in a net benefit to the Fund&#146;s shareholders after taking into account the higher fees and expenses associated with leverage (including higher management fees). </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">R-7
</FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund&#146;s leveraging strategy may not be successful. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Increase in Share Price Volatility; Decrease in Share Price.</I> The Offer may result in an increase in trading of the Common Shares,
which may increase volatility in the market price of the Common Shares. The Offer may result in an increase in the number of shareholders wishing to sell their Common Shares, which would exert downward price pressure on the price of Common Shares.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Under-Subscription.</I> It is possible that the Offer will not be fully subscribed. Under-subscription of the Offer could
have an impact on the net proceeds of the Offer and whether the Fund achieves any benefits. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup3334544_8"></A>TAXATION </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.] </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup3334544_9"></A>LEGAL MATTERS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Certain legal matters will be passed on by Willkie Farr&nbsp;&amp; Gallagher LLP, counsel to the Fund, in connection with this rights
offering. Willkie Farr&nbsp;&amp; Gallagher LLP may rely as to certain matters of Maryland law on the opinion of [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">R-8
</FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="line-height:2px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:2pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:3px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="font-size:4px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:4px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center">


<IMG SRC="g334544g67v98.jpg" ALT="LOGO">
 </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="6"><B>The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="5"><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shares of Common Stock </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="4"><B>Issuable Upon Exercise of Rights to </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="4"><B>Subscribe to Such Shares of Common Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>, 2012 </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Until
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to
deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to each dealer&#146;s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to its unsold allotments or subscriptions. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:8px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="line-height:3px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:4px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:2pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">R-9
</FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Filed Pursuant to Rule 497(c) </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Registration Statement No. 333-173819 </B></FONT></P> <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Arial Narrow" SIZE="2" COLOR="#de1a1e"><B>The information in this Prospectus Supplement is not complete and may be changed. The Fund may not sell these securities until the
registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and is not soliciting offers to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not
permitted. </B></FONT></P> <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="right">


<IMG SRC="g334544g67v98.jpg" ALT="LOGO">
 </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>(To Prospectus dated <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012) </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B><U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rights for <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Shares </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>Subscription Rights for &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;% Series [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ] [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]
Preferred Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. (the &#147;Fund&#148;, &#147;we&#148;, &#147;us&#148; or &#147;our&#148;) is issuing subscription rights
(the &#147;Rights&#148;) to our [common] [preferred] stockholders to purchase shares of &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;% Series [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ] [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] Preferred Stock (the
&#147;Series [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ] Preferred Stock&#148;). </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management
investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the &#147;1940 Act&#148;). The Fund&#146;s primary investment objective is to achieve long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity
securities consisting of common stock, preferred stock, convertible or exchangeable securities and warrants and rights to purchase such securities. Income is a secondary investment objective. The Fund&#146;s investment adviser is Gabelli Funds, LLC
(the &#147;Investment Adviser&#148;). </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Shares of our common stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (&#147;NYSE&#148;)
under the symbol &#147;GAB.&#148; On &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012 (the last trading date prior to the Common Stock trading ex-Rights), the last reported net asset value per share of the Common Stock
was $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;and the last reported sales price per share of Common Stock on the NYSE was $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">An investment in the Fund is not appropriate for all investors. We cannot assure you that the Fund&#146;s investment objective will be
achieved. You should read this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus before deciding whether to invest in common shares and retain it for future reference. The Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus contain important
information about us. Material that has been incorporated by reference and other information about us can be obtained from us by calling 800-GABELLI (422-3554) or from the Securities and Exchange Commission&#146;s (&#147;SEC&#148;) website
(http://www.sec.gov). For additional information all holders of rights should contact the Information Agent, [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;], toll-free at
[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] or please send written request to: [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>Investing in preferred stock through Rights involves certain risks that are described in the &#147;<A HREF="#sup4334544_7">Special Characteristics
 and Risks of the Rights Offering</A>&#148; section beginning on page PR-6 of the Prospectus Supplement. </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">NEITHER THE SEC
NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES OR DETERMINED IF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">PR-1
</FONT></P>


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<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="86%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Per Share</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Total</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Subscription&nbsp;price of Preferred Stock to shareholders exercising Rights</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Underwriting discounts and commissions</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ]</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; ]</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Proceeds, before expenses, to the Fund (1)</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The aggregate expenses of the offering are estimated to be $[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The preferred stock is expected to be ready for delivery in book-entry form through the Depository Trust Company on or about
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012. If the offer is extended, the preferred stock is expected to be ready for delivery in book-entry form through the Depository Trust Company on or about
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>The date of this Prospectus Supplement is
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012 </B></FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">PR-2
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this
Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus. The Fund has not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. The Fund is not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not
permitted. You should not assume that the information contained in this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date of this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus, respectively.
Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates. In this Prospectus Supplement and in the accompanying Prospectus, unless otherwise indicated, &#147;Fund,&#148; &#147;us,&#148;
&#147;our&#148; and &#147;we&#148; refer to The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. This Prospectus Supplement also includes trademarks owned by other persons. </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A NAME="toc4"></A>TABLE OF CONTENTS </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Prospectus Supplement </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="95%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Page</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup4334544_1">SUMMARY OF THE TERMS OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">PR-5</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup4334544_2">TERMS OF THE PREFERRED STOCK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">PR-6</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup4334544_3">DESCRIPTION OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">PR-6</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup4334544_4">USE OF PROCEEDS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">PR-6</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup4334544_5">CAPITALIZATION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">PR-6</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup4334544_6">ASSET COVERAGE RATIO</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">PR-6</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup4334544_7">SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE SHARES</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">PR-6</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup4334544_8">TAXATION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">PR-7</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup4334544_9">UNDERWRITING</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">PR-7</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sup4334544_10">LEGAL MATTERS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">PR-7</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Prospectus </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="97%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_1">PROSPECTUS SUMMARY</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_2">SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">11</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_3">FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">12</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_4">USE OF PROCEEDS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">15</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_5">THE FUND</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">15</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_6">INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">15</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_7">RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">19</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_8">HOW THE FUND MANAGES RISK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">27</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_9">MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">28</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_10">PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">30</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_11">DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">30</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_12">ISSUANCE OF COMMON STOCK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">31</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_13">AUTOMATIC DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND VOLUNTARY CASH PURCHASE PLAN</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">31</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_14">DESCRIPTION OF THE CAPITAL STOCK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">33</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_15">ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS OF THE FUND&#146;S GOVERNING DOCUMENTS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">42</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_16">CLOSED-END FUND STRUCTURE</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">44</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_17">REPURCHASE OF COMMON STOCK</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">45</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_18">RIGHTS OFFERINGS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">45</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_19">NET ASSET VALUE</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">46</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_20">LIMITATION ON DIRECTORS&#146; AND OFFICERS&#146; LIABILITY</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">46</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_21">TAXATION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">46</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_22">CUSTODIAN, TRANSFER AGENT AND DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">49</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_23">PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">49</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_24">LEGAL MATTERS</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_25">INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_26">ADDITIONAL INFORMATION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">50</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_27">PRIVACY PRINCIPLES OF THE FUND</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">51</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#tx334544_28">TABLE OF CONTENTS OF STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">52</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">PR-3
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">This Prospectus Supplement, the accompanying Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information contain &#147;forward-looking
statements.&#148; Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words &#147;may,&#148; &#147;will,&#148; &#147;intend,&#148; &#147;expect,&#148; &#147;estimate,&#148; &#147;continue,&#148; &#147;plan,&#148; &#147;anticipate,&#148; and similar
terms and the negative of such terms. Such forward-looking statements may be contained in this Prospectus Supplement as well as in the accompanying Prospectus. By their nature, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and
actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Several factors that could materially affect our actual results are the performance of the portfolio of securities we hold, the price at which our
shares will trade in the public markets and other factors discussed in our periodic filings with the SEC. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Although we believe
that the expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in our forward-looking statements. Our future financial condition and results of operations, as
well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, such as those disclosed in the &#147;Risk Factors and Special Considerations&#148; section of the accompanying Prospectus and
&#147;Special Characteristics and Risks of the Rights Offering&#148; in this Prospectus Supplement. All forward-looking statements contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus Supplement or the accompanying Prospectus are made as of the
date of this Prospectus Supplement or the accompanying Prospectus, as the case may be. Except for our ongoing obligations under the federal securities laws, we do not intend, and we undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement.
The forward-looking statements contained in this Prospectus Supplement, any accompanying Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information are excluded from the safe harbor protection provided by Section&nbsp;27A of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the &#147;Securities Act&#148;). </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Currently known risk factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to, the factors described in the &#147;Risk Factors and Special Considerations&#148; section of the accompanying Prospectus as well as in the &#147;Special Characteristics and Risks of
the Rights Offering&#148; section of this Prospectus Supplement. We urge you to review carefully those sections for a more detailed discussion of the risks of an investment in the preferred stock. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">PR-4
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup4334544_1"></A>SUMMARY OF THE TERMS OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="27%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%"></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Terms of the Offer</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.]</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Amount Available for Primary Subscription</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Title</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Subscription Rights for Series [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] Preferred Stock</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Exercise&nbsp;Price</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Rights may be exercised at a price of $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;per share of Preferred Stock (the &#147;Subscription
Price&#148;). <I>See &#147;Terms of the Offer.&#148;</I></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Record Date</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Rights will be issued to holders of record of the Fund&#146;s [Common Stock] [Preferred Stock] on&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012
(the &#147;Record Date&#148;). <I>See &#147;Terms of the Offer.&#148;</I></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Number of Rights Issued</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Right will be issued in respect of each share of [Common Stock] [Preferred Stock] of the Fund outstanding on
the Record Date. <I>See &#147;Terms of the Offer.&#148;</I></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Number of Rights Required to Purchase One Preferred Share</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A holder of Rights may purchase &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; share of Preferred Stock of the Fund for
every&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Rights exercised. The number of Rights to be issued to a stockholder on the Record Date will be rounded up to the nearest number of Rights evenly divisible by
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;.&nbsp;<I>See &#147;Terms of the Offer.&#148;</I></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Over-Subscription Privilege</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.]</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Transfer of Rights</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.]</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Exercise&nbsp;Period</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Rights may be exercised at any time after issuance and prior to expiration of the Rights, which will be 5:00 PM Eastern Time on
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012 (the &#147;Expiration Date&#148;) (the &#147;Subscription Period&#148;). <I>See &#147;Terms of the Offer&#148; and &#147;Method of Exercise of
Rights.&#148;</I></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Offer Expenses</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The expenses of the Offer are expected to be approximately $[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]. See <I>&#147;Use of
Proceeds.&#148;</I></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Sale of Rights</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.]</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Use of Proceeds</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund estimates the net proceeds of the Offer to be approximately
$[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]. This figure is based on the Exercise Price per share of $&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; and assumes all new shares of Series
[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]Preferred Stock offered are sold and that the expenses related to the Offer estimated at approximately $[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] are paid.</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser anticipates that investment of the proceeds will be made in
accordance with the Fund&#146;s investment objectives and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to be substantially completed in approximately three months; however, the identification of appropriate
investment opportunities pursuant to the Fund&#146;s investment style or changes in market conditions may cause the investment period to extend as long as six months. Pending such investment, the proceeds will be held in high quality short-term debt
securities and instruments. <I>See &#147;Use of Proceeds&#148;.</I></FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Taxation/ERISA</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>See </I>&#147;<I>Employee Plan Considerations</I>.&#148;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Rights Agent</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.]</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">PR-5
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup4334544_2"></A>TERMS OF THE SERIES
<U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;PREFERRED STOCK </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="27%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="71%"></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Dividend Rate</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The dividend rate [for the initial dividend
period]</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">1 </SUP></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">will be
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;%.</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Dividend Payment Rate</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[Dividends will be paid when, as and if declared on&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<U></U>,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <U></U>,&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <U></U>, and
<U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, commencing <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;.]</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP
STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">2 </SUP></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The payment date for the initial dividend period will be
<U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;.]</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">1</SUP></FONT><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[Regular Dividend</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Period</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Regular dividend periods will be &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;days.]</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP
STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">1</SUP></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Liquidation Preference</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$ &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; per share</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[Non-Call Period</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The shares may not be called for redemption at the option of the Fund prior to <U></U>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;.]</FONT><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">2</SUP></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[Stock Exchange Listing]</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">2</SUP></FONT><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="line-height:8px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000;width:10%">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Applicable only if the preferred shares being offered are auction rate shares. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Applicable only if the preferred shares being offered are fixed rate shares. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup4334544_3"></A>DESCRIPTION OF THE RIGHTS OFFERING </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.]
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup4334544_4"></A>USE OF PROCEEDS </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund estimates the net proceeds of the Offer to be $[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;], based on the Subscription Price per share of
$[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;], assuming all new shares of Series [ ] Preferred Stock offered are sold and that the expenses related to the Offer estimated at approximately
$[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] are paid and after deduction of the underwriting discounts and commissions. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser expects that it will initially invest the proceeds of the offering in high-quality short-term debt securities and instruments. The Investment Adviser anticipates that the investment
of the proceeds will be made in accordance with the Fund&#146;s investment objectives and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to be substantially completed within three months; however, the
identification of appropriate investment opportunities pursuant to the Fund&#146;s investment style or changes in market conditions may cause the investment period to extend as long as six months. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup4334544_5"></A>CAPITALIZATION </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.] </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup4334544_6"></A>ASSET COVERAGE RATIO
</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.] </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup4334544_7"></A>SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RISKS OF THE SHARES </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be
provided.] </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">PR-6
</FONT></P>


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<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup4334544_8"></A>TAXATION </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.] </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup4334544_9">
</A>UNDERWRITING </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[To be provided.] </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sup4334544_10"></A>LEGAL MATTERS </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Certain legal matters will be
passed on by Willkie Farr&nbsp;&amp; Gallagher LLP, counsel to the Fund, in connection with this rights offering. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed on for the underwriters by
[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]. Willkie Farr&nbsp;&amp; Gallagher LLP may rely as to certain matters of Maryland law on the opinion of
[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">PR-7
</FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="line-height:2px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:2pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:3px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="font-size:4px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:4px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center">


<IMG SRC="g334544g67v98.jpg" ALT="LOGO">
 </P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="6"><B>The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="5"><B>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shares of
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;% Series [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] Preferred Stock </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="4"><B>Issuable Upon Exercise of Rights to </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="4"><B>Subscribe to Such Shares of Preferred Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center>
<P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="3"><B>PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><center> <P STYLE="line-height:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:1pt solid #000000;width:21%">&nbsp;</P></center>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>, 2012 </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Until
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;, 2012 (25 days after the date of this prospectus), all dealers that buy, sell or trade these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to
deliver a Prospectus. This is in addition to each dealer&#146;s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to its unsold allotments or subscriptions. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:8px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="line-height:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="line-height:4px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:2pt solid #000000">&nbsp;</P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">PR-8
</FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Subject to Completion, Dated April&nbsp;13, 2012 </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC. </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT OF
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT COMPLETE AND MAY BE CHANGED. THE FUND MAY NOT SELL THESE SECURITIES UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION IS EFFECTIVE. THIS STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IS NOT AN
OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES AND IT IS NOT SOLICITING AN OFFER TO BUY THESE SECURITIES IN ANY STATE WHERE THE OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">This Statement of Additional Information (the &#147;SAI&#148;) does not constitute a prospectus, but should be read in conjunction with the Fund&#146;s Prospectus relating thereto dated
[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;], 2012, and as it may be supplemented. This SAI does not include all information that a prospective investor should consider before investing in the Fund&#146;s shares, and investors should obtain
and read the Fund&#146;s Prospectus prior to purchasing such shares. A copy of the Fund&#146;s Registration Statement, including the Prospectus and any Prospectus Supplement, may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
&#147;SEC&#148;) upon payment of the fee prescribed, or inspected at the SEC&#146;s office or via its website (www.sec.gov) at no charge. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. (the &#147;Fund&#148;) is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the &#147;1940
Act&#148;). The Fund&#146;s primary investment objective is to achieve long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity securities consisting of common stock, preferred stock, convertible or exchangeable securities, and
warrants and rights to purchase such securities. Income is a secondary investment objective. The Fund commenced investment operations on August&nbsp;21, 1986. Gabelli Funds, LLC (the &#147;Investment Adviser&#148;) serves as investment adviser to
the Fund. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of the value of its total assets in equity
securities (the &#147;80% Policy&#148;). The 80% Policy may be changed without shareholder approval. The Fund will provide shareholders with notice at least 60&nbsp;days prior to the implementation of any change in the 80% Policy. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser selects investments on the basis of fundamental value and, accordingly, the Fund typically invests in the
securities of companies that are believed by the Investment Adviser to be priced lower than justified in relation to their underlying assets. Other important factors in the selection of investments include favorable price/earnings and debt/equity
ratios and strong management. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund seeks to achieve its secondary investment objective of income, in part, by investing
up to 10% of its total assets in a portfolio consisting primarily of high-yielding, fixed income securities, such as corporate bonds, debentures, notes, convertible securities, preferred stocks and domestic and foreign government obligations. Fixed
income securities purchased by the Fund may be rated as low as C by Moody&#146;s Investors Service, Inc. (&#147;Moody&#146;s&#148;) or D by Standard&nbsp;&amp; Poor&#146;s, a Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. (&#147;S&amp;P&#148;) or may
be unrated securities considered to be of equivalent quality. Securities that are rated C by Moody&#146;s are the lowest rated class and can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever obtaining investment-grade standing. Debt rated D by
S&amp;P is in default or is expected to default upon maturity of payment date. These debt securities, which are often referred to in the financial press as &#147;junk bonds,&#148; are predominantly speculative and involve major risk exposure to
adverse conditions. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">No assurance can be given that the Fund&#146;s investment objectives will be achieved. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Prospectus and this SAI omit certain information contained in the registration statement filed with the SEC, Washington D.C. The
registration statement may be obtained from the SEC upon payment of the fee prescribed, or inspected at the SEC&#146;s office at no charge. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1 </FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="toc5"></A>TABLE OF CONTENTS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="96%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Page</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_1">The Fund</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_2">Investment Objectives and Policies</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_3">Investment Restrictions</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">9</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_4">Management of the Fund</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">10</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_5">Dividends and Distributions</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">23</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_6">Auctions for Auction Rate Preferred Stock</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">24</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_7">Portfolio Transactions</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">26</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_8">Portfolio Turnover</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">27</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_9">Taxation</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">27</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_10">Beneficial Owners</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">32</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_11">General Information</A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">32</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><A HREF="#sai334544_12">Appendix&nbsp;A&#151;Proxy Voting Policy </A></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A-1</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2 </FONT></P>


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<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sai334544_1"></A>THE FUND </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund was incorporated in Maryland on May&nbsp;20, 1986 and is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company registered
under the 1940 Act. The common stock of the Fund is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the &#147;NYSE&#148;) under the symbol &#147;GAB.&#148; The Fund&#146;s 5.875% Series&nbsp;D Cumulative Preferred Stock (the &#147;Series&nbsp;D
Preferred&#148;) is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol &#147;GAB PrD.&#148; The Fund&#146;s 6.20% Series&nbsp;F Cumulative Preferred Stock (the &#147;Series&nbsp;F Preferred&#148;) is listed and traded on the NYSE under the symbol
&#147;GAB PrF.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sai334544_2"></A>INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Investment Objectives </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund&#146;s primary investment objective is to achieve long-term growth of capital by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity
securities consisting of common stock, preferred stock, convertible or exchangeable securities, and warrants and rights to purchase such securities selected by the Investment Adviser. Income is a secondary investment objective. Under normal market
conditions, the Fund will invest at least 80% of the value of its total assets in equity securities. See &#147;Investment Objectives and Policies&#148; in the Prospectus. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Investment Practices </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Special Situations. </I>Although the Fund
typically invests in the securities of companies on the basis of fundamental value, the Fund from time to time may, as a non-principal investment strategy, invest in companies that are determined by the Investment Adviser to possess &#147;special
situation&#148; characteristics. In general, a special situation company is a company whose securities are expected to increase in value solely by reason of a development particularly or uniquely applicable to the company. Developments that may
create special situations include, among others, a liquidation, reorganization, recapitalization or merger, material litigation, technological breakthrough or new management or management policies. The principal risk associated with investments in
special situation companies is that the anticipated development thought to create the special situation may not occur and the investment therefore may not appreciate in value or may decline in value. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Options. </I>The Fund may, subject to guidelines of the Board of Directors (the &#147;Board&#148;), purchase or sell (i.e., write)
options on securities, securities indices and foreign currencies which are listed on a national securities exchange or in the United States over-the-counter (&#147;OTC&#148;) markets as a means of achieving additional return or of hedging the value
of the Fund&#146;s portfolio. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund may write covered call options on common stocks that it owns or has an immediate right
to acquire through conversion or exchange of other securities in an amount not to exceed 25% of total assets or invest up to 10% of its total assets in the purchase of put options on common stocks that the Fund owns or may acquire through the
conversion or exchange of other securities that it owns. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A call option is a contract that gives the holder of the option the
right to buy from the writer (seller)&nbsp;of the call option, in return for a premium paid, the security or currency underlying the option at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. The writer of the call option has
the obligation, upon exercise of the option, to deliver the underlying security or currency upon payment of the exercise price during the option period. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A put option is the reverse of a call option, giving the holder the right, in return for a premium, to sell the underlying security or currency to the writer, at a specified price, and obligating the
writer to purchase the underlying security or currency from the holder at that price. The writer of the put, who receives the premium, has the obligation to buy the underlying security or currency upon exercise, at the exercise price during the
option period. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If the Fund has written an option, it may terminate its obligation by effecting a closing purchase
transaction. This is accomplished by purchasing an option of the same series as the option previously written. There can be no assurance that a closing purchase transaction can be effected when the Fund so desires. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">An exchange-traded option may be closed out only on an exchange that provides a secondary market for an option of the same series.
Although the Fund will generally purchase or write only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist for any particular option. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A call option is &#147;covered&#148; if the Fund owns the underlying instrument covered by the call or has an absolute and immediate
right to acquire that instrument without additional cash consideration upon conversion or exchange of another instrument held in its portfolio (or for additional cash consideration held in a segregated account by its custodian). A call
</FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3 </FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">
option is also covered if the Fund holds a call on the same instrument as the call written where the exercise price of the call held is (i)&nbsp;equal to or less than the exercise price of the
call written or (ii)&nbsp;greater than the exercise price of the call written if the difference is maintained by the Fund in cash, U.S. Government Obligations (as defined under &#147;Investment Restrictions&#148;) or other high-grade short-term
obligations in a segregated account with its custodian. A put option is &#147;covered&#148; if the Fund maintains cash or other high grade short-term obligations with a value equal to the exercise price in a segregated account with its custodian, or
else holds a put on the same instrument as the put written where the exercise price of the put held is equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written. If the Fund has written an option, it may terminate its obligation by effecting a
closing purchase transaction. This is accomplished by purchasing an option of the same series as the option previously written. However, once the Fund has been assigned an exercise notice, the Fund will be unable to effect a closing purchase
transaction. Similarly, if the Fund is the holder of an option it may liquidate its position by effecting a closing sale transaction. This is accomplished by selling an option of the same series as the option previously purchased. There can be no
assurance that either a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Fund so desires. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund will realize
a profit from a closing transaction if the price of the transaction is less than the premium received from writing the option or is more than the premium paid to purchase the option; the Fund will realize a loss from a closing transaction if the
price of the transaction is more than the premium received from writing the option or is less than the premium paid to purchase the option. Since call option prices generally reflect increases in the price of the underlying security, any loss
resulting from the repurchase of a call option may also be wholly or partially offset by unrealized appreciation of the underlying security. Other principal factors affecting the market value of a put or call option include supply and demand,
interest rates, the current market price and price volatility of the underlying security and the time remaining until the expiration date. Gains and losses on investments in options depend, in part, on the ability of the Investment Adviser to
predict correctly the effect of these factors. The use of options cannot serve as a complete hedge since the price movement of securities underlying the options will not necessarily follow the price movements of the portfolio securities subject to
the hedge. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">An option position may be closed out only on an exchange that provides a secondary market for an option of the
same series or in a private transaction. Although the Fund will generally purchase or write only those options for which there appears to be an active secondary market, there is no assurance that a liquid secondary market on an exchange will exist
for any particular option. In such event, it might not be possible to effect closing transactions in particular options, so the Fund would have to exercise its options in order to realize any profit and would incur brokerage commissions upon the
exercise of call options and upon the subsequent disposition of underlying securities for the exercise of put options. If the Fund, as a covered call option writer, is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will
not be able to sell the underlying security until the option expires or until the Fund delivers the underlying security upon exercise or otherwise covers the position. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In addition to options on securities, the Fund may also purchase and sell call and put options on securities indices. A stock index reflects in a single number the market value of many different stocks.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Relative values are assigned to the stocks included in an index and the index fluctuates with changes in the market values of
the stocks. The options give the holder the right to receive a cash settlement during the term of the option based on the difference between the exercise price and the value of the index. By writing a put or call option on a securities index, the
Fund is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of this amount. The Fund may offset its position in the stock index options prior to expiration by entering into a closing transaction on an exchange, or it may let the option
expire unexercised. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund may also buy or sell put and call options on foreign currencies. A put option on a foreign
currency gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell a foreign currency at the exercise price until the option expires. A call option on a foreign currency gives the purchaser of the option the right to purchase the currency at the exercise
price until the option expires. Currency options traded on U.S. or other exchanges may be subject to position limits which may limit the ability of the Fund to reduce foreign currency risk using such options. Over-the-counter options differ from
exchange-traded options in that they are two-party contracts with price and other terms negotiated between buyer and seller and generally do not have as much market liquidity as exchange-traded options. Over-the-counter options are considered
illiquid securities. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Use of options on securities indices entails the risk that trading in the options may be interrupted if
trading in certain securities included in the index is interrupted. The Fund will not purchase these options unless the Investment Adviser is satisfied with the development, depth and liquidity of the market and the Investment Adviser believes the
options can be closed out. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">4 </FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Price movements in the portfolio of the Fund may not correlate precisely with the movements
in the level of an index and, therefore, the use of options on indices cannot serve as a complete hedge and will depend, in part, on the ability of the Investment Adviser to predict correctly movements in the direction of the stock market generally
or of a particular industry. Because options on securities indices require settlement in cash, the Fund may be forced to liquidate portfolio securities to meet settlement obligations. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Although the Investment Adviser will attempt to take appropriate measures to minimize the risks relating to the Fund&#146;s writing of
put and call options, there can be no assurance that the Fund will succeed in any option writing program it undertakes. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Futures Contracts and Options on Futures. </I>A &#147;sale&#148; of a futures contract (or a &#147;short&#148; futures position) means
the assumption of a contractual obligation to deliver the assets underlying the contract at a specified price at a specified future time. A &#147;purchase&#148; of a futures contract (or a &#147;long&#148; futures position) means the assumption of a
contractual obligation to acquire the assets underlying the contract at a specified price at a specified future time. Certain futures contracts, including stock and bond index futures, are settled on a net cash payment basis rather than by the sale
and delivery of the assets underlying the futures contracts. No consideration will be paid or received by the Fund upon the purchase or sale of a futures contract. Initially, the Fund will be required to deposit with the broker an amount of cash or
cash equivalents equal to approximately 1% to 10% of the contract amount (this amount is subject to change by the exchange or board of trade on which the contract is traded and brokers or members of such board of trade may charge a higher amount).
This amount is known as &#147;initial margin&#148; and is in the nature of a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract. Subsequent payments, known as &#147;variation margin,&#148; to and from the broker will be made daily as the price
of the index or security underlying the futures contracts fluctuates. At any time prior to the expiration of a futures contract, the Fund may close the position by taking an opposite position, which will operate to terminate its existing position in
the contract. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return for the premium paid, to assume a
position in a futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time prior to the expiration of the option. Upon exercise of an option, the delivery of the futures positions by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be
accompanied by delivery of the accumulated balance in the writer&#146;s futures margin account attributable to that contract, which represents the amount by which the market price of the futures contract exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less
than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option on the futures contract. The potential loss related to the purchase of an option on futures contracts is limited to the premium paid for the option (plus transaction costs). Because the
value of the option purchased is fixed at the point of sale, there are no daily cash payments by the purchaser to reflect changes in the value of the underlying contract; however, the value of the option does change daily and that change would be
reflected in the net assets of the Fund. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Futures and options on futures entail certain risks, including but not limited to
the following: no assurance that futures contracts or options on futures can be offset at favorable prices, possible reduction of the yield of the Fund due to the use of hedging, possible reduction in value of both the securities hedged and the
hedging instrument, possible lack of liquidity due to daily limits on price fluctuations, imperfect correlation between the contracts and the securities being hedged, losses from investing in futures transactions that are potentially unlimited and
the segregation requirements described below. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In the event the Fund sells a put option or enters into long futures contracts,
under current interpretations of the 1940 Act, an amount of cash, obligations of the U.S. government and its agencies and instrumentalities or other liquid securities equal to the market value of the contract must be deposited and maintained in a
segregated account with the custodian of the Fund to collateralize the positions, thereby ensuring that the use of the contract is unleveraged. For short positions in futures contracts and sales of call options, the Fund may establish a segregated
account (not with a futures commission merchant or broker) with cash or liquid securities that, when added to amounts deposited with a futures commission merchant or a broker as margin, equal the market value of the instruments or currency
underlying the futures contract or call option or the market price at which the short positions were established. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Interest
Rate Futures Contracts and Options Thereon. </I>The Fund may purchase or sell interest rate futures contracts to take advantage of, or to protect the Fund against fluctuations in interest rates affecting the value of debt securities which the Fund
holds or intends to acquire. For example, if interest rates are expected to increase, the Fund might sell futures contracts on debt securities the values of which historically have a high degree of positive correlation to the values of the
Fund&#146;s portfolio securities. Such a sale would have an effect similar to selling an equivalent value of the Fund&#146;s portfolio securities. If interest rates increase, the value of the Fund&#146;s portfolio securities will decline, but the
value of the futures contracts to the Fund will increase at approximately an equivalent rate, thereby keeping the net asset value of the Fund from declining as much as it otherwise would have. The Fund could accomplish similar results by selling
debt securities with longer maturities and investing in debt securities with shorter maturities when interest rates are expected to increase. However, since the futures market may be more liquid than the cash market, the use of futures contracts as
a risk management technique allows the Fund to maintain a defensive position without having to sell its portfolio securities. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5 </FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Similarly, the Fund may purchase interest rate futures contracts when it is expected that
interest rates may decline. The purchase of futures contracts for this purpose constitutes a hedge against increases in the price of debt securities (caused by declining interest rates) which the Fund intends to acquire. Since fluctuations in the
value of appropriately selected futures contracts should approximate that of the debt securities that will be purchased, the Fund can take advantage of the anticipated rise in the cost of the debt securities without actually buying them.
Subsequently, the Fund can make its intended purchase of the debt securities in the cash market and concurrently liquidate its futures position. To the extent the Fund enters into futures contracts for this purpose, it will maintain, in a segregated
asset account with the Fund&#146;s custodian, assets sufficient to cover the Fund&#146;s obligations with respect to such futures contracts, which will consist of cash or other liquid securities from its portfolio in an amount equal to the
difference between the fluctuating market value of such futures contracts and the aggregate value of the initial margin deposited by the Fund with its custodian with respect to such futures contracts. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The purchase of a call option on a futures contract is similar in some respects to the purchase of a call option on an individual
security. Depending on the pricing of the option compared to either the price of the futures contract upon which it is based or the price of the underlying debt securities, it may or may not be less risky than ownership of the futures contract or
underlying debt securities. As with the purchase of futures contracts, when the Fund is not fully invested it may purchase a call option on a futures contract to hedge against a market advance due to declining interest rates. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The purchase of a put option on a futures contract is similar to the purchase of protective put options on portfolio securities. The Fund
will purchase a put option on a futures contract to hedge its portfolio against the risk of rising interest rates and consequent reduction in the value of portfolio securities. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The writing of a call option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against declining prices of the securities that are
deliverable upon exercise of the futures contract. If the futures price at expiration of the option is below the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium, which provides a partial hedge against any decline that may
have occurred in its portfolio holdings. The writing of a put option on a futures contract constitutes a partial hedge against increasing prices of the securities that are deliverable upon exercise of the futures contract. If the futures price at
expiration of the option is higher than the exercise price, the Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium, which provides a partial hedge against any increase in the price of debt securities that it intends to purchase. If a put or call
option the Fund has written is exercised, the Fund will incur a loss which will be reduced by the amount of the premium it received. Depending on the degree of correlation between changes in the value of its portfolio securities and changes in the
value of its futures positions, the Fund&#146;s losses from options on futures it has written may to some extent be reduced or increased by changes in the value of its portfolio securities. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Currency Futures and Options Thereon. </I>Generally, foreign currency futures contracts and options thereon are similar to the
interest rate futures contracts and options thereon discussed previously. By entering into currency futures and options thereon, the Fund will seek to establish the rate at which it will be entitled to exchange U.S. dollars for another currency at a
future time. By selling currency futures, the Fund will seek to establish the number of dollars it will receive at delivery for a certain amount of a foreign currency. In this way, whenever the Fund anticipates a decline in the value of a foreign
currency against the U.S. dollar, the Fund can attempt to &#147;lock in&#148; the U.S. dollar value of some or all of the securities held in its portfolio that are denominated in that currency. By purchasing currency futures, the Fund can establish
the number of dollars it will be required to pay for a specified amount of a foreign currency in a future month. Thus, if the Fund intends to buy securities in the future and expects the U.S. dollar to decline against the relevant foreign currency
during the period before the purchase is effected, the Fund can attempt to lock in the price in U.S. dollars of the securities it intends to acquire. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The purchase of options on currency futures will allow the Fund, for the price of the premium and related transaction costs it must pay for the option, to decide whether or not to buy (in the case of a
call option) or to sell (in the case of a put option) a futures contract at a specified price at any time during the period before the option expires. If the Investment Adviser, in purchasing an option, has been correct in its judgment concerning
the direction in which the price of a foreign currency would move as against the U.S. dollar, the Fund may exercise the option and thereby take a futures position to hedge against the risk it had correctly anticipated or close out the option
position at a gain that will offset, to some extent, currency exchange losses otherwise suffered by the Fund. If exchange rates move in a way the Fund did not anticipate, however, the Fund will have incurred the expense of the option without
obtaining the expected benefit; any such movement in exchange rates may also thereby reduce, rather than enhance, the Fund&#146;s profits on its underlying securities transactions. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">6 </FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Securities Index Futures Contracts and Options Thereon. </I>Purchases or sales of
securities index futures contracts are used for hedging purposes to attempt to protect the Fund&#146;s current or intended investments from broad fluctuations in stock or bond prices. For example, the Fund may sell securities index futures contracts
in anticipation of or during a market decline to attempt to offset the decrease in market value of its securities portfolio that might otherwise result. If such decline occurs, the loss in value of portfolio securities may be offset, in whole or
part, by gains on the futures position. When the Fund is not fully invested in the securities market and anticipates a significant market advance, it may purchase securities index futures contracts in order to gain rapid market exposure that may, in
part or entirely, offset increases in the cost of securities that it intends to purchase. As such purchases are made, the corresponding positions in securities index futures contracts will be closed out. The Fund may write put and call options on
securities index futures contracts for hedging purposes. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Limitations on the Purchase and Sale of Futures Contracts and
Options on Futures Contracts.</I> The Investment Adviser has claimed an exclusion from the definition of the term &#147;commodity pool operator&#148; under the Commodity Exchange Act and therefore is not subject to registration under the Commodity
Exchange Act. Accordingly, the Fund&#146;s investments in derivative instruments described in the Prospectus and this SAI are not limited by or subject to regulation under the Commodity Exchange Act or otherwise regulated by the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission. Nevertheless, the Fund&#146;s investment restrictions place certain limitations and prohibitions on the Fund&#146;s ability to purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts. See &#147;Investment Restrictions.&#148; Under
these restrictions, the Fund may not enter into futures contracts or options on futures contracts unless (i)&nbsp;the aggregate initial margins and premiums do not exceed 5% of the fair market value of the Fund&#146;s total assets and (ii)&nbsp;the
aggregate market value of the Fund&#146;s outstanding futures contracts and the market value of the currencies and futures contracts subject to outstanding options written by the Fund, as the case may be, do not exceed 50% of the market value of the
Fund&#146;s total assets. In addition, investment in futures contracts and related options generally will be limited by the rating agency guidelines applicable to any of the Fund&#146;s preferred stock. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Forward Currency Exchange Contracts. </I>The Fund may engage in currency transactions other than on futures exchanges to protect
against future changes in the level of future currency exchange rates. The Fund will conduct such currency exchange transactions either on a &#147;spot&#148; (i.e., cash) basis at the rate then prevailing in the currency exchange market or on a
forward basis, by entering into forward contracts to purchase or sell currency. A forward contract on foreign currency involves an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days agreed upon
by the parties from the date of the contract, at a price set on the date of the contract. Dealing in forward currency exchange will be limited to hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio positions. Transaction hedging is the
purchase or sale of forward currency with respect to specific receivables or payables of the Fund generally arising in connection with the purchase or sale of its portfolio securities and accruals of interest receivable and Fund expenses. Position
hedging is the forward sale of currency with respect to portfolio security positions denominated or quoted in that currency or in a currency bearing a high degree of positive correlation to the value of that currency. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund may not position hedge with respect to a particular currency for an amount greater than the aggregate market value (determined
at the time of making any sale of forward currency) of the securities held in its portfolio denominated or quoted in, or currently convertible into, such currency. If the Fund enters into a position hedging transaction, the Fund&#146;s custodian or
subcustodian will place cash or other liquid securities in a segregated account of the Fund in an amount equal to the value of the Fund&#146;s total assets committed to the consummation of the given forward contract. If the value of the securities
placed in the segregated account declines, additional cash or securities will be placed in the account so that the value of the account will, at all times, equal the amount of the Fund&#146;s commitment with respect to the forward contract.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">At or before the maturity of a forward sale contract, the Fund may either sell a portfolio security and make delivery of the
currency, or retain the security and offset its contractual obligations to deliver the currency by purchasing a second contract pursuant to which the Fund will obtain, on the same maturity date, the same amount of the currency which it is obligated
to deliver. If the Fund retains the portfolio security and engages in an offsetting transaction, the Fund, at the time of execution of the offsetting transaction, will incur a gain or a loss to the extent that movement has occurred in forward
contract prices. Should forward prices decline during the period between the Fund&#146;s entering into a forward contract for the sale of a currency and the date it enters into an offsetting contract for the purchase of the currency, the Fund will
realize a gain to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase is less than the price of the currency it has agreed to sell. Should forward prices increase, the Fund will suffer a loss to the extent the price of the currency it has
agreed to purchase exceeds the price of the currency it has agreed to sell. Closing out forward purchase contracts involves similar offsetting transactions. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The cost to the Fund of engaging in currency transactions varies with factors such as the currency involved, the length of the contract period and the market conditions then prevailing. Because forward
transactions in currency exchange are usually conducted on a principal basis, no fees or commissions are involved. The use of foreign currency contracts does not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying prices of the securities, but it does
establish a rate of exchange that can be achieved in the future. In addition, although forward currency contracts limit the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged currency, they also limit any potential gain that might result if
the value of the currency increases. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">7 </FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If a decline in any currency is generally anticipated by the Investment Adviser, the Fund
may not be able to contract to sell the currency at a price above the level to which the currency is anticipated to decline. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Special Risk Considerations Relating to Futures and Options Thereon. </I>The ability to establish and close out positions in futures
contracts and options thereon will be subject to the development and maintenance of liquid markets. Although the Fund generally will purchase or sell only those futures contracts and options thereon for which there appears to be a liquid market,
there is no assurance that a liquid market on an exchange will exist for any particular futures contract or option thereon at any particular time. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In the event no liquid market exists for a particular futures contract or option thereon in which the Fund maintains a position, it will not be possible to effect a closing transaction in that contract or
to do so at a satisfactory price and the Fund would have to either make or take delivery under the futures contract or, in the case of a written option, wait to sell the underlying securities until the option expires or is exercised or, in the case
of a purchased option, exercise the option. In the case of a futures contract or an option thereon which the Fund has written and which the Fund is unable to close, the Fund would be required to maintain margin deposits on the futures contract or
option thereon and to make variation margin payments until the contract is closed. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Successful use of futures contracts and
options thereon and forward contracts by the Fund is subject to the ability of the Investment Adviser to predict correctly movements in the direction of interest and foreign currency rates. If the Investment Adviser&#146;s expectations are not met,
the Fund will be in a worse position than if a hedging strategy had not been pursued. For example, if the Fund has hedged against the possibility of an increase in interest rates that would adversely affect the price of securities in its portfolio
and the price of such securities increases instead, the Fund will lose part or all of the benefit of the increased value of its securities because it will have offsetting losses in its futures positions. In addition, in such situations, if the Fund
has insufficient cash to meet daily variation margin requirements, it may have to sell securities to meet the requirements. These sales may be, but will not necessarily be, at increased prices which reflect the rising market. The Fund may have to
sell securities at a time when it is disadvantageous to do so. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Additional Risks of Foreign Options, Futures Contracts,
Options on Futures Contracts and Forward Contracts. </I>Options, futures contracts and options thereon and forward contracts on securities and currencies may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such transactions may not be regulated as effectively as
similar transactions in the U.S., may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities. The value of such positions also could be
adversely affected by (i)&nbsp;other complex foreign political, legal and economic factors, (ii)&nbsp;lesser availability than in the U.S. of data on which to make trading decisions, (iii)&nbsp;delays in the Fund&#146;s ability to act upon economic
events occurring in the foreign markets during non-business hours in the U.S., (iv)&nbsp;the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in the U.S. and (v)&nbsp;lesser trading volume.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Exchanges on which options, futures and options on futures are traded may impose limits on the positions that the Fund may
take in certain circumstances. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Risks of Currency Transactions. </I>Currency transactions are also subject to risks
different from those of other portfolio transactions. Because currency control is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences economic planning and policy, purchases and sales of currency and related instruments can be adversely
affected by government exchange controls, limitations or restrictions on repatriation of currency, and manipulation, or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These forms of governmental action can result in losses to the Fund if it is unable
to deliver or receive currency or monies in settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges it has entered into to be rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring transaction costs. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>When Issued, Delayed Delivery Securities and Forward Commitments. </I>The Fund may enter into forward commitments for the purchase or
sale of securities, including on a &#147;when issued&#148; or &#147;delayed delivery&#148; basis, in excess of customary settlement periods for the type of security involved. In some cases, a forward commitment may be conditioned upon the occurrence
of a subsequent event, such as approval and consummation of a merger, corporate reorganization or debt restructuring, i.e., a when, as and if issued security. When such transactions are negotiated, the price is fixed at the time of the commitment,
with payment and delivery taking place in the future, generally a month or more after the date of the commitment. While it will only enter into a forward commitment with the intention of actually acquiring the security, the Fund may sell the
security before the settlement date if it is deemed advisable. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Securities purchased under a forward commitment are subject to
market fluctuation, and no interest (or dividends) accrues to the Fund prior to the settlement date. 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. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">8 </FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Restricted and Illiquid Securities. </I>The Fund may invest up to a total of 10% of its
net assets in securities that are subject to restrictions on resale and securities the markets for which are illiquid, including repurchase agreements with more than seven days to maturity. Illiquid securities include securities the disposition of
which is subject to substantial legal or contractual restrictions. The sale of illiquid securities often requires more time and results in higher brokerage charges or dealer discounts and other selling expenses than does the sale of securities
eligible for trading on national securities exchanges or in the over-the-counter markets. Restricted securities may sell at a price lower than similar securities that are not subject to restrictions on resale. Unseasoned issuers are companies
(including predecessors) that have operated less than three years. The continued liquidity of such securities may not be as well assured as that of publicly traded securities, and accordingly the Board will monitor their liquidity. The Board will
review pertinent factors such as trading activity, reliability of price information and trading patterns of comparable securities in determining whether to treat any such security as liquid for purposes of the foregoing 10% test. To the extent the
Board treats such securities as liquid, temporary impairments to trading patterns of such securities may adversely affect the Fund&#146;s liquidity. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In accordance with pronouncements of the SEC, the Fund may invest in restricted securities that can be traded among qualified institutional buyers under Rule&nbsp;144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the &#147;Securities Act&#148;), without registration and may treat them as liquid for purposes of the foregoing 10% test if such securities are found to be liquid. The Board has adopted guidelines and delegated to the Investment Adviser,
subject to the supervision of the Board, the function of determining and monitoring the liquidity of particular Rule&nbsp;144A securities. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sai334544_3"></A>INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund operates under
the following restrictions that constitute fundamental policies under the 1940 Act and that, except as otherwise noted, cannot be changed without the affirmative vote of a majority, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding voting securities of
the Fund (voting together as a single class). In addition, pursuant to the Articles Supplementary, the affirmative vote of a majority, as defined in the 1940 Act, of the outstanding preferred stock of the Fund (voting separately as a single class)
is also required to change a fundamental policy, as defined in the 1940 Act. For purposes of the preferred stock voting rights described in the foregoing sentence, except as otherwise required under the 1940 Act, the majority of the outstanding
preferred stock means, in accordance with Section&nbsp;2(a)(42) of the 1940 Act, the vote of (i)&nbsp;of 67% or more of the shares of preferred stock present at the shareholders meeting called for such vote, if the holders of more than 50% of the
outstanding preferred stock are present or represented by proxy or (ii)&nbsp;more than 50% of the outstanding preferred stock, whichever is less. Except as otherwise noted, all percentage limitations set forth below apply immediately after a
purchase or initial investment and any subsequent change in any applicable percentage resulting from market fluctuations does not require any action. The Fund may not: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1. Invest 25% or more of its total assets, taken at market value at the time of each investment, in the securities of issuers in any particular industry. This restriction does not apply to investments in
direct obligations of the United States or by its agencies or instrumentalities that are entitled to the full faith and credit of the United States and that, other than United States Treasury Bills, provide for the periodic payment of interest and
the full payment of principal at maturity or call for redemption (&#147;U.S. Government Obligations&#148;). </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2. Purchase
securities of other investment companies, except in connection with a merger, consolidation, acquisition or reorganization, if more than 10% of the market value of the total assets of the Fund would be invested in securities of other investment
companies, more than 5% of the market value of the total assets of the Fund would be invested in the securities of any one investment company or the Fund would own more than 3% of any other investment company&#146;s securities, provided, however,
this restriction shall not apply to securities of any investment company organized by the Fund that are to be distributed pro rata as a dividend to its shareholders. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3. Purchase or sell commodities or commodity contracts except that the Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts and related options thereon if immediately thereafter (i)&nbsp;no more than 5% of its
total assets are invested in margins and premiums and (ii)&nbsp;the aggregate market value of its outstanding futures contracts and market value of the currencies and futures contracts subject to outstanding options written by the Fund does not
exceed 50% of the market value of its total assets. The Fund may not purchase or sell real estate, provided that the Fund may invest in securities secured by real estate or interests therein or issued by companies which invest in real estate or
interests therein. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">4. Purchase any securities on margin or make short sales, except that the Fund may obtain such short-term
credit as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">9 </FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5. Make loans of money, except by the purchase of a portion of publicly distributed debt
obligations in which the Fund may invest, and repurchase agreements with respect to those obligations, consistent with its investment objectives and policies. The Fund reserves the authority to make loans of its portfolio securities to financial
intermediaries in an aggregate amount not exceeding 20% of its total assets. Any such loans may only be made upon approval of, and subject to any conditions imposed by, the Board. Because these loans would at all times be fully collateralized, the
risk of loss in the event of default of the borrower should be slight. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">6. Borrow money, except that the Fund may borrow from
banks and other financial institutions on an unsecured basis, in an amount not exceeding 10% of its total assets, to finance the repurchase of its stock. The Fund also may borrow money on a secured basis from banks as a temporary measure for
extraordinary or emergency purposes. Temporary borrowings may not exceed 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund at the time the loan is made. The Fund may pledge up to 10% of the lesser of the cost or value of its total assets to secure
temporary borrowings. The Fund will not borrow for investment purposes. Immediately after any borrowing, the Fund will maintain asset coverage of not less than 300% with respect to all borrowings. While the borrowing of the Fund exceeds 5% of its
respective total assets, the Fund will make no further purchases of securities, although this limitation will not apply to repurchase transactions as described above. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">7. Issue senior securities, except to the extent permitted by applicable law. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">8.
Underwrite securities of other issuers except insofar as the Fund may be deemed an underwriter under the Securities Act in selling portfolio securities; provided, however, this restriction shall not apply to securities of any investment company
organized by the Fund that are to be distributed pro rata as a dividend to its shareholders. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">9. Invest more than 10% of its
total assets in illiquid securities, such as repurchase agreements with maturities in excess of seven days, or securities that at the time of purchase have legal or contractual restrictions on resale. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sai334544_4"></A>MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Information about Directors and Officers </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Set forth in the table below are
the existing Directors, including those Directors who are not considered to be &#147;interested persons,&#148; as defined in the 1940 Act (the &#147;Independent Directors&#148;), two of whom are nominated for reelection to the Board of the Fund, and
officers of the Fund, including information relating to their respective positions held with the Fund, a brief statement of their principal occupations and, in the case of the Directors, their other directorships during the past five years
(excluding other funds managed by the Adviser), if any. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">10 </FONT></P>



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<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="22%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="11%"></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="27%"></TD>
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<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP> <P STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000;width:59pt"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Name, Position(s)<BR>Address<SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">(1)</SUP><BR>and
Age</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Term of<BR>Office&nbsp;and<BR>Length of<BR>Time<BR>Served<SUP
STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">(2)</SUP></B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Principal Occupation(s)<BR>During Past Five
Years</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Other Directorships<BR>Held by Director<BR>During Past Five
Years</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Number&nbsp;of<BR>Portfolios&nbsp;to<BR>Fund<BR>Complex<SUP
STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">(3)</SUP><BR>Overseen<BR>by Director</B></FONT></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><U>INTERESTED DIRECTOR<FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP
STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">(4)</SUP></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"></FONT></U></B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Mario J. Gabelli</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Chairman and Chief
Investment Officer</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Age: 69</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Since 1986***</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer - Value Portfolios of GAMCO Investors, Inc. and Chief Investment Officer - Value Portfolios of Gabelli Funds, LLC and
GAMCO Asset Management Inc.; Director/Trustee or Chief Investment Officer of other registered investment companies in the Gabelli/GAMCO Funds Complex; Chief Executive Officer of GGCP, Inc.</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director of Morgan Group Holdings, Inc. (holding company); Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of LICT Corp. (multimedia and communication services company); Director
of CIBL, Inc. (broadcasting and wireless communications); Director of RU Acquisition, Inc. (blank check company)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">27</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
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<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><U>INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS<FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">(5)</SUP></FONT><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"></FONT></U></B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Thomas E. Bratter</B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Age: 72</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Since 1986***</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director, President, and Founder of The John Dewey Academy (residential college preparatory therapeutic high school)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Anthony J.</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Colavita<FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">(6)(7)</SUP></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"></FONT></B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Age: 76</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Since 1999**</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">President of the law firm of Anthony J. Colavita, P.C.</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">35</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>James P.
Conn<FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">(6)</SUP></FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"></FONT></B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Age: 74</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Since&nbsp;1989*</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Former Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer of Financial Security Assurance Holdings, Ltd. (insurance holding company) (1992-1998)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director of First Republic Bank (banking) through January 2008 and Director of La Quinta Corp. (hotels) through January 2006</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">19</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.</B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Age: 72</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Since 1998**</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Gaming Association; Co-Chairman of the Commission on Presidential Debates; Former Chairman of the Republican National Committee
(1983-1989)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director of First Republic Bank (banking)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">7</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">11 </FONT></P>



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<TR>
<TD WIDTH="18%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="11%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="29%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="29%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>

<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP> <P STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000;width:59pt"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Name, Position(s)<BR>Address<SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">(1)</SUP><BR>and
Age</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Term of<BR>Office&nbsp;and<BR>Length of<BR>Time<BR>Served<SUP
STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">(2)</SUP></B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Principal Occupation(s)<BR>During Past Five
Years</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Other Directorships<BR>Held by Director<BR>During Past Five
Years</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Number&nbsp;of<BR>Portfolios&nbsp;to<BR>Fund<BR>Complex<SUP
STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">(3)</SUP><BR>Overseen<BR>by Director</B></FONT></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Arthur V. Ferrara</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Age: 81</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Since 2001***</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (1993-1995)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#151;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">8</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Anthony&nbsp;R.</B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Pustorino<FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">(7)</SUP></FONT><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"></FONT></B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Age: 86</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Since&nbsp;1986*</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Certified Public Accountant; Professor Emeritus, Pace University</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director of LGL Group, Inc. (diversified manufacturing) (2002-2010)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">13</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Salvatore J. Zizza</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Age: 66</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Since 1986**</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Chairman of Zizza &amp; Associates Corp. (financial consulting) since 1978; Chairman of Metropolitan Paper Recycling, Inc. (recycling) since 2006; Chairman of BAM Inc.
(manufacturing) since 2000; Chairman of E-Corp English (business services) since 2009</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Non-Executive Chairman and Director of Harbor BioSciences, Inc. (biotechnology); Vice Chairman and Director of Trans-Lux Corporation (business services); Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of General Employment Enterprises, Inc. (staffing); Director of Bion Environmental Technologies (technology) 2005-2008; Director of Earl Schieb Inc. (automotive painting) through April 2009</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">29</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">12 </FONT></P>



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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><U>OFFICERS </U></B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="18%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="11%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="69%"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP> <P STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000;width:59pt"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Name, Position(s)<BR>Address<SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">(1)</SUP><BR>and
Age</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Term of<BR>Office and<BR>Length
of<BR>Time<BR>Served(8)</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Principal Occupation(s)<BR>During Past Five
Years</B></FONT></P></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Bruce N. Alpert President;</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Acting Chief Compliance Officer Age: 60</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="middle" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Since&nbsp;2003; Since&nbsp;November 2011</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Gabelli Funds, LLC since 1988; Officer of all of the registered investment companies in the Gabelli/GAMCO Funds Complex;
Director of Teton Advisors, Inc. since 1998; Chairman of Teton Advisors, Inc. 2008- 2010; President of Teton Advisors, Inc. 1998-2008; Senior Vice President of GAMCO Investors, Inc. since 2008</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Agnes Mullady Treasurer and</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Secretary</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Age: 53</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Since&nbsp;2006</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">President and Chief Operating Officer of the Open-End Fund Division of Gabelli Funds, LLC since 2010; Senior Vice President of GAMCO Investors, Inc. since 2009; Vice President of
Gabelli Funds, LLC since 2007; Officer of all of the registered investment companies in the Gabelli/GAMCO Funds Complex</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Carter W. Austin</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Vice President</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Age: 45</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Since 2000</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Vice President and/or Ombudsman of closed-end funds within the Gabelli/GAMCO Funds Complex; Vice President of Gabelli Funds, LLC since 1996</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Molly A.F. Marion</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Vice President and Ombudsman</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Age: 58</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Since 2009</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Vice President and/or Ombudsman of closed-end funds with the Gabelli/GAMCO Funds Complex; Assistant Vice President of GAMCO Investors, Inc. since 2006</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="line-height:8px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000;width:10%">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Address: One Corporate Center, Rye, NY 10580-1422. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund&#146;s Board of Directors is divided into three classes, each class having a term of three years. Each year the term of office of one class expires and the
successor or successors elected to such class serve for a three year term. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The &#147;Fund Complex&#148; or the &#147;Gabelli/GAMCO Funds Complex&#148; includes all the registered funds that are considered part of the same fund complex as the
Fund because they have common or affiliated investment advisers. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#147;Interested person&#148; of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act. Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli is considered to be an &#147;interested person&#148; of the Fund because of his
affiliation with the Fund&#146;s Adviser and Gabelli&nbsp;&amp; Company Inc., which executes portfolio transactions for the Fund, and as a controlling shareholder because of the level of his ownership of Common Stock of the Fund.
</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Directors who are not considered to be &#147;interested persons&#148; of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act are considered to be &#147;Independent&#148; Directors.
None of the Independent Directors (with the possible exception of Messrs. Colavita and Pustorino, as described in footnote 7 below) nor their family members had any interest in the Adviser or any person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled
by, or under common control with the Adviser as of December&nbsp;31, 2011. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(6)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">As a Director, elected solely by holders of the Fund&#146;s Preferred Stock. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(7)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Each of Messrs. Colavita and Pustorino beneficially own less than 1% of the stock of the LGL Group, Inc., having values of $9,778 and $63,712, respectively, as of
December&nbsp;31, 2011. LGL Group, Inc. may be deemed to be controlled by Mario J. Gabelli and in that event would be deemed to be under common control with the Fund&#146;s Investment Adviser. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(8)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Each officer will hold office for an indefinite term until the date he or she resigns or retires or until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies.
</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">*</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Term continues until the Fund&#146;s 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until his successor is duly elected and qualifies. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">**</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Term continues until the Fund&#146;s 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until his successor is duly elected and qualifies. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">***</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Term continues until the Fund&#146;s 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until his successor is duly elected and qualifies. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Board believes that each Director&#146;s experience, qualifications, attributes, or skills on an individual basis and in combination
with those of other Directors lead to the conclusion that each Director should serve in such capacity. Among the attributes or skills common to all Directors are their ability to review critically and to evaluate, question, and discuss information
provided to them, to interact effectively with the other Directors, the Adviser, the sub-administrator, other service providers, counsel, and the Fund&#146;s independent registered public accounting firm, and to exercise effective and independent
business judgment in the performance of their duties as Directors. Each Director&#146;s ability to perform his/her duties effectively has been attained in large part through the Director&#146;s business, consulting, or public service positions and
through experience from service as a member of the Board and one or more of the other funds in the Fund Complex, public companies, or non-profit entities, or other organizations as set forth above and below. Each Director&#146;s ability to perform
his/her duties effectively also has been enhanced by education, professional training, and other experience. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">13 </FONT></P>



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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Mario J. Gabelli.</I> Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli is Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief
Investment Officer of the Fund. He also currently serves as Chairman of the boards of other funds in the Fund Complex. Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli is Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer-Value Portfolios of GAMCO Investors, Inc.
(&#147;GAMCO&#148;), a NYSE-listed investment advisory firm. He is also the Chief Investment Officer of Value Portfolios of Gabelli Funds, LLC and GAMCO Asset Management, Inc., each of which are asset management subsidiaries of GAMCO. In addition,
Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli is Chief Executive Officer and a director and the controlling shareholder of GGCP, Inc., an investment holding company that holds a majority interest in GAMCO. Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli also sits on the boards of other publicly traded
companies and private firms and various charitable foundations and educational institutions, including the Board of Trustees of Boston College and Roger Williams University and the Board of Overseers of Columbia University Graduate School of
Business. Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli received his Bachelors degree from Fordham University and his Masters of Business Administration from Columbia University Graduate School of Business. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Thomas E. Bratter.</I> Dr.&nbsp;Bratter is the Founder, Director, and President of The John Dewey Academy, a residential college
preparatory therapeutic high school in Massachusetts. He is the Director of the International Center for Study of Psychiatry and Psychology, and was Vice President of the Small Boarding Schools Association, and a Trustee of the Majorie Polikoff
Estate. In addition to serving on the boards of other funds in the Fund Complex, Dr.&nbsp;Bratter has been an active investor in publicly traded equities for over forty years. Dr.&nbsp;Bratter also serves on the Advisory Board of the American
Academy of Health Providers in the Addictive Disorders and sits on the editorial boards of six professional journals. Prior to establishing and managing The John Dewey Academy, Dr.&nbsp;Bratter was in private practice as a psychotherapist and taught
psychology at Columbia University as an adjunct faculty member for more than twenty years. Dr.&nbsp;Bratter also founded and sat on the boards of six community based treatment programs for adolescents. He has authored one hundred and fifty articles
and four books concerning the treatment and education of gifted and self destructive adolescents and their families. Dr.&nbsp;Bratter received his Bachelor of Arts, Masters, and Doctorate in Education from Columbia College and University.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Anthony J. Colavita, Esq.</I> Mr.&nbsp;Colavita is a practicing attorney with over fifty years of experience, including
the field of business law. He is the Chair of the Fund&#146;s Nominating Committee and a member of the Fund&#146;s Audit Committee. Mr.&nbsp;Colavita also serves on comparable or other board committees with respect to other funds in the Fund Complex
on whose boards he sits. Mr.&nbsp;Colavita also serves as a Trustee of a charitable remainder unitrust. He served as a Commissioner of the New York State Thruway Authority and as a Commissioner of the New York State Bridge Authority. He served for
ten years as the elected Supervisor of the Town of Eastchester, New York, responsible for ten annual municipal budgets of approximately eight million dollars annually. Mr.&nbsp;Colavita also served as Special Counsel to the New York State Assembly
for five years and as a Senior Attorney with the New York State Insurance Department. He is the former Chairman of the Westchester County Republican Party and the New York State Republican Party. Mr.&nbsp;Colavita received his Bachelor of Arts from
Fairfield University and his Juris Doctor from Fordham University School of Law. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>James P. Conn.</I> Mr.&nbsp;Conn is the
lead independent Director of the Fund, a member of the Fund&#146;s ad hoc Proxy Voting Committee, and also serves on comparable or other board committees for other funds in the Fund Complex on whose boards he sits. He was a senior business executive
of an insurance holding company for much of his career, including service as Chief Investment Officer. Mr.&nbsp;Conn has been a director of several public companies in banking and other industries, and was lead Director and/or Chair of various
committees. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Santa Clara University. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Frank J.
Fahrenkopf, Jr.</I> Mr.&nbsp;Fahrenkopf is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the American Gaming Association (&#147;AGA&#148;), the trade group for the hotel-casino industry. Additionally, he serves on certain board committees with
respect to other funds in the Fund Complex on whose board he sits. He presently is Co-Chairman of the Commission on Presidential Debates, which is responsible for the widely-viewed Presidential debates during the quadrennial election cycle.
Additionally, he serves as a board member of the International Republican Institute, which he founded in 1984. He served for many years as Chairman of the Pacific Democrat Union and Vice Chairman of the International Democrat Union, a worldwide
association of political parties from the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany, Canada, Japan, Australia, and twenty other nations. Prior to becoming the AGA&#146;s first chief executive in 1995, Mr.&nbsp;Fahrenkopf was a partner in the law
firm of Hogan&nbsp;&amp; Hartson, where he chaired the International Trade Practice Group and specialized in regulatory, legislative, and corporate matters for multinational, foreign, and domestic clients. He also served as Chairman of the
Republican National Committee for six years during Ronald Reagan&#146;s presidency. Mr.&nbsp;Fahrenkopf is the former Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Culinary Institute of America and remains a member of the board. Additionally, he has over
twenty years&#146; of experience as a member of the board of directors of a bank and still serves as a member of the Advisory Board of the bank. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">14 </FONT></P>



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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Mr.&nbsp;Fahrenkopf received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Nevada, Reno and his Juris Doctor
from Boalt Hall School of Law, U.C. Berkeley. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Arthur V. Ferrara.</I> Mr.&nbsp;Ferrara is the former Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, and formerly served on the boards of The Guardian Insurance and Annuity Company and funds managed by Guardian Investor Services Corporation. He is a former Chairman of
the Life Insurance Council of New York Inc. Mr.&nbsp;Ferrara serves as Chairman of the Fund&#146;s ad hoc Pricing Committee (described below under &#147;Directors &#151; Leadership Structure and Oversight Responsibilities&#148;). He is a member of
the Fund&#146;s Nominating and Proxy Voting Committees and is also a member of one of the multi-fund ad hoc Compensation Committees. He also serves on comparable or other board committees with respect to other funds in the Fund Complex on whose
boards he sits. Mr.&nbsp;Ferrara received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the College of the Holy Cross. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Anthony R. Pustorino.</I> Mr.&nbsp;Pustorino is a Certified Public Accountant (&#147;CPA&#148;) and Professor Emeritus of Pace University with fifty years of experience in public accounting.
Mr.&nbsp;Pustorino is Chair of the Fund&#146;s Audit and Proxy Voting Committees and has been designated the Fund&#146;s Audit Committee Financial Expert. He is a member of both multi-fund ad hoc Compensation Committees. Mr.&nbsp;Pustorino also
serves on comparable committees of other boards in the Fund Complex. Mr.&nbsp;Pustorino was a Director of LGL Group, Inc., a diversified manufacturing company, and Chair of its Audit Committee. He was previously the President and shareholder of a
CPA firm and a Professor of accounting at both Fordham University and Pace University. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the New York State Board for Public Accountancy and of the CPA Examination Review Board of the National
Association of State Board of Accountancy. Mr.&nbsp;Pustorino was Vice President and a member of the Executive Committee of the New York State Society of CPAs, and was the Chair or member of many of its technical Committees. He was a member of the
Council of the American Institute of CPAs. Mr.&nbsp;Pustorino is the recipient of numerous professional and teaching awards. He received a Bachelor of Science in Business from Fordham University and a Masters in Business Administration from New York
University. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Salvatore J. Zizza.</I> Mr.&nbsp;Zizza is the Chairman of a financial consulting firm. He also serves as
Chairman to other companies involved in manufacturing, recycling, and real estate. He is a member of the Fund&#146;s Audit and Nominating Committees, the Fund&#146;s ad hoc Pricing Committee, and both multi-fund ad hoc Compensation Committees. In
addition, he serves on comparable or other board committees, including as lead independent director/trustee, with respect to other funds in the Fund Complex on whose boards he sits. In addition to serving on the boards of other funds within the Fund
Complex, he is currently a director of three other public companies and previously served on the boards of several other public companies. He also served as the Chief Executive of a large NYSE-listed construction company. Mr.&nbsp;Zizza received his
Bachelor of Arts and his Master of Business Administration in Finance from St. John&#146;s University, which awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in Commercial Sciences. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Directors - Leadership Structure and Oversight Responsibilities </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Overall
responsibility for general oversight of the Fund rests with the Board. The Board has appointed Mr.&nbsp;Conn as the lead Independent Director. The lead Independent Director presides over executive sessions of the Directors and also serves between
meetings of the Board as a liaison with service providers, officers, counsel, and other Directors on a wide variety of matters including scheduling agenda items for Board meetings. Designation as such does not impose on the lead Independent Director
any obligations or standards greater than or different from other Directors. The Board has established a Nominating Committee and an Audit Committee to assist the Board in the oversight of the management and affairs of the Fund. The Board also has
an ad hoc Proxy Voting Committee that exercises voting and investment responsibilities on behalf of the Fund in selected situations. From time to time the Board establishes additional committees or informal working groups, such as an ad hoc Pricing
Committee related to securities offerings by the Fund to address specific matters, or assigns one of its members to work with trustees or directors of other funds in the Fund Complex on special committees or working groups that address complex-wide
matters, such as the multi-fund ad hoc Compensation Committee relating to compensation of the Chief Compliance Officer for all the funds in the Fund Complex, and a separate multi-fund ad hoc Compensation Committee relating to compensation of certain
other officers of the closed-end funds in the Fund Complex. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">All of the Fund&#146;s Directors other than
Mr.&nbsp;Mario&nbsp;J. Gabelli are Independent Directors, and the Board believes it is able to provide effective oversight of the Fund&#146;s service providers. In addition to providing feedback and direction during Board meetings, the Directors
meet regularly in executive session and chair all committees of the Board. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">15 </FONT></P>



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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund&#146;s operations entail a variety of risks, including investment, administration,
valuation, and a range of compliance matters. Although the Adviser, the sub-administrator and the officers of the Fund are responsible for managing these risks on a day-to-day basis within the framework of their established risk management
functions, the Board also addresses risk management of the Fund through its meetings and those of the committees and working groups. As part of its general oversight, the Board reviews with the Adviser at Board meetings the levels and types of risks
being undertaken by the Fund, and the Audit Committee discusses the Fund&#146;s risk management and controls with the independent registered public accounting firm engaged by the Fund. The Board reviews valuation policies and procedures and the
valuations of specific illiquid securities. The Board also receives periodic reports from the Fund&#146;s Chief Compliance Officer regarding compliance matters relating to the Fund and its major service providers, including results of the
implementation and testing of the Fund&#146;s and such providers&#146; compliance programs. The Board&#146;s oversight function is facilitated by management reporting processes designed to provide visibility to the Board regarding the
identification, assessment, and management of critical risks, and the controls and policies and procedures used to mitigate those risks. The Board reviews its role in supervising the Fund&#146;s risk management from time to time and may make changes
at its discretion at any time. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Board has determined that its leadership structure is appropriate for the Fund because it
enables the Board to exercise informed and independent judgment over matters under its purview, allocates responsibility among committees in a manner that fosters effective oversight, and allows the Board to devote appropriate resources to specific
issues in a flexible manner as they arise. The Board periodically reviews its leadership structure as well as its overall structure, composition, and functioning, and may make changes at its discretion at any time. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Board Committees </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The
Nominating Committee is responsible for recommending qualified candidates to the Board in the event that a position is vacated or created. The Nominating Committee would consider recommendations by shareholders if a vacancy were to exist. Such
recommendations should be forwarded to the Secretary of the Fund. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Audit Committee is generally responsible for reviewing
and evaluating issues related to the accounting and financial reporting policies and internal controls of the Fund and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service providers, overseeing the quality and objectivity of the Fund&#146;s
financial statements and the audit thereof and acting as a liaison between the Board and the Fund&#146;s independent registered public accounting firm. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund has a Proxy Voting Committee, which, if so determined by the Board, is authorized to exercise voting power and/or dispositive power over specific securities held in the Fund&#146;s portfolio for
such period as the Board may determine. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">For the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2011, the Board held one
(1)&nbsp;Nominating Committee meeting and two (2)&nbsp;Audit Committee meetings. The Proxy Voting Committee did not meet during the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2011. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund does not have a standing compensation committee, but does have representatives on a multi-fund ad hoc Compensation Committee relating to compensation of the Chief Compliance Officer for the funds
and certain officers of the closed-end funds in the Fund Complex. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="51%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="20%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="27%"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP> <P STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000;width:59pt"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Name of Director</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Dollar Range of</B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Equity</B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Securities Held in the</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Fund*(1)</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity</B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Securities Held in Family of Investment</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Companies*(1)(2)</B></FONT></P></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Interested Director</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Mario J. Gabelli</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Over $100,000</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Over $100,000</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Independent Directors</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Thomas E. Bratter</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Over $100,000</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Over $100,000</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Anthony J. Colavita</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$10,001-$50,000</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Over $100,000</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">James P. Conn</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Over $100,000</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Over $100,000</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">None</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$1-$10,000</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Arthur V. Ferrara</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$1-$10,000</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Over $100,000</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Anthony R. Pustorino</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$50,001-$100,000</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Over $100,000</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Salvatore J. Zizza</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$50,001-$100,000</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Over $100,000</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">All shares were valued as of December&nbsp;31, 2011</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">This information has been furnished by each Director and nominee for election as Director as of December&nbsp;31, 2011. &#147;Beneficial Ownership&#148; is determined
in accordance with Rule 16a-1(a)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the &#147;1934 Act&#148;). </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">16 </FONT></P>



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<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The term &#147;Family of Investment Companies&#148; includes two or more registered funds that share the same investment adviser or principal underwriter and hold
themselves out to investors as related companies for purposes of investment and investor services. Currently, the registered funds that comprise the &#147;Fund Complex&#148; are identical to those that comprise the &#147;Family of Investment
Companies.&#148; </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Directors serving on the Fund&#146;s Nominating Committee are Anthony J. Colavita (Chair),
Arthur V. Ferrara and Salvatore J. Zizza. Anthony J. Colavita, Anthony R. Pustorino (Chair) and Salvatore J. Zizza, who are not &#147;interested persons&#148; of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act, serve on the Fund&#146;s Audit Committee. Each
member of the Audit Committee has been determined by the Board of Directors to be financially literate. Mr.&nbsp;Pustorino has been designated as the Fund&#146;s Audit Committee Financial Expert. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Remuneration of Directors and Officers </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund pays each Director who is not affiliated with the Adviser or its affiliates a fee of $15,000 per year plus $2,000 per Board meeting attended, $1,000 per standing Committee meeting attended, and
$500 per telephonic meeting, together with the Director&#146;s actual out-of-pocket expenses relating to his attendance at such meetings. In addition, the lead independent Director receives an annual fee of $1,000, the Audit Committee Chairman
receives an annual fee of $3,000, the Proxy Voting Committee Chairman receives an annual fee of $1,500, and the Nominating Committee Chairman receives an annual fee of $2,000. A Director may receive a single meeting fee, allocated among the
participating funds, for participation in certain meetings on behalf of multiple funds. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The following table shows the
compensation that the Directors earned in their capacity as Directors during the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2011. The table also shows, for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2011, the compensation Directors earned in their capacity as
directors/trustees for other funds in the Fund Complex. Ms.&nbsp;Marion and Mr.&nbsp;Austin are employed by the Fund and are not employed by the Adviser (although they may receive incentive-based variable compensation from affiliates of the
Adviser). Officers of the Fund who are employed by the Adviser receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Fund. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>COMPENSATION TABLE </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2011 </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="70%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="11%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="11%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Name of Person and Position</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Aggregate<BR>Compensation&nbsp;from<BR>the Fund</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Aggregate&nbsp;Compensation<BR>from the Fund and Fund<BR>Complex Paid to<BR>Directors*</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><U>INTERESTED DIRECTOR:</U></B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Mario J. Gabelli</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(0)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director and Chief Investment Officer</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><U>INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS:</U></B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Thomas E. Bratter</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">21,750</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">40,750</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(3)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Anthony J. Colavita</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">26,813</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">366,250</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(34)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>James P. Conn</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">23,571</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">207,750</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(18)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">21,875</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">100,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(6)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Arthur V. Ferrara</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">23,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">58,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(8)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Anthony R. Pustorino</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">28,417</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">195,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(13)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Salvatore J. Zizza</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">24,813</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">299,250</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(28)&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><U>OFFICERS:</U></B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Carter W. Austin</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">70,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Vice President</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Molly A.F. Marion</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">70,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Vice President and Ombudsman</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="line-height:8px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000;width:10%">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">*</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Represents the total compensation paid to such persons during the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2011 by investment companies (including the Fund) or portfolios
that are considered part of the Fund Complex. The number in parentheses represents the number of such investment companies and portfolios. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">17 </FONT></P>



<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
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<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Indemnification of Officers and Directors; Limitations on Liability </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Governing Documents of the Fund provide that the Fund will indemnify its Directors and officers and may indemnify its employees or
agents against liabilities and expenses incurred in connection with litigation in which they may be involved because of their positions with the Fund, to the fullest extent permitted by law. However, nothing in the Governing Documents protects or
indemnifies a Director, officer, employee or agent of the Fund against any liability to which such person would otherwise be subject in the event of such person&#146;s willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the
duties involved in the conduct of his or her position. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Investment Management </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser is a New York limited liability company which serves as an investment adviser to sixteen open-end and ten
closed-end registered management investment companies and a Luxembourg SICAV with combined aggregate net assets in excess of $20.0 billion as of December&nbsp;31, 2011. The Investment Adviser is a registered investment adviser under the Investment
Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Mr.&nbsp;Mario&nbsp;J. Gabelli may be deemed a &#147;controlling person&#148; of the Investment Adviser on the basis of his controlling interest in GBL, the parent company of the Investment Adviser. The Investment
Adviser has several affiliates that provide investment advisory services: GAMCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of GBL, acts as investment adviser for individuals, pension trusts, profit-sharing trusts and endowments, and as sub-adviser to certain third
party investment funds, which include registered investment companies, and had assets under management of approximately of $13.5 billion as of December&nbsp;31, 2011; Teton Advisors, Inc. (formerly Gabelli Advisers, Inc.), an affiliate of the
Investment Adviser with assets under management of approximately $846 million as of December&nbsp;31, 2011, acts as investment adviser to The GAMCO Westwood Funds; Gabelli Securities, Inc., a majority owned subsidiary of GBL, acts as investment
adviser to certain alternative investment products, consisting primarily of risk arbitrage and merchant banking limited partnerships and offshore companies, with assets under management of approximately $600 million as of December&nbsp;31, 2011; and
Gabelli Fixed Income LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of GBL, acts as investment adviser for separate accounts having assets under management of approximately $26 million as of December&nbsp;31, 2011. Teton Advisors, Inc. was spun off by GBL
in March 2009 and is an affiliate of GBL by virtue of Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli&#146;s ownership of GGCP, Inc., the principal shareholder of Teton Advisors, Inc. as of December&nbsp;31, 2011. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc., a New York corporation, whose Class&nbsp;A Common Stock is
traded on the NYSE under the symbol &#147;GBL.&#148; Mr.&nbsp;Mario J. Gabelli may be deemed a &#147;controlling person&#148; of the Investment Adviser on the basis of his ownership of a majority of the stock of GGCP, Inc., which owns a majority of
the capital stock of GAMCO Investors, Inc. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser will provide a continuous investment program for the
portfolios of the Fund and oversee the administration of all aspects of the Fund&#146;s business and affairs. The Investment Adviser has sole investment discretion for the assets of the Fund under the supervision of the Fund&#146;s Board and in
accordance with the Fund&#146;s stated policies. The Investment Adviser will select investments for the Fund and will place purchase and sale orders on behalf of the Fund. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">18 </FONT></P>



<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Investment Advisory Agreements </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Affiliates of the Investment Adviser may, in the ordinary course of their business, acquire for their own account or for the accounts of
their advisory clients, significant (and possibly controlling) positions in the securities of companies that may also be suitable for investment by the Fund. The securities in which the Fund might invest may thereby be limited to some extent. For
instance, many companies in the past several years have adopted so-called &#147;poison pill&#148; or other defensive measures designed to discourage or prevent the completion of non-negotiated offers for control of the company. Such defensive
measures may have the effect of limiting the shares of the company that might otherwise be acquired by the Fund if the affiliates of the Investment Adviser or their advisory accounts have or acquire a significant position in the same securities.
However, the Investment Adviser does not believe that the investment activities of its affiliates will have a material adverse effect upon each the Fund in seeking to achieve its investment objectives. Securities purchased or sold pursuant to
contemporaneous orders entered on behalf of the investment company accounts of the Investment Adviser or the advisory accounts managed by its affiliates for their unaffiliated clients are allocated pursuant to principles believed to be fair and not
disadvantageous to any such accounts. In addition, all such orders are accorded priority of execution over orders entered on behalf of accounts in which the Investment Adviser or its affiliates have a substantial pecuniary interest. The Adviser may
on occasion give advice or take action with respect to other clients that differs from the actions taken with respect to the Fund. The Fund may invest in the securities of companies that are investment management clients of GAMCO Asset Management
Inc. In addition, portfolio companies or their officers or directors may be minority shareholders of the Investment Adviser or its affiliates. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Under the terms of the Advisory Agreement, the Investment Adviser manages the portfolio of the Fund in accordance with its stated investment objectives and policies, makes investment decisions for the
Fund, places orders to purchase and sell securities on behalf of the Fund and manages its other business and affairs, all subject to the supervision and direction of the Fund&#146;s Board. In addition, under the Advisory Agreement, the Investment
Adviser oversees the administration of all aspects of the Fund&#146;s business and affairs and provides, or arranges for others to provide, at the Investment Adviser&#146;s expense, certain enumerated services, including maintaining the Fund&#146;s
books and records, preparing reports to the Fund&#146;s shareholders and supervising the calculation of the net asset value of its shares. All expenses of computing the net asset value of the Fund, including any equipment or services obtained solely
for the purpose of pricing shares or valuing its investment portfolio, underwriting compensation and reimbursements in connection with sales of its securities, the costs of utilizing a third party to monitor and collect class action settlements on
behalf of the Fund, compensation to an administrator for certain SEC filings on behalf of the Fund, the fees and expenses of directors who are not officers or employees of the Investment Adviser of its affiliates, compensation and other expenses of
employees of the Fund as approved by the directors, the pro rata costs of the Fund&#146;s chief compliance officer, charges of the custodian, any sub-custodian and transfer agent and dividend paying agent, expenses in connection with the Automatic
Dividend Reinvestment Plan and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan, accounting and pricing costs, membership fees in trade associations, expenses for legal and independent accountants&#146; services, costs of printing proxies, share certificates and
shareholder reports, fidelity bond coverage for Fund officer&#146;s and employees, directors and officers&#146; errors and omissions insurance coverage, and stock exchange listing fees will be an expense of the Fund unless the Investment Adviser
voluntarily assumes responsibility for such expenses. During fiscal year 2011, the Fund paid or accrued $45,000 to the Investment Adviser in connection with the cost of computing the Fund&#146;s net asset value. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Advisory Agreement combines investment advisory and certain administrative responsibilities in one agreement. For services rendered
by the Investment Adviser on behalf of the Fund&#146;s Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Investment Adviser a fee computed weekly and paid monthly at the annual rate of 1.00% of the average weekly net assets of the Fund. For purposes of
calculating this fee, the Fund&#146;s average weekly net assets will be deemed to be the average weekly value of the Fund&#146;s total assets minus the sum of the Fund&#146;s liabilities (such liabilities exclude the aggregate liquidation preference
of outstanding preferred shares and accumulated dividends, if any, on those shares). The Investment Adviser has agreed to reduce the management fee on the incremental assets attributable to the Series C Auction Rate Preferred, Series D Preferred,
Series E Auction Rate Preferred and Series F Preferred during the fiscal year if the total return of the net asset value of the common stock, including distributions and management fees subject to reduction, does not exceed the stated dividend rate
or corresponding swap rate of each particular series of preferred stock for the period. This fee waiver is voluntary and may be discontinued at any time. The Fund&#146;s total return on the net asset value of its common stock is monitored on a
monthly basis to assess whether the total return on the net asset value of its common stock exceeds the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of each particular series of outstanding preferred stock for the period. The test to confirm the
accrual of the management fee on the assets attributable to each particular series of preferred stock is annual. The Fund will accrue for the management fee on these assets during the fiscal year if it appears probable that the Fund will incur the
additional management fee on those assets. For the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2011, the Fund&#146;s total return on the net asset value of the common stock did not exceed the stated dividend rate or corresponding swap rate of the outstanding
Preferred Stock. Thus management fees were not accrued on these assets. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">19 </FONT></P>



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<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Advisory Agreement provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations and duties thereunder, the Investment Adviser is not liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund. As part of the Advisory Agreement, the Fund has agreed
that the name &#147;Gabelli&#148; is the Investment Adviser&#146;s property, and that in the event the Investment Adviser ceases to act as an investment adviser to the Fund, the Fund will change its name to one not including &#147;Gabelli.&#148;
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Pursuant to its terms, the Advisory Agreement will remain in effect with respect to the Fund if approved annually (i)&nbsp;by
the Fund&#146;s Board or by the holders of a majority of the Fund&#146;s outstanding voting securities and (ii)&nbsp;by a majority of the Directors who are not &#147;interested persons&#148; (as defined in the 1940 Act) of any party to an Advisory
Agreement, by vote cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A discussion regarding the
basis of the Board&#146;s approval of the Advisory Agreement for the Fund is available in the semi-annual report to shareholders for the six months ended June&nbsp;30, 2011. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Portfolio Manager Information </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><I>Other Accounts Managed </I></B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The information below lists the number of other accounts for which each portfolio manager was primarily responsible for the day-to-day
management as of the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2011. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="38%"></TD>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Name of Portfolio</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Manager or Team</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Member</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Type of Accounts</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Total&nbsp;Number&nbsp;of<BR>Accounts&nbsp;Managed</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Total<BR>Assets</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Number
of<BR>Accounts</B></FONT><br><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Managed&nbsp;with</B></FONT><br><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Advisory&nbsp;Fee&nbsp;Based</B></FONT><br><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>on Performance</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Total&nbsp;Assets&nbsp;with</B></FONT><br><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Advisory
fee<BR>Based</B></FONT><br><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>on Performance</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1. Mario J. Gabelli</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Registered Investment Companies:</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">26</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">17.0B</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">7</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2.9B</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">16</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">604.9M</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">13</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">551.7M</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Other Accounts:</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1,766</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">13.4B</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">9</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.4B</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" NOWRAP> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2. Zahid Siddique</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Registered Investment Companies:</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Other Pooled Investment Vehicles:</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Other Accounts:</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">472.8K</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Potential Conflicts of Interest </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Actual or apparent conflicts of interest may arise when a portfolio manager for a fund also has day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to one or more other funds or accounts. These potential
conflicts include: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Allocation of Limited Time and Attention. </I>A portfolio manager who is responsible for managing
multiple funds or other accounts may devote unequal time and attention to the management of those funds or accounts. As a result, the portfolio manager may not be able to formulate as complete a strategy or identify equally attractive investment
opportunities for each of those accounts as might be the case if he or she were to devote substantially more attention to the management of a single fund. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Allocation of Limited Investment Opportunities. </I>If a portfolio manager identifies an investment opportunity that may be suitable for multiple funds or other accounts, a fund may not be able to take
full advantage of that opportunity because the opportunity may be allocated among several of these funds or accounts. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Pursuit of Differing Strategies. </I>At times, a portfolio manager may determine that an investment opportunity may be appropriate for
only some of the funds or accounts for which he or she exercises investment responsibility, or may decide that certain of the funds or accounts should take differing positions with respect to a particular security. In these cases, the portfolio
manager may execute differing or opposite transactions for one or more funds or 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 funds or accounts.
</FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">20 </FONT></P>



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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Selection of Broker/Dealers. </I>Portfolio managers 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 they supervise. 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 than to others. Although the payment of brokerage commissions is
subject to the requirement that the portfolio manager determine 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&#146;s decision as to the
selection of brokers and dealers could yield disproportionate costs and benefits among the funds or other accounts that he or she manages. In addition, with respect to certain types of accounts (such as pooled investment vehicles and other accounts
managed for organizations and individuals) the Investment 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 Investment Adviser or its affiliates
may place separate, non-simultaneous transactions in the same security for a 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. Because of Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli&#146;s position with, and his indirect majority ownership interest in, an affiliated broker dealer, Gabelli&nbsp;&amp; Company, he may have an incentive to use Gabelli&nbsp;&amp; Company to execute
portfolio transactions for the Fund even if using Gabelli&nbsp;&amp; Company is not in the best interest of the Fund. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Variation in Compensation. </I>A conflict of interest may arise where the financial or other benefits available to the portfolio
manager differ among the funds or accounts that he or she manages. If the structure of the Investment Adviser&#146;s management fee or the portfolio manager&#146;s compensation differs among funds or accounts (such as where certain funds or accounts
pay higher management fees or performance-based fees), the portfolio manager may be motivated to favor certain funds or accounts over others. The portfolio manager also may be motivated to favor funds or accounts in which he or she has an investment
interest, or in which the Investment Adviser or its affiliates have investment interests. Similarly, the desire to maintain assets under management or to enhance a portfolio manager&#146;s performance record or to derive other rewards, financial or
otherwise, could influence the portfolio manager in affording preferential treatment to those funds or other accounts that could most significantly benefit the portfolio manager. In Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli&#146;s case, the Investment Adviser&#146;s
compensation (and expenses) for the Fund is marginally greater as a percentage of assets than for certain other accounts and is less than for certain other accounts managed by Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli, while his personal compensation structure varies with
near-term performance to a greater degree in certain performance fee-based accounts than with non-performance-based accounts. In addition, he has investment interests in several of the funds managed by the Investment Adviser and its affiliates.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser and the Fund have adopted compliance policies and procedures that are designed to address the various
conflicts of interest that may arise for the Investment 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. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Ownership of Shares in the Fund </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">As of December&nbsp;31, 2011, the portfolio managers of the Fund own the following amounts of equity securities of the Fund. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Mario J. Gabelli</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Over&nbsp;$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1,000,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Zahid Siddique</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">0</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Compensation Structure </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli receives incentive-based variable compensation based on a percentage of net revenues received by the Investment Adviser for managing the Fund. Net revenues are determined by deducting
from gross investment management fees the firm&#146;s expenses (other than Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli&#146;s compensation) allocable to the Fund. Additionally, he receives similar incentive-based variable compensation for managing other accounts within the
Fund Complex. This method of compensation is based on the premise that superior long-term performance in managing a portfolio should be rewarded with higher compensation as a result of growth of assets through appreciation and net investment
activity. Five closed-end registered investment companies managed by Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli have arrangements whereby the Investment Adviser will only receive its investment advisory fee attributable to the liquidation value of outstanding preferred stock
(and Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli would only receive his percentage of such advisory fee) if certain performance levels are met. Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli manages other accounts with </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">21 </FONT></P>



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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">
performance fees. Compensation for managing these accounts has two components. One component of the fee is based on a percentage of net revenues received by the Investment Adviser for managing
the account. The second component is based on absolute performance of the account, with respect to which a percentage of such performance fee is paid to Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli. As an executive officer of the Investment Adviser&#146;s parent company, GAMCO
Investors, Inc., Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli also receives ten percent of the net operating profits of the parent company. Mr.&nbsp;Gabelli receives no base salary, no annual bonus and no stock options. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The compensation of Mr.&nbsp;Siddique is reviewed annually and structured to enable the Investment Adviser to attract and retain highly
qualified professionals in a competitive environment. Mr.&nbsp;Siddique receives a compensation package that includes a minimum draw or base salary, equity-based incentive compensation via awards of stock options, and incentive based variable
compensation based on a percentage of net revenues received by the Investment Adviser for managing the Fund to the extent that it exceeds a minimum level of compensation. This method of compensation is based on the premise that superior long-term
performance in managing a portfolio will be rewarded through growth of assets through appreciation and cash flow. Incentive based equity compensation is based on an evaluation of quantitative and qualitative performance evaluation criteria.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Compensation for managing other accounts is based on a percentage of net revenues received by the Investment Adviser for
managing the account. Compensation for managing the pooled investment vehicles and other accounts that have a performance-based fee will have two components. One component of the fee is based on a percentage of net revenues received by the
Investment Adviser for managing the account or pooled investment vehicle. The second component of the fee is based on absolute performance from which a percentage of such fee is paid to the portfolio manager. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Portfolio Holdings Information </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Employees of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates will often have access to information concerning the portfolio holdings of the Fund. The Fund and the Investment Adviser have adopted policies and
procedures that require all employees to safeguard proprietary information of the Fund, which includes information relating to the Fund&#146;s portfolio holdings as well as portfolio trading activity of the Investment Adviser with respect to the
Fund (collectively, &#147;Portfolio Holdings Information&#148;). In addition, the Fund and the Investment Adviser have adopted policies and procedures providing that Portfolio Holdings Information may not be disclosed except to the extent that it is
(a)&nbsp;made available to the general public by posting on the Fund&#146;s website or filed as part of a required filing on Form N-Q or N-CSR or (b)&nbsp;provided to a third party for legitimate business purposes or regulatory purposes, that has
agreed to keep such data confidential under terms approved by the Investment Adviser&#146;s legal department or outside counsel, as described below. The Investment Adviser will examine each situation under (b)&nbsp;with a view to determine that
release of the information is in the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders and, if a potential conflict between the Investment Adviser&#146;s interests and the Fund&#146;s interests arises, to have such conflict resolved by the Chief
Compliance Officer or those Directors who are not considered to be &#147;interested persons,&#148; as defined in the 1940 Act (the &#147;&#145;Independent Directors&#148;). These policies further provide that no officer of the Fund or employee of
the Investment Adviser shall communicate with the media about the Fund without obtaining the advance consent of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, or General Counsel of the Investment Adviser. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Under the foregoing policies, the Fund currently may disclose Portfolio Holdings Information in the circumstances outlined below.
Disclosure generally may be either on a monthly or quarterly basis with no time lag in some cases and with a time lag of up to 60&nbsp;days in other cases (with the exception of proxy voting services which require a regular download of data):
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1)&nbsp;To regulatory authorities in response to requests for such information and with the approval of the Chief Compliance
Officer of the Fund; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(2)&nbsp;To mutual fund rating and statistical agencies and to persons performing similar functions
where there is a legitimate business purpose for such disclosure and such entity has agreed to keep such data confidential until at least it has been made public by the Investment Adviser; </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(3)&nbsp;To service providers of the Fund, as necessary for the performance of their services to the Fund and to the Board, where such
entity has agreed to keep such data confidential until at least it has been made public by the Investment Adviser. The Fund&#146;s current service providers that may receive such information are its administrator, sub-administrator, custodian,
independent registered public accounting firm, legal counsel, and financial printers; </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">22 </FONT></P>



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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(4)&nbsp;To firms providing proxy voting and other proxy services provided such entity has
agreed to keep such data confidential until at least it has been made public by the Investment Adviser; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(5)&nbsp;To certain
broker dealers, investment advisers, and other financial intermediaries for purposes of their performing due diligence on the Fund and not for dissemination of this information to their clients or use of this information to conduct trading for their
clients. Disclosure of Portfolio Holdings Information in these circumstances requires the broker, dealer, investment adviser, or financial intermediary to agree to keep such information confidential until it has been made public by the Investment
Adviser and is further subject to prior approval of the Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund and shall be reported to the Board at the next quarterly meeting; and </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(6)&nbsp;To consultants for purposes of performing analysis of the Fund, which analysis may be used by the consultant with its clients or disseminated to the public, provided that such entity shall have
agreed to keep such information confidential until at least it has been made public by the Investment Adviser. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">As of the date
of this SAI, the Fund makes information about portfolio securities available to its administrator, sub-administrator, custodian, and proxy voting services on a daily basis, with no time lag, to its typesetter on a quarterly basis with a ten day time
lag, to its financial printers on a quarterly basis with a forty-five day time lag, and its independent registered public accounting firm and legal counsel on an as needed basis with no time lag. The names of the Fund&#146;s administrator,
custodian, independent registered public accounting firm, and legal counsel are set forth is this SAI. The Fund&#146;s proxy voting service is Broadridge Investor Communication Services. Bowne&nbsp;&amp; Co., Inc. provides typesetting services for
the Fund and the Fund selects from a number of financial printers who have agreed to keep such information confidential until at least it has been made public by the Investment Adviser. Other than those arrangements with the Fund&#146;s service
providers and proxy voting service, the Fund has no ongoing arrangements to make available information about the Fund&#146;s portfolio securities prior to such information being disclosed in a publicly available filing with the SEC that is required
to include the information. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Disclosures made pursuant to a confidentiality agreement are subject to periodic confirmation by
the Chief Compliance Officer of the Fund that the recipient has utilized such information solely in accordance with the terms of the agreement. Neither the Fund, nor the Investment Adviser, nor any of the Investment Adviser&#146;s affiliates will
accept on behalf of itself, its affiliates, or the Fund any compensation or other consideration in connection with the disclosure of portfolio holdings of the Fund. The Board will review such arrangements annually with the Fund&#146;s Chief
Compliance Officer. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sai334544_5"></A>DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund, along with other closed-end registered investment companies advised by the Investment Adviser, has obtained an exemption from
Section&nbsp;19(b) of the 1940 Act and Rule&nbsp;19b-1 thereunder permitting it to make periodic distributions of long-term capital gains provided that any distribution policy of the Fund with respect to its common stock calls for periodic (e.g.,
quarterly or semi-annually, but in no event more frequently than monthly) distributions in an amount equal to a fixed percentage of the Fund&#146;s average net asset value over a specified period of time or market price per share of common stock at
or about the time of distribution or payment of a fixed dollar amount. The exemption also permits the Fund to make distributions with respect to its preferred stock in accordance with such stock&#146;s terms. See &#147;Automatic Dividend
Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan.&#148; </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If the total distributions required by a periodic pay-out policy exceed
the Fund&#146;s net investment income and net capital gain, the excess will be treated as a return of capital. Shareholders who periodically receive the payment of a dividend or other distribution consisting of a return of capital may be under the
impression that they are receiving net profits when they are not. Shareholders should not assume that the source of a distribution from the Fund is net profit. Distributions sourced from paid-in-capital should not be considered the current yield or
the total return from an investment in the Fund. If the Fund&#146;s net investment income (including net short-term capital gains) and net long-term capital gains for any year exceed the amount required to be distributed under a periodic pay-out
policy, the Fund generally intends to pay such excess once a year, but may, in its discretion, retain and not distribute net long-term capital gains to the extent of such excess. The Fund reserves the right, but does not currently intend, to retain
for reinvestment and pay the resulting U.S. federal income taxes on the excess of its net realized long-term capital gains over its net short-term capital losses, if any. See &#147;Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase
Plans.&#148; </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">23 </FONT></P>



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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sai334544_6"></A>AUCTIONS FOR AUCTION RATE PREFERRED STOCK </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund&#146;s Series C and E Auction Rate Preferred are each a type of preferred stock that pays dividends that vary over time. Prior
to February 2008, the dividend rates were set through auctions run by an independent auction agent. Since February 2008, the auctions have failed and have continued to fail. &#147;Failure&#148; means that more Auction Rate Preferred Shares are
offered for sale in the auction then there are bids to buy shares. During this period while auctions have continued to fail, holders of the Fund&#146;s Auction Rate Preferred have received dividends at a &#147;maximum&#148; rate determined by
reference to short term rates, rather than at a price set by auction. If auctions were to resume functioning, they would operate in accordance with the procedures described below. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><I>Summary of Auction Procedures </I></B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The following is a brief summary of
the auction procedures for preferred shares that are auction rate preferred stock.&nbsp;These auction procedures are complicated, and there are exceptions to these procedures.&nbsp;Many of the terms in this section have a special
meaning.&nbsp;Accordingly, this description does not purport to be complete and is qualified, in its entirety, by reference to the Fund&#146;s Charter, including the provisions of the Articles Supplementary establishing any series of auction rate
preferred stock. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The auctions determine the dividend rate for auction rate preferred shares, but each dividend rate will not
be higher than the maximum rate.&nbsp;If you own auction rate preferred shares, you may instruct your broker-dealer to enter one of three kinds of orders in the auction with respect to your stock:&nbsp;sell, bid and hold. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If you enter a sell order, you indicate that you want to sell auction rate preferred shares at their liquidation preference per share, no matter what
the next dividend period&#146;s rate will be. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If you enter a bid (or &#147;hold at a rate&#148;) order, which must specify a dividend rate, you indicate that you want to sell auction rate preferred
shares only if the next dividend period&#146;s rate is less than the rate you specify. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If you enter a hold order you indicate that you want to continue to own auction rate preferred shares, no matter what the next dividend period&#146;s
rate will be. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">You may enter different types of orders for different portions of your auction rate preferred
shares.&nbsp;You may also enter an order to buy additional auction rate preferred shares.&nbsp;All orders must be for whole shares of stock.&nbsp;All orders you submit are irrevocable. There is a fixed number of auction rate preferred shares, and
the dividend rate likely will vary from auction to auction depending on the number of bidders, the number of shares the bidders seek to buy, the rating of the auction rate preferred shares and general economic conditions including current interest
rates.&nbsp;If you own auction rate preferred shares and submit a bid for them higher than the then-maximum rate, your bid will be treated as a sell order.&nbsp;If you do not enter an order, the broker-dealer will assume that you want to continue to
hold auction rate preferred shares, but if you fail to submit an order and the dividend period is longer than 28&nbsp;days, the broker-dealer will treat your failure to submit a bid as a sell order. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If you do not then own auction rate preferred shares, or want to buy more shares, you may instruct a broker-dealer to enter a bid order
to buy shares in an auction at the liquidation preference per share at or above the dividend rate you specify.&nbsp;If your bid for shares you do not own specifies a rate higher than the then-maximum rate, your bid will not be considered.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Broker-dealers will submit orders from existing and potential holders of auction rate preferred shares to the auction
agent.&nbsp;Neither the Fund nor the auction agent will be responsible for a broker-dealer&#146;s failure to submit orders from existing or potential holders of auction rate preferred shares.&nbsp;A broker-dealer&#146;s failure to submit orders for
auction rate preferred shares held by it or its customers will be treated in the same manner as a holder&#146;s failure to submit an order to the broker-dealer.&nbsp;A broker-dealer may submit orders to the auction agent for its own
account.&nbsp;The Fund may not submit an order in any auction. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%;padding-bottom:0px;"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">After each auction for the auction rate
preferred shares the auction agent will pay to each broker-dealer, from funds provided by the Fund, a service charge equal to, in the case shares of any auction immediately preceding a dividend period of less than 365&nbsp;days, the product of
(i)&nbsp;a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in such dividend period and the denominator of which is 365, times (ii)&nbsp;<FONT SIZE="1"><SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">&nbsp;1</SUP></FONT><FONT
SIZE="2">/</FONT><FONT SIZE="1">4</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"> of 1%, times (iii)&nbsp;the liquidation preference per share, times (iv)&nbsp;the aggregate number of auction rate preferred shares placed by such
broker-dealer at such auction or, in the case of any auction immediately preceding a dividend period of one year or longer, a percentage of the purchase price of the auction rate preferred shares placed by the broker-dealer at the auction agreed to
by the Fund and the broker-dealers. </FONT></FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">24 </FONT></P>



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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If the number of auction rate preferred shares subject to bid orders by potential holders
with a dividend rate equal to or lower than the then-maximum rate is at least equal to the number of auction rate preferred shares subject to sell orders, then the dividend rate for the next dividend period will be the lowest rate submitted which,
taking into account that rate and all lower rates submitted in order from existing and potential holders, would result in existing and potential holders owning all the auction rate preferred shares available for purchase in the auction. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If the number of auction rate preferred shares subject to bid orders by potential holders with a dividend rate equal to or lower than the
then-maximum rate is less than the number of auction rate preferred shares subject to sell orders, then the auction is considered to be a failed auction, and the dividend rate will be the maximum rate.&nbsp;In that event, existing holders that have
submitted sell orders (or are treated as having submitted sell orders) may not be able to sell any or all of the auction rate preferred shares offered for sale than there are buyers for those shares. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If broker-dealers submit or are deemed to submit hold orders for all outstanding auction rate preferred shares, the auction is considered
an &#147;all hold&#148; auction and the dividend rate for the next dividend period will be the &#147;all hold rate,&#148; which is 80% of the &#147;AA&#148; Financial Composite Commercial Paper Rate, as determined in accordance with procedures set
forth in the Articles Supplementary establishing the auction rate preferred shares. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The auction procedures include a <I>pro
rata </I>allocation of auction rate preferred shares for purchase and sale.&nbsp;This allocation process may result in an existing holder continuing to hold or selling, or a potential holder buying, fewer shares than the number of shares of auction
rate preferred shares in its order.&nbsp;If this happens, broker-dealers will be required to make appropriate <I>pro rata </I>allocations among their respective customers. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Settlement of purchases and sales will be made on the next business day (which also is a dividend payment date) after the auction date through DTC. Purchasers will pay for their auction rate preferred
shares through broker-dealers in same-day funds to DTC against delivery to the broker-dealers. DTC will make payment to the sellers&#146; broker-dealers in accordance with its normal procedures, which require broker-dealers to make payment against
delivery in same-day funds. As used in this SAI, a business day is a day on which the NYSE is open for trading, and which is not a Saturday, Sunday or any other day on which banks in New York City are authorized or obligated by law to close.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The first auction for a series of auction rate preferred shares will be held on the date specified in the Prospectus
Supplement for such series, which will be the business day preceding the dividend payment date for the initial dividend period.&nbsp;Thereafter, except during special dividend periods, auctions for such series auction rate preferred shares normally
will be held within the frequency specified in the Prospectus Supplement for such series, and each subsequent dividend period for such series auction rate preferred shares normally will begin on the following day. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If an auction is not held because an unforeseen event or unforeseen events cause a day that otherwise would have been an auction date not
to be a business day, then the length of the then-current dividend period will be extended by seven days (or a multiple thereof if necessary because of such unforeseen event or events), the applicable rate for such period will be the applicable rate
for the then-current dividend period so extended and the dividend payment date for such dividend period will be the first business day immediately succeeding the end of such period. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The following is a simplified example of how a typical auction works.&nbsp;Assume that the Fund has 1,000 outstanding shares of auction
rate preferred stock and three current holders.&nbsp;The three current holders and three potential holders submit orders through broker-dealers at the auction. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="22%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="38%"></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Current Holder A</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Owns 500 shares, wants to sell all 500 shares if auction rate is less than 4.6%</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Bid order at 4.6% rate for all 500 shares</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Current Holder B</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Owns 300 shares, wants to hold</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Hold order will take the auction rate</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Current Holder C</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Owns 200 shares, wants to sell all 200 shares if auction rate is less than 4.4%</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Bid order at 4.4% rate for all 200 shares</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Potential Holder D</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Wants to buy 200 shares</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Places order to buy at or above 4.5%</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Potential Holder E</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Wants to buy 300 shares</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Places order to buy at or above 4.4%</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Potential Holder F</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Wants to buy 200 shares</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Places order to buy at or above 4.6%</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The lowest dividend rate that will result in all 1,000 shares of auction rate preferred stock continuing
to be held is 4.5% (the offer by D). Therefore, the dividend rate will be 4.5%. Current holders B and C will continue to own their shares. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">25 </FONT></P>



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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Current holder A will sell its shares because A&#146;s dividend rate bid was higher than the dividend rate:
Potential holder D will buy 200 shares and potential holder E will buy 300 shares because their bid rates were at or below the dividend rate. Potential holder F will not buy any shares because its bid rate was above the dividend rate. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Secondary Market Trading and Transfer of Auction Rate Preferred Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The underwriters shall not be required to make a market in the auction rate preferred stock.&nbsp;The broker-dealers (including the underwriters) may maintain a secondary trading market for outside of
auctions, but they are not required to do so.&nbsp;There can be no assurance that a secondary trading market for the auction rate preferred stock will develop or, if it does develop, that it will provide owners with liquidity of investment.&nbsp;The
auction rate preferred stock will not be registered on any stock exchange.&nbsp;Investors who purchase auction rate preferred shares in an auction for a special dividend period should note that because the dividend rate on such shares will be fixed
for the length of that dividend period, the value of such shares may fluctuate in response to the changes in interest rates and may be more or less than their original cost if sold on the open market in advance of the next auction thereof, depending
on market conditions. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">You may sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of the auction rate preferred stock in the auction process
only in whole shares and only pursuant to a bid or sell order placed with the auction agent in accordance with the auction procedures, to the Fund or its affiliates or to or through a broker-dealer that has been selected by the Fund or to such other
persons as may be permitted by the Fund. However, if you hold your auction rate preferred shares in the name of a broker-dealer, a sale or transfer of your auction rate preferred shares to that broker dealer, or to another customer of that
broker-dealer, will not be considered a sale or transfer for purposes of the foregoing if the shares remain in the name of the broker-dealer immediately after your transaction. In addition, in the case of all transfers other than through an auction,
the broker-dealer (or other person, if the Fund permits) receiving the transfer must advise the auction agent of the transfer. These procedures would not limit a holder&#146;s ability to sell its auction rate preferred stock in a secondary market
transaction. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sai334544_7"></A>PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Subject to policies established by the Board, the Investment Adviser is responsible for placing purchase and sale orders and the
allocation of brokerage on behalf of the Fund. Transactions in equity securities are in most cases effected on U.S. stock exchanges and involve the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions. There may be no stated commission in the case of
securities traded in over-the-counter markets, but the prices of those securities may include undisclosed commissions or mark-ups. Principal transactions are not entered into with affiliates of the Fund. However, Gabelli&nbsp;&amp; Company, Inc. may
execute transactions in the over-the-counter markets on an agency basis and receive a stated commission therefrom. To the extent consistent with applicable provisions of the 1940 Act and the rules and exemptions adopted by the SEC thereunder, as
well as other regulatory requirements, the Board has determined that portfolio transactions may be executed through Gabelli&nbsp;&amp; Company, Inc. and its broker-dealer affiliates if, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser, the use of those
broker-dealers is likely to result in price and execution at least as favorable as those of other qualified broker-dealers, and if, in particular transactions, the affiliated broker-dealers charge the Fund a rate consistent with that charged to
comparable unaffiliated customers in similar transactions and comparable to rates charged by other broker-dealers for similar transactions. The Fund has no obligations to deal with any broker or group of brokers in executing transactions in
portfolio securities. In executing transactions, the Investment Adviser seeks to obtain the best price and execution for the Fund, taking into account such factors as price, size of order, difficulty of execution and operational facilities of the
firm involved and the firm&#146;s risk in positioning a block of securities. While the Investment Adviser generally seeks reasonably competitive commission rates, the Fund does not necessarily pay the lowest commission available. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Subject to obtaining the best price and execution, brokers who provide supplemental research, market and statistical information, or
other services (e.g., wire services) to the Investment Adviser or its affiliates may receive orders for transactions by the Fund. The term &#147;research, market and statistical information&#148; includes advice as to the value of securities, and
advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities, and the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities, and furnishing analyses and reports concerning issues, industries, securities, economic factors and trends,
portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts. Information so received will be in addition to and not in lieu of the services required to be performed by the Investment Adviser under the Investment Advisory Agreement and the expenses of the
Investment Adviser will not necessarily be reduced as a result of the receipt of such supplemental information. Such information may be useful to the Investment Adviser and its affiliates in providing services to clients other than the Fund, and not
all such information is used by the Investment Adviser in connection with the Fund. Conversely, such information provided to the Investment Adviser and its affiliates by brokers and dealers through whom other clients of the Investment Adviser and
its affiliates effect securities transactions may be useful to the Investment Adviser in providing services to the Fund. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">26 </FONT></P>



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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Although investment decisions for the Fund are made independently from those for the other
accounts managed by the Investment Adviser and its affiliates, investments of the kind made by the Fund may also be made for those other accounts. When the same securities are purchased for or sold by the Fund and any of such other accounts, it is
the policy of the Investment Adviser and its affiliates to allocate such purchases and sales in a manner deemed fair and equitable over time to all of the accounts, including the Fund. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">For the fiscal years ended December&nbsp;31, 2009, December&nbsp;31, 2010 and December&nbsp;31, 2011, the Fund paid a total of $334,813,
$279,447 and $270,506 respectively, in brokerage commissions, of which Gabelli&nbsp;&amp; Company and its affiliates received $180,396, $228,541 and $186,392, respectively. The amount received by Gabelli&nbsp;&amp; Company and its affiliates from
the Fund in respect of brokerage commissions for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2011 represented approximately 74.8% of the aggregate dollar amount of brokerage commissions paid by the Fund for such period and approximately 61.9% of the
aggregate dollar amount of transactions by the Fund for such period. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sai334544_8"></A>PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
</B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund does not engage in the trading of securities for the purpose of realizing short-term profits, but adjusts its
portfolio as it deems advisable in view of prevailing or anticipated market conditions to accomplish its investment objective. Portfolio turnover rate is calculated by dividing the lesser of an investment company&#146;s annual sales or purchases of
portfolio securities by the monthly average value of securities in its portfolio during the year, excluding portfolio securities the maturities of which at the time of acquisition were one year or less. A high rate of portfolio turnover involves
correspondingly greater brokerage commission expense than a lower rate, which expense must be borne by the Fund and indirectly by its shareholders. The portfolio turnover rate may vary from year to year and will not be a factor when the Investment
Adviser determines that portfolio changes are appropriate. A higher rate of portfolio turnover may also result in taxable gains being passed to shareholders sooner than would otherwise be the case. For the years ending December&nbsp;31, 2010 and
2011, the portfolio turnover rates were 5.5% and 6.3%, respectively. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sai334544_9"></A>TAXATION </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The following discussion is a brief summary of certain federal income tax considerations affecting the Fund and the purchase, ownership
and disposition of the Fund&#146;s shares. This discussion assumes you are a U.S. person and that you hold your shares as capital assets. This discussion is based upon current provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
&#147;Code&#148;), the regulations promulgated thereunder and judicial and administrative authorities, all of which are subject to change or differing interpretations by the courts or the Internal Revenue Service (the &#147;IRS&#148;), possibly with
retroactive effect. No ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS regarding any matter discussed herein. Counsel to the Fund has not rendered and will not render any legal opinion regarding any tax consequences relating to the Fund or an
investment in the Fund. No attempt is made to present a detailed explanation of all federal tax concerns affecting the Fund and its shareholders (including shareholders owning large positions in the Fund). </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>The discussions set forth herein and in the Prospectus do not constitute tax advice and potential investors are urged to consult their
own tax advisers to determine the tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund. </B> </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Taxation of the Fund </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund has qualified and intends to continue to qualify, as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the &#147;Code&#148;) (a &#147;RIC&#148;). Accordingly, the Fund will, among other things, (i)&nbsp;derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income from (a)&nbsp;dividends, interest (including tax-exempt
interest), payments with respect to certain securities loans, and gains from the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income (including but not limited to gain from options, futures and forward contracts)
derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or currencies and (b)&nbsp;net income derived from interests in certain publicly traded partnerships that are treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes
and that derive less than 90% of their gross income from the items described in (a)&nbsp;above (each a &#147;Qualified Publicly Traded Partnership&#148;); and (ii)&nbsp;diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year
(a)&nbsp;at least 50% of the value of its total assets </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">27 </FONT></P>



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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">
is represented by cash and cash items, U.S. government securities, the securities of other regulated investment companies and other securities, with such other securities limited, in respect of
any one issuer, to an amount not greater than 5% of the value of the Fund&#146;s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (b)&nbsp;not more than 25% of the value of the Fund&#146;s total assets is
invested in the securities of (I)&nbsp;any one issuer (other than U.S. government securities and the securities of other RICs), (II)&nbsp;any two or more issuers in which the Fund owns 20% or more of the voting stock and that are determined to be
engaged in the same business or similar or related trades or businesses or (III)&nbsp;any one or more Qualified Publicly Traded Partnerships. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund may be able to cure a failure to derive 90% of its income from the sources specified above or a failure to diversify its holdings in the manner described above by paying a tax, by disposing of
certain assets, or by paying a tax and disposing of assets. If, in any taxable year, the Fund fails one of these tests and does not timely cure the failure, the Fund will be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation and distributions to
its shareholders will not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Although in general the passive loss
rules of the Code do not apply to regulated investment companies, such rules do apply to a regulated investment company with respect to items attributable to an interest in a Qualified Publicly Traded Partnership. The investments of the Fund in
partnerships, including Qualified Publicly Traded Partnerships, may result in the Fund being subject to state, local, or foreign income, franchise or withholding tax liabilities. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">As a RIC, the Fund generally is not or will not be, as the case may be, subject to U.S. federal income tax on income and gains that it
distributes each taxable year to shareholders, if it distributes at least 90% of the sum of the Fund&#146;s (i)&nbsp;investment company taxable income (which includes, among other items, dividends, interest and the excess of any net short-term
capital gain over net long-term capital loss and other taxable income, other than any net long-term capital gain, reduced by deductible expenses) determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and (ii)&nbsp;its net tax-exempt interest
(the excess of its gross tax-exempt interest over certain disallowed deductions). The Fund intends to distribute at least annually substantially all of such income. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Amounts not distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution requirement are subject to a nondeductible 4% excise tax at the Fund level. To avoid the tax, the Fund must
distribute during each calendar year an amount at least equal to the sum of (i)&nbsp;98% of its ordinary income (not taking into account any capital gain or loss) for the calendar year, (ii)&nbsp;98.2% of its capital gain in excess of its capital
loss (adjusted for certain ordinary losses) for a one-year period generally ending on October&nbsp;31 of the calendar year (unless an election is made to use the fund&#146;s fiscal year), and (iii)&nbsp;certain undistributed amounts from previous
years on which a fund paid no federal income tax. While the Fund intends to distribute any income and capital gain in the manner necessary to minimize imposition of the 4% excise tax, there can be no assurance that sufficient amounts of the
Fund&#146;s taxable income and capital gain will be distributed to avoid entirely the imposition of the tax. In that event, the Fund will be liable for the tax only on the amount by which it does not meet the foregoing distribution requirement.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A distribution will be treated as paid during the calendar year if it is paid during the calendar year or declared by the
Fund in October, November or December of the year, payable to shareholders of record on a date during such a month and paid by the Fund during January of the following year. Any such distributions paid during January of the following year will be
deemed to be received no later than December&nbsp;31 of the year the distributions are declared, rather than when the distributions are received. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If the Fund were unable to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement or otherwise were to fail to qualify as a RIC in any year, it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation and
distributions to the Fund&#146;s shareholders would not be deductible by the Fund in computing its taxable income. To qualify again to be taxed as a RIC in a subsequent year, the Fund would be required to distribute to its shareholders its earnings
and profits attributable to non-RIC years. In addition, if the Fund failed to qualify as a RIC for a period greater than two taxable years, then the Fund would be required to elect to recognize and pay tax on any net built-in gain (the excess of
aggregate gain, including items of income, over aggregate loss that would have been realized if the Fund had been liquidated) or, alternatively, be subject to taxation on such built-in gain recognized for a period of ten years, in order to qualify
as a RIC in a subsequent year. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Gain or loss on the sales of securities by the Fund will generally be long-term capital gain
or loss if the securities have been held by the Fund for more than one year. Gain or loss on the sale of securities held for one year or less will be short-term capital gain or loss. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Foreign currency gain or loss on non-U.S. dollar-denominated securities and on any non-U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts, options
and forward contracts that are not section 1256 contracts (as defined below) generally will be treated as ordinary income and loss. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Investments by the Fund in certain &#147;passive foreign investment companies&#148; (&#147;PFICs&#148;) could subject such fund to federal income tax (including interest charges) on certain distributions
or dispositions with respect to those investments which cannot be eliminated by making distributions to shareholders. Elections may be available to the Fund to mitigate the effect of this tax provided that the PFIC complies with certain reporting
requirements, but such elections generally accelerate the recognition of income without the receipt of cash. Dividends paid by PFICs will not qualify for the reduced tax rates discussed below under &#147;Taxation of Shareholders.&#148; </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">28 </FONT></P>



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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund may invest in debt obligations purchased at a discount with the result that the
Fund may be required to accrue income for U.S. federal income tax purposes before amounts due under the obligations are paid. The Fund may also invest in securities rated in the medium to lower rating categories of nationally recognized rating
organizations, and in unrated securities (&#147;high yield securities&#148;). A portion of the interest payments on such high yield securities may be treated as dividends for certain U.S. federal income tax purposes. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">As a result of investing in stock of PFICs or securities purchased at a discount or any other investment that produces income that is not
matched by a corresponding cash distribution to the Fund, the Fund could be required to include income that it has not yet received in current income. Any such income would be treated as income earned by the Fund and therefore would be subject to
the distribution requirements of the Code. This might prevent the Fund from distributing 90% of its investment company taxable income as is required in order to avoid Fund-level federal income taxation on all of its income, or might prevent the Fund
from distributing enough ordinary income and capital gain net income to avoid completely the imposition of the excise tax. To avoid this result, the Fund may be required to borrow money or dispose of securities to be able to make distributions to
its shareholders. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If the Fund does not meet the asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act and the Articles Supplementary,
the Fund will be required to suspend distributions to the holders of common stock until the asset coverage is restored. Such a suspension of distributions might prevent the Fund from distributing 90% of its investment company taxable income as is
required in order to avoid fund-level federal income taxation on all of its income, or might prevent the fund from distributing enough income and capital gain net income to avoid completely imposition of the excise tax. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Certain of the Fund&#146;s investment practices are subject to special and complex U.S. federal income tax provisions that may, among
other things, (i)&nbsp;disallow, suspend or otherwise limit the allowance of certain losses or deductions, (ii)&nbsp;convert lower taxed long-term capital gains into higher taxed short-term capital gains or ordinary income, (iii)&nbsp;convert
ordinary loss or a deduction into capital loss (the deductibility of which is more limited), (iv)&nbsp;cause a fund to recognize income or gain without a corresponding receipt of cash, (v)&nbsp;adversely affect the time as to when a purchase or sale
of stock or securities is deemed to occur, (vi)&nbsp;adversely alter the characterization of certain complex financial transactions and (vii)&nbsp;produce income that will not qualify as good income for purposes of the 90% annual gross income
requirement described above. The Fund will monitor its transactions and may make certain tax elections to mitigate the effect of these rules and prevent disqualification of the fund as a regulated investment company. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Foreign Taxes </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Since the
Fund may invest in foreign securities, income from such securities may be subject to non-U.S. taxes. The Fund expects to invest less than 35% of its total assets in foreign securities. As long as the Fund continues to invest less than 35% of its
assets in foreign securities it will not be eligible to elect to &#147;pass-through&#148; to shareholders of a fund the ability to use the foreign tax deduction or foreign tax credit for foreign taxes paid with respect to qualifying taxes.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Taxation of Shareholders </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund will determine either to distribute or to retain for reinvestment all or part of its net capital gain. If any such gain is retained, the Fund will be subject to a tax of 35% of such amount. In
that event, the Fund expects to designate the retained amount as undistributed capital gain in a notice to its shareholders, each of whom (i)&nbsp;will be required to include in income for tax purposes as long-term capital gain its share of such
undistributed amounts, (ii)&nbsp;will be entitled to credit its proportionate share of the tax paid by the Fund against its federal income tax liability and to claim refunds to the extent that the credit exceeds such liability and (iii)&nbsp;will
increase its basis in its shares of the Fund by an amount equal to 65% of the amount of undistributed capital gain included in such shareholder&#146;s gross income. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Distributions paid by the Fund from its investment company taxable income, which includes net short-term capital gain, generally are taxable as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund&#146;s earnings
and profits. Such distributions, if reported by the Fund, may, however, qualify (provided holding period and other requirements are met by the Fund and its shareholders) (i)&nbsp;for the dividends received deduction available to corporations, but
only to the extent that the Fund&#146;s income consists of dividend income from U.S. corporations and (ii)&nbsp;for taxable years beginning on or before December&nbsp;31, 2012, as qualified dividend income eligible for the reduced maximum federal
tax rate to individuals of generally 15% (currently 0% for individuals in lower tax brackets) to the extent that the Fund receives qualified dividend income. Qualified dividend income is, in general, dividend income from taxable domestic
corporations and certain qualified foreign corporations (e.g., generally, foreign corporations incorporated in a possession of the United States or in certain countries with a qualifying comprehensive
</FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">29 </FONT></P>



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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">
tax treaty with the United States, or whose shares with respect to which such dividend is paid is readily tradable on an established securities market in the United States). A qualified foreign
corporation does not include a foreign corporation which for the taxable year of the corporation in which the dividend was paid, or the preceding taxable year, is a PFIC. If the Fund engages in certain securities lending transactions, the amount
received by the Fund that is the equivalent of the dividends paid by the issuer on the securities loaned will not be eligible for qualified dividend income treatment. Distributions of net capital gain designated as capital gain distributions, if
any, are taxable to shareholders at rates applicable to long-term capital gain, whether paid in cash or in shares, and regardless of how long the shareholder has held the Fund&#146;s shares. Capital gain distributions are not eligible for the
dividends received deduction. The maximum federal tax rate on net long-term capital gain of individuals is currently 15% (0% for individuals in lower brackets). The maximum rate on long-term capital gain is scheduled to rise to 20% for gains
realized in taxable years after December&nbsp;31, 2012. Unrecaptured Section&nbsp;1250 gain distributions, if any, will be subject to a 25% tax. Distributions in excess of the Fund&#146;s earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis
of a holder&#146;s shares and, after such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gain to such holder (assuming the shares are held as a capital asset). Investment company taxable income (other than qualified dividend income)
will currently be taxed at a maximum rate of 35%. For corporate taxpayers, both investment company taxable income and net capital gain are taxed at a maximum rate of 35%. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If an individual receives a dividend that is eligible for qualified dividend income treatment, and such dividend constitutes an &#147;extraordinary dividend,&#148; any loss on the sale or exchange of
shares in respect of which the extraordinary dividend was paid, then the loss will be long-term capital loss to the extent of such extraordinary dividend. An &#147;extraordinary dividend&#148; for this purpose is generally a dividend (i)&nbsp;in an
amount greater than or equal to 5% of the taxpayer&#146;s tax basis (or trading value) in a share of stock, aggregating dividends with ex-dividend dates within an 85-day period or (ii)&nbsp;in an amount greater than 20% of the taxpayer&#146;s tax
basis (or trading value) in a share of stock, aggregating dividends with ex-dividend dates within a 365-day period. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The IRS
currently requires that a registered investment company that has two or more classes of stock allocate to each such class proportionate amounts of each type of its income (such as ordinary income, capital gains, dividends qualifying for the
dividends received deduction (&#147;DRD&#148;) and qualified dividend income) based upon the percentage of total dividends paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits to each class for the tax year. Accordingly, the Fund intends each
year to allocate capital gain dividends, dividends qualifying for the DRD and dividends that constitute qualified dividend income, if any, between its common stock and preferred stock in proportion to the total dividends paid out of current or
accumulated earnings and profits to each class with respect to such tax year. Distributions in excess of the Fund&#146;s current and accumulated earnings and profits, if any, however, will not be allocated proportionately among the common stock and
preferred stock. Since the Fund&#146;s current and accumulated earnings and profits will first be used to pay dividends on its preferred stock, distributions in excess of such earnings and profits, if any, will be made disproportionately to holders
of common stock. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Shareholders may be entitled to offset their capital gain distributions (but not distributions eligible for
qualified dividend income treatment) with capital loss. There are a number of statutory provisions affecting when capital loss may be offset against capital gain, and limiting the use of loss from certain investments and activities. Accordingly,
shareholders with capital loss are urged to consult their tax advisers. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The price of stock purchased at any time may reflect
the amount of a forthcoming distribution. Those purchasing stock just prior to a distribution will receive a distribution which will be taxable to them even though it represents in part a return of invested capital. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Certain types of income received by the Fund from real estate investment trusts (&#147;REITs&#148;), real estate mortgage investment
conduits (&#147;REMICs&#148;), taxable mortgage pools or other investments may cause the Fund to designate some or all of its distributions as &#147;excess inclusion income.&#148; To Fund shareholders such excess inclusion income may
(1)&nbsp;constitute taxable income, as &#147;unrelated business taxable income&#148; (&#147;UBTI&#148;) for those shareholders who would otherwise be tax-exempt such as individual retirement accounts, 401(k) accounts, Keogh plans, pension plans and
certain charitable entities; (2)&nbsp;not be offset by otherwise allowable deductions for tax purposes; (3)&nbsp;not be eligible for reduced U.S. withholding for non-U.S. shareholders even from tax treaty countries; and (4)&nbsp;cause the Fund to be
subject to tax if certain &#147;disqualified organizations&#148; as defined by the Code are Fund shareholders. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Upon a sale,
exchange, redemption or other disposition of stock, a shareholder will generally realize a taxable gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount of cash and the fair market value of other property received and the shareholder&#146;s
adjusted tax basis in the stock. Such gain or loss will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange will be disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of
are replaced by substantially identical shares within a 61-day period beginning 30&nbsp;days before and ending 30&nbsp;days after the date that the shares are disposed of. In such a case, the basis of the shares acquired will be adjusted to reflect
the disallowed loss. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">30 </FONT></P>



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 <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Any loss realized by a shareholder on the sale of Fund shares held by the shareholder for
six months or less will be treated for tax purposes as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital gain distributions received by the shareholder (or amounts credited to the shareholder as an undistributed capital gain) with respect to
such shares. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Ordinary income distributions and capital gain distributions also may be subject to state and local taxes.
Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding specific questions about federal (including the application of the alternative minimum tax rules), state, local or foreign tax consequences to them of investing in the Fund.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Shareholders will receive, if appropriate, various written notices after the close of each of the Fund&#146;s taxable years
regarding the U.S. federal income tax status of certain dividends, distributions and deemed distributions that were paid (or that are treated as having been paid) by the Fund to its shareholders during the preceding taxable year. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If a shareholder recognizes a loss with respect to the Fund&#146;s shares of $2&nbsp;million or more for an individual shareholder or
$10&nbsp;million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form&nbsp;8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases exempted from this reporting requirement, but under
current guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company are not exempted. The fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer&#146;s treatment of the loss is proper.
Shareholders should consult their tax advisors to determine the applicability of these regulations in light of their individual circumstances. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Dividends paid or distributions made by the Fund to shareholders who are non-resident aliens or foreign entities (&#147;foreign investors&#148;) are generally subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate or a
reduced rate specified by an applicable income tax treaty to the extent derived from investment income and short-term capital gains. In order to obtain a reduced rate of withholding, a foreign investor will be required to provide an IRS Form W-8BEN
certifying its entitlement to benefits under a treaty. The withholding tax does not apply to regular dividends paid or distributions made to a foreign investor who provides a Form W-8ECI, certifying that the dividends or distributions are
effectively connected with the foreign investor&#146;s conduct of a trade or business within the United States. Instead, the effectively connected dividends or distributions will be subject to regular U.S. income tax as if the foreign investor were
a U.S. shareholder. A non-U.S. corporation receiving effectively connected dividends or distributions may also be subject to additional &#147;branch profits tax&#148; imposed at a rate of 30% (or lower treaty rate). A foreign investor who fails to
provide an IRS Form W-8BEN or other applicable form may be subject to backup withholding at the appropriate rate. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A 30%
withholding tax will be imposed on dividends paid after December 31, 2013 and redemption proceeds paid after December&nbsp;31, 2014, to (i)&nbsp;foreign financial institutions including non-U.S. investment funds unless they agree to collect and
disclose to the IRS information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. account holders and (ii)&nbsp;certain other foreign entities unless they certify certain information regarding their direct and indirect U.S. owners. To avoid withholding, a
foreign financial institution will need to enter into agreements with the IRS that state that they will provide the IRS information including the name, address and taxpayer identification number of direct and indirect U.S. account holders, comply
with due diligence procedures with respect to the identification of U.S. accounts, report to the IRS certain information with respect to U.S. accounts maintained, agree to withhold tax on certain payments made to non-compliant foreign financial
institutions or to account holders who fail to provide the required information, and determine certain other information as to their account holders. Other foreign entities will need to provide the name, address, and taxpayer identification number
of each substantial U.S. owner or certifications of no substantial U.S. ownership unless certain exceptions apply. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In
general, United States federal withholding tax will not apply to any gain or income realized by a foreign investor in respect of any distributions of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses, exempt-interest dividends, or upon
the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Backup Withholding </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund may be required to withhold U.S. federal income tax on all taxable distributions and redemption proceeds payable to non-corporate
shareholders who fail to provide the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number or to make required certifications, or who have been notified by the IRS that they are subject to backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional
tax. Any amounts withheld may be refunded or credited against such shareholder&#146;s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><I>The foregoing is a general and abbreviated summary of the applicable provisions of the Code and Treasury regulations presently in
effect. For the complete provisions, reference should be made to the pertinent Code sections and the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder. The Code and the Treasury regulations are subject to change by legislative, judicial or administrative
action, either prospectively or retroactively. Persons considering an investment in shares of the Fund should consult their own tax advisers regarding the purchase, ownership and disposition of shares of the Fund. </I></B></FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">31 </FONT></P>



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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sai334544_10"></A>BENEFICIAL OWNERS </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">As of December&nbsp;31, 2010, there were no persons known to the Fund to be beneficial owners of more than 5% of the outstanding shares
of the Fund&#146;s common stock. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">As of December&nbsp;31, 2010, the Directors and Officers of the Fund as a group beneficially
owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund&#146;s common stock. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sai334544_11"></A>GENERAL
INFORMATION </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Book-Entry-Only Issuance </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Depository Trust Company (&#147;DTC&#148;) will act as securities depository for the securities offered pursuant to the Prospectus. The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC&#146;s
book-entry system is based upon information obtained from DTC. The securities offered hereby initially will be issued only as fully-registered securities registered in the name of Cede&nbsp;&amp; Co. (as nominee for DTC). One or more
fully-registered global security certificates initially will be issued, representing in the aggregate the total number of securities, and deposited with DTC. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a &#147;banking organization&#148; within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System,
a &#147;clearing corporation&#148; within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a &#147;clearing agency&#148; registered pursuant to the provisions of Section&nbsp;17A of the 1934 Act. DTC holds securities that its participants
deposit with DTC. DTC also facilities the settlement among participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in participants&#146; accounts, thereby
eliminating the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Direct DTC participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to the DTC system is also
available to others such as securities brokers and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a direct participant, either directly or indirectly through other entities. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Purchases of securities within the DTC system must be made by or through direct participants, which will receive a credit for the
securities on DTC&#146;s records. The ownership interest of each actual purchaser of a security, a beneficial owner, is in turn to be recorded on the direct or indirect participants&#146; records. Beneficial owners will not receive written
confirmation from DTC of their purchases, but beneficial owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transactions, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the direct or indirect participants through
which the beneficial owners purchased securities. Transfers of ownership interests in securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of participants acting on behalf of beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not receive
certificates representing their ownership interests in securities, except as provided herein. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">DTC has no knowledge of the
actual beneficial owners of the securities being offered pursuant to the Prospectus; DTC&#146;s records reflect only the identity of the direct participants to whose accounts such securities are credited, which may or may not be the beneficial
owners. The participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to direct participants, by direct participants to indirect participants, and by
direct participants and indirect participants to beneficial owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Payments on the securities will be made to DTC. DTC&#146;s practice is to credit direct participants&#146; accounts on the relevant
payment date in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC&#146;s records unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payments on such payment date. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing
instructions and customary practices and will be the responsibility of such participant and not of DTC or the Fund, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time. Payment of distributions to DTC is the
responsibility of the Fund, disbursement of such payments to direct participants is the responsibility of DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the beneficial owners is the responsibility of direct and indirect participants. Furthermore each
beneficial owner must rely on the procedures of DTC to exercise any rights under the securities. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">32 </FONT></P>



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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depository with respect to the
securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Fund. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor securities depository is not obtained, certificates representing the securities will be printed and delivered. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Proxy Voting Procedures </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund has adopted the proxy voting procedures of the Investment Adviser and has directed the Investment Adviser to vote all proxies
relating to the Fund&#146;s voting securities in accordance with such procedures. The proxy voting procedures are attached. They are also on file with the SEC and can be reviewed and copied at the SEC&#146;s Public Reference Room in Washington,
D.C., and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 202-551-8090. The proxy voting procedures are also available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC&#146;s internet site (http://www.sec.gov) and
copies of the proxy voting procedures may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC&#146;s Public Reference Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Code of Ethics </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund and the Investment Adviser have adopted a code of ethics under Rule&nbsp;17j-1 under the 1940 Act. The code of ethics permits personnel, subject to the code of ethics and its restrictive
provisions, to invest in securities, including securities that may be purchased or held by a fund in the Fund Complex. This code of ethics sets forth restrictions on the trading activities of trustees/directors, officers and employees of the Fund,
the Investment Adviser and their affiliates. For example, such persons may not purchase any security for which the Fund has a purchase or sale order pending, or for which such trade is under consideration. In addition, those trustees/directors,
officers and employees that are principally involved in investment decisions for client accounts are prohibited from purchasing or selling for their own account for a period of seven days a security that has been traded for a client&#146;s account,
unless such trade is executed on more favorable terms for the client&#146;s account and it is determined that such trade will not adversely affect the client&#146;s account. Short-term trading by such trustees/directors, officers and employees for
their own accounts in securities held by a Fund client&#146;s account is also restricted. The above examples are subject to certain exceptions and they do not represent all of the trading restrictions and policies set forth by the code of ethics.
The code of ethics is on file with the SEC and can be reviewed and copied at the SEC&#146;s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at
(202)&nbsp;551-8090. The code of ethics is also available on the EDGAR Database on the SEC&#146;s Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies of the code of ethics may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the
following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC&#146;s Public Reference Room, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Joint Code
of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Fund and the Investment Adviser have adopted a joint code
of ethics that serves as a code of conduct. The joint code of ethics sets forth policies to guide the chief executive and senior financial officers in the performance of their duties. The code of ethics is on file with the SEC and can be reviewed
and copied at the SEC&#146;s Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C., and information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 202-551-8090. The code of ethics is also available on the EDGAR Database on
the SEC&#146;s Internet site (http://www.sec.gov), and copies of the code of ethics may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee, by electronic request at the following E-mail address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC&#146;s Public
Reference Room, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Financial Statements </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The audited financial statements included in the annual report to the Fund&#146;s shareholders for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2011
and together with the report of [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] for the Fund&#146;s annual report, are incorporated herein by reference to the Fund&#146;s
annual report to shareholders. All other portions of the annual report to shareholders are not incorporated herein by reference and are not part of the registration statement, the SAI, the Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">33 </FONT></P>



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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] serves as the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm of the Fund and audits the financial
statements of the Fund. [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;] is located at [&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;]. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">34 </FONT></P>



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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><A NAME="sai334544_12"></A>APPENDIX A </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>GAMCO INVESTORS, INC. AND AFFILIATES </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>THE VOTING OF PROXIES ON BEHALF OF CLIENTS </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Rules&nbsp;204(4)-2 and 204-2
under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and Rule&nbsp;30b1-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940 require investment advisers to adopt written policies and procedures governing the voting of proxies on behalf of their clients. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">These procedures will be used by GAMCO Asset Management Inc., Gabelli Funds, LLC, Gabelli Securities, Inc., and Teton Advisors, Inc.
(collectively, the &#147;Advisers&#148;) to determine how to vote proxies relating to portfolio securities held by their clients, including the procedures that the Advisers use when a vote presents a conflict between the interests of the
shareholders of an investment company managed by one of the Advisers, on the one hand, and those of the Advisers; the principal underwriter; or any affiliated person of the investment company, the Advisers, or the principal underwriter. These
procedures will not apply where the Advisers do not have voting discretion or where the Advisers have agreed to with a client to vote the client&#146;s proxies in accordance with specific guidelines or procedures supplied by the client (to the
extent permitted by ERISA). </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>I. Proxy Voting Committee </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Proxy Voting Committee was originally formed in April&nbsp;1989 for the purpose of formulating guidelines and reviewing proxy statements within the parameters set by the substantive proxy voting
guidelines originally published in 1988 and updated periodically, a copy of which are appended as Exhibit&nbsp;A. The Committee will include representatives of Research, Administration, Legal, and the Advisers. Additional or replacement members of
the Committee will be nominated by the Chairman and voted upon by the entire Committee. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Meetings are held on an as needed
basis to form views on the manner in which the Advisers should vote proxies on behalf of their clients. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In general, the
Director of Proxy Voting Services, using the Proxy Guidelines, recommendations of Institutional Shareholder Corporate Governance Service (&#147;ISS&#148;), other third-party services and the analysts of Gabelli&nbsp;&amp; Company, Inc., will
determine how to vote on each issue. For non-controversial matters, the Director of Proxy Voting Services may vote the proxy if the vote is (1)&nbsp;consistent with the recommendations of the issuer&#146;s Board of Directors and not contrary to the
Proxy Guidelines; (2)&nbsp;consistent with the recommendations of the issuer&#146;s Board of Directors and is a non-controversial issue not covered by the Proxy Guidelines; or (3)&nbsp;the vote is contrary to the recommendations of the Board of
Directors but is consistent with the Proxy Guidelines. In those instances, the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the Chairman of the Committee may sign and date the proxy statement indicating how each issue will be voted. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">All matters identified by the Chairman of the Committee, the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the Legal Department as controversial,
taking into account the recommendations of ISS or other third party services and the analysts of Gabelli&nbsp;&amp; Company, Inc., will be presented to the Proxy Voting Committee. If the Chairman of the Committee, the Director of Proxy Voting
Services or the Legal Department has identified the matter as one that (1)&nbsp;is controversial; (2)&nbsp;would benefit from deliberation by the Proxy Voting Committee; or (3)&nbsp;may give rise to a conflict of interest between the Advisers and
their clients, the Chairman of the Committee will initially determine what vote to recommend that the Advisers should cast and the matter will go before the Committee. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A.&nbsp;Conflicts of Interest. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Advisers have implemented these proxy voting
procedures in order to prevent conflicts of interest from influencing their proxy voting decisions. By following the Proxy Guidelines, as well as the recommendations of ISS, other third-party services and the analysts of Gabelli&nbsp;&amp; Company,
the Advisers are able to avoid, wherever possible, the influence of potential conflicts of interest. Nevertheless, circumstances may arise in which one or more of the Advisers are faced with a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of
interest in connection with its vote. In general, a conflict of interest may arise when an Adviser knowingly does business with an issuer, and may appear to have a material conflict between its own interests and
</FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A-1
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">
the interests of the shareholders of an investment company managed by one of the Advisers regarding how the proxy is to be voted. A conflict also may exist when an Adviser has actual knowledge of
a material business arrangement between an issuer and an affiliate of the Adviser. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In practical terms, a conflict of interest
may arise, for example, when a proxy is voted for a company that is a client of one of the Advisers, such as GAMCO Asset Management Inc. A conflict also may arise when a client of one of the Advisers has made a shareholder proposal in a proxy to be
voted upon by one or more of the Advisers. The Director of Proxy Voting Services, together with the Legal Department, will scrutinize all proxies for these or other situations that may give rise to a conflict of interest with respect to the voting
of proxies. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">B.&nbsp;Operation of Proxy Voting Committee </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">For matters submitted to the Committee, each member of the Committee will receive, prior to the meeting, a copy of the proxy statement,
any relevant third party research, a summary of any views provided by the Chief Investment Officer and any recommendations by Gabelli&nbsp;&amp; Company, Inc. analysts. The Chief Investment Officer or the Gabelli&nbsp;&amp; Company, Inc. analysts
may be invited to present their viewpoints. If the Director of Proxy Voting Services or the Legal Department believe that the matter before the committee is one with respect to which a conflict of interest may exist between the Advisers and their
clients, counsel will provide an opinion to the Committee concerning the conflict. If the matter is one in which the interests of the clients of one or more of Advisers may diverge, counsel will so advise and the Committee may make different
recommendations as to different clients. For any matters where the recommendation may trigger appraisal rights, counsel will provide an opinion concerning the likely risks and merits of such an appraisal action. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Each matter submitted to the Committee will be determined by the vote of a majority of the members present at the meeting. Should the
vote concerning one or more recommendations be tied in a vote of the Committee, the Chairman of the Committee will cast the deciding vote. The Committee will notify the proxy department of its decisions and the proxies will be voted accordingly.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Although the Proxy Guidelines express the normal preferences for the voting of any shares not covered by a contrary
investment guideline provided by the client, the Committee is not bound by the preferences set forth in the Proxy Guidelines and will review each matter on its own merits. Written minutes of all Proxy Voting Committee meetings will be maintained.
The Advisers subscribe to ISS, which supplies current information on companies, matters being voted on, regulations, trends in proxy voting and information on corporate governance issues. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If the vote cast either by the analyst or as a result of the deliberations of the Proxy Voting Committee runs contrary to the
recommendation of the Board of Directors of the issuer, the matter will be referred to legal counsel to determine whether an amendment to the most recently filed Schedule&nbsp;13D is appropriate. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>II. Social Issues and Other Client Guidelines </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If a client has provided special instructions relating to the voting of proxies, they should be noted in the client&#146;s account file and forwarded to the proxy department. This is the responsibility of
the investment professional or sales assistant for the client. In accordance with Department of Labor guidelines, the Advisers&#146; policy is to vote on behalf of ERISA accounts in the best interest of the plan participants with regard to social
issues that carry an economic impact. Where an account is not governed by ERISA, the Advisers will vote shares held on behalf of the client in a manner consistent with any individual investment/voting guidelines provided by the client. Otherwise the
Advisers will abstain with respect to those shares. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>III. Client Retention of Voting Rights </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">If a client chooses to retain the right to vote proxies or if there is any change in voting authority, the following should be notified by
the investment professional or sales assistant for the client. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Operations </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
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<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Legal Department </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A-2
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<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Proxy Department </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
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<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Investment professional assigned to the account </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In the event that the Board of Directors (or a Committee thereof) of one or more of the investment companies managed by one of the Advisers has retained direct voting control over any security, the Proxy
Voting Department will provide each Board Member (or Committee member) with a copy of the proxy statement together with any other relevant information including recommendations of ISS or other third-party services. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>IV. Voting Records </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The
Proxy Voting Department will retain a record of matters voted upon by the Advisers for their clients. The Advisers will supply information on how an account voted its proxies upon request. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A letter is sent to the custodians for all clients for which the Advisers have voting responsibility instructing them to forward all
proxy materials to: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">[Adviser name] </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Attn:</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Proxy Voting Department </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
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<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">One Corporate Center </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
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<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Rye, New York 10580-1433 </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The
sales assistant sends the letters to the custodians along with the trading/DTC instructions. Proxy voting records will be retained in compliance with Rule&nbsp;204-2 under the Investment Advisers Act. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>V. Voting Procedures </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.&nbsp;Custodian banks, outside brokerage firms and clearing firms are responsible for forwarding proxies directly to the Advisers.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Proxies are received in one of two forms: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Shareholder Vote Authorization Forms (&#147;VAFs&#148;)&#151;Issued by Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (&#147;Broadridge&#148;) VAFs must be voted
through the issuing institution causing a time lag. Broadridge is an outside service contracted by the various institutions to issue proxy materials. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Proxy cards which may be voted directly. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2.&nbsp;Upon receipt of the proxy, the number of shares each form represents is logged into the proxy system according to security. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3.&nbsp;In the case of a discrepancy such as an incorrect number of shares, an improperly signed or dated card, wrong class of security,
etc., the issuing custodian is notified by phone. A corrected proxy is requested. Any arrangements are made to insure that a proper proxy is received in time to be voted (overnight delivery, fax, etc.). When securities are out on loan on record
date, the custodian is requested to supply written verification. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">4.&nbsp;Upon receipt of instructions from the proxy
committee (see Administrative), the votes are cast and recorded for each account on an individual basis. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Records have been
maintained on the Proxy Edge system. The system is backed up regularly. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A-3
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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">PROXY EDGE RECORDS INCLUDE: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Security Name and Cusip Number </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Date and Type of Meeting (Annual, Special, Contest) Client Name
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Adviser or Fund Account Number </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Directors&#146; Recommendation </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">How GAMCO voted
for the client on each issue </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5.&nbsp;VAFs are kept alphabetically by security. Records for the current proxy season are
located in the Proxy Voting Department office. In preparation for the upcoming season, files are transferred to an offsite storage facility during January/February. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">6.&nbsp;Shareholder Vote Authorization Forms issued by Broadridge are always sent directly to a specific individual at Broadridge. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">7.&nbsp;If a proxy card or VAF is received too late to be voted in the conventional matter, every attempt is made to vote on one of the following manners: </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">VAFs can be faxed to Broadridge up until the time of the meeting. This is followed up by mailing the original form. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">When a solicitor has been retained, the solicitor is called. At the solicitor&#146;s direction, the proxy is faxed. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">8.&nbsp;In the case of a proxy contest, records are maintained for each opposing entity. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">9.&nbsp;Voting in Person </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(a)&nbsp;At times it may be necessary to vote the shares in person. In this case, a &#147;legal proxy&#148; is obtained in the following manner: </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Banks and brokerage firms using the services at Broadridge: </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The back of the VAF is stamped indicating that we wish to vote in person. The forms are then sent overnight to Broadridge. Broadridge issues individual legal proxies and sends them back via overnight (or
the Adviser can pay messenger charges). A lead-time of at least two weeks prior to the meeting is needed to do this. Alternatively, the procedures detailed below for banks not using Broadridge may be implemented. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Banks and brokerage firms issuing proxies directly: </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The bank is called and/or faxed and a legal proxy is requested. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">All legal proxies should appoint: </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#147;REPRESENTATIVE OF [ADVISER NAME] WITH FULL POWER OF SUBSTITUTION.&#148; </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(b)&nbsp;The legal proxies are given to the person attending the meeting along with the following supplemental material: </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A limited Power of Attorney appointing the attendee an Adviser representative. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A list of all shares being voted by custodian only. Client names and account numbers are not included. This list must be presented, along with the
proxies, to the Inspectors of Elections and/or tabulator at least one-half hour prior to the scheduled start of the meeting. The tabulator must &#147;qualify&#148; the votes (i.e. determine if the votes have previously been cast, if the votes have
been rescinded, etc.). </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A sample ERISA and Individual contract. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A sample of the annual authorization to vote proxies form. </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A copy of our most recent Schedule&nbsp;13D filing (if applicable). </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A-4
</FONT></P>


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<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Exhibit&nbsp;A </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Proxy Guidelines </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>PROXY VOTING GUIDELINES </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>GENERAL POLICY STATEMENT </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">It is the policy of <B>GAMCO Investors, Inc. </B>to vote in the best economic interests of our clients. As we state in our Magna Carta of
Shareholders Rights, established in May&nbsp;1988, we are neither <I>for </I>nor <I>against </I>management. We are for shareholders. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">At our first proxy committee meeting in 1989, it was decided that each proxy statement should be evaluated on its own merits within the framework first established by our Magna Carta of Shareholders
Rights. The attached guidelines serve to enhance that broad framework. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">We do not consider any issue routine. We take into
consideration all of our research on the company, its directors, and their short and long-term goals for the company. In cases where issues that we generally do not approve of are combined with other issues, the negative aspects of the issues will
be factored into the evaluation of the overall proposals but will not necessitate a vote in opposition to the overall proposals. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Board of
Directors </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The advisers do not consider the election of the Board of Directors a routine issue. Each slate of directors is
evaluated on a case-by-case basis. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Factors taken into consideration include: </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Historical responsiveness to shareholders </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">This may include such areas as: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Paying greenmail </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Failure to adopt shareholder resolutions receiving a majority of shareholder votes </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Qualifications </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Nominating committee in place </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Number of outside directors on the board </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Attendance at meetings </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Overall performance </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Selection of Auditors </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In general, we support the Board of Directors&#146; recommendation for auditors. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Blank Check Preferred Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">We oppose the issuance of blank check
preferred stock. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Blank check preferred stock allows the company to issue stock and establish dividends, voting rights, etc.
without further shareholder approval. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Classified Board </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A classified board is one where the directors are divided into classes with overlapping terms. A different class is elected at each annual meeting. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A-5
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
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<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">While a classified board promotes continuity of directors facilitating long range planning,
we feel directors should be accountable to shareholders on an annual basis. We will look at this proposal on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration the board&#146;s historical responsiveness to the rights of shareholders. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Where a classified board is in place we will generally not support attempts to change to an annually elected board. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">When an annually elected board is in place, we generally will not support attempts to classify the board. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Increase Authorized Common Stock </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The request to increase the amount of outstanding shares is considered on a case-by-case basis. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Factors taken into consideration include: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>Future use of additional shares </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>Stock split </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>Stock option or other executive compensation plan </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>Finance growth of company/strengthen balance sheet </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>Aid in restructuring </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>Improve credit rating </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>Implement a poison pill or other takeover defense </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>Amount of stock currently authorized but not yet issued or reserved for stock option plans </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>Amount of additional stock to be authorized and its dilutive effect </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">We will support this proposal if a detailed and verifiable plan for the use of the additional shares is contained in the proxy statement.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Confidential Ballot </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">We support the idea that a shareholder&#146;s identity and vote should be treated with confidentiality. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">However, we look at this issue on a case-by-case basis. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In order to promote
confidentiality in the voting process, we endorse the use of independent Inspectors of Election. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Cumulative Voting </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In general, we support cumulative voting. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Cumulative voting is a process by which a shareholder may multiply the number of directors being elected by the number of shares held on record date and cast the total number for one candidate or allocate
the voting among two or more candidates. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Where cumulative voting is in place, we will vote against any proposal to rescind
this shareholder right. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Cumulative voting may result in a minority block of stock gaining representation on the board. When a
proposal is made to institute cumulative voting, the proposal will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. While we feel that each board member should represent all shareholders, cumulative voting provides minority shareholders an opportunity to have
their views represented. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Director Liability and Indemnification </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">We support efforts to attract the best possible directors by limiting the liability and increasing the indemnification of directors,
except in the case of insider dealing. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A-6
</FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Equal Access to the Proxy </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The SEC&#146;s rules provide for shareholder resolutions. However, the resolutions are limited in scope and there is a 500 word limit on proponents&#146; written arguments. Management has no such
limitations. While we support equal access to the proxy, we would look at such variables as length of time required to respond, percentage of ownership, etc. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Fair Price Provisions </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Charter provisions requiring a bidder to pay all
shareholders a fair price are intended to prevent two-tier tender offers that may be abusive. Typically, these provisions do not apply to board-approved transactions. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">We support fair price provisions because we feel all shareholders should be entitled to receive the same benefits. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Reviewed on a case-by-case basis. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Golden Parachutes </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Golden parachutes are severance payments to top executives who are terminated or demoted after a takeover. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">We support any proposal that would assure management of its own welfare so that they may continue to make decisions in the best interest
of the company and shareholders even if the decision results in them losing their job. We do not, however, support excessive golden parachutes. Therefore, each proposal will be decided on a case-by-case basis. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><I>Note: </I>Congress has imposed a tax on any parachute that is more than three times the executive&#146;s average annual compensation.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Anti-Greenmail Proposals </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">We do not support greenmail. An offer extended to one shareholder should be extended to all shareholders equally across the board. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Limit Shareholders&#146; Rights to Call Special Meetings </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">We support the
right of shareholders to call a special meeting. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Consideration of Nonfinancial Effects of a Merger </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">This proposal releases the directors from only looking at the financial effects of a merger and allows them the opportunity to consider
the merger&#146;s effects on employees, the community, and consumers. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">As a fiduciary, we are obligated to vote in the best
economic interests of our clients. In general, this proposal does not allow us to do that. Therefore, we generally cannot support this proposal. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Reviewed on a case-by-case basis. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Mergers, Buyouts, Spin-Offs, Restructurings </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Each of the above is considered on a case-by-case basis. According to the Department of Labor, we are not required to vote for a proposal
simply because the offering price is at a premium to the current market price. We may take into consideration the long term interests of the shareholders. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Military Issues </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Shareholder proposals regarding military production must
be evaluated on a purely economic set of criteria for our <B>ERISA </B>clients. As such, decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In voting on this proposal for our non-<B>ERISA </B>clients, we will vote according to the client&#146;s direction when applicable. Where no direction has been given, we will vote in the best economic
interests of our clients. It is not our duty to impose our social judgment on others. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A-7
</FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Northern Ireland </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Shareholder proposals requesting the signing of the MacBride principles for the purpose of countering the discrimination of Catholics in hiring practices must be evaluated on a purely economic set of
criteria for our <B>ERISA </B>clients. As such, decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In voting on this proposal
for our non-<B>ERISA </B>clients, we will vote according to client direction when applicable. Where no direction has been given, we will vote in the best economic interests of our clients. It is not our duty to impose our social judgment on others.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Opt Out of State Anti-Takeover Law </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">This shareholder proposal requests that a company opt out of the coverage of the state&#146;s takeover statutes. Example: Delaware law requires that a buyer must acquire at least 85% of the company&#146;s
stock before the buyer can exercise control unless the board approves. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">We consider this on a case-by-case basis. Our decision
will be based on the following: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>State of Incorporation </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>Management history of responsiveness to shareholders </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>Other mitigating factors </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Poison Pill </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In general, we do not endorse poison pills. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">In certain cases where management has a history of being responsive to the needs of shareholders and the stock is very liquid, we will
reconsider this position. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Reincorporation </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Generally, we support reincorporation for well-defined business reasons. We oppose reincorporation if proposed solely for the purpose of reincorporating in a state with more stringent anti-takeover
statutes that may negatively impact the value of the stock. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Stock Option Plans </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Stock option plans are an excellent way to attract, hold and motivate directors and employees. However, each stock option plan must be
evaluated on its own merits, taking into consideration the following: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>Dilution of voting power or earnings per share by more than 10% </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>Kind of stock to be awarded, to whom, when and how much </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>Method of payment </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&#149;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%" VALIGN="top"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> <P ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B></B>Amount of stock already authorized but not yet issued under existing stock option plans </FONT></P></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Supermajority Vote Requirements </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Supermajority vote requirements in a company&#146;s charter or bylaws require a level of voting approval in excess of a simple majority of the outstanding shares. In general, we oppose
supermajority-voting requirements. Supermajority requirements often exceed the average level of shareholder participation. We support proposals&#146; approvals by a simple majority of the shares voting. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Limit Shareholders Right to Act By Written Consent </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Written consent allows shareholders to initiate and carry on a shareholder action without having to wait until the next annual meeting or to call a special meeting. It permits action to be taken by the
written consent of the same percentage of the shares that would be required to effect proposed action at a shareholder meeting. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Reviewed on a case-by-case basis. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">A-8
</FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>PART C &#151; OTHER INFORMATION </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Item&nbsp;25. Financial Statements and Exhibits </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.&nbsp;Financial Statements </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD WIDTH="94%"></TD></TR>


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<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-left:2.00em; text-indent:-2.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;None</FONT></P></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2.00em; text-indent:-2.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Part A</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">None</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Part B</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The following statements of the Registrant are incorporated by
reference in Part B of the Registration Statement:</FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Schedule of Investments at December 31, 2010</FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of December 31, 2010</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Statement of Operations for the Year Ended December 31,
2010</FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the Year
Ended December 31, 2010</FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:2.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Notes to Financial Statements
for the Year Ended December 31, 2010</FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px; margin-left:2.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Report of
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the Year Ended December 31, 2010</FONT></P></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2.&nbsp;Exhibits </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
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<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="90%"></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(a)(i)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Articles of Incorporation (2)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(a)(ii)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Articles Supplementary for the Series&nbsp;C Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (4)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(a)(iii)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Articles Supplementary for the 5.875% Series&nbsp;D Cumulative Preferred Stock (5)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(a)(iv)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Articles Supplementary for the Series&nbsp;E Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (5)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(a)(v)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Articles Supplementary for the 6.20% Series&nbsp;F Cumulative Preferred Stock (8)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(a)(vi)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Articles Supplementary for election to be subject to Section 3-804(c) of the Maryland General Corporation Law(10)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(a)(vii)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Articles of Amendment dated May&nbsp;12, 2004 to the Articles of Incorporation (6)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(a)(viii)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Articles of Amendment dated September&nbsp;12, 2005 to the Articles of Incorporation (7)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(a)(ix)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Articles of Amendment dated May 29, 2009 to the Articles Supplementary for the Series&nbsp;C Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (11)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(a)(x)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Articles of Amendment dated May 29, 2009 to the Articles Supplementary for the 5.875% Series&nbsp;D Cumulative Preferred Stock (11)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(a)(xi)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Articles of Amendment dated May 29, 2009 to the Articles Supplementary for the Series&nbsp;E Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (11)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(a)(xii)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Articles of Amendment dated May 29, 2009 to the Articles Supplementary for the 6.20% Series&nbsp;F Cumulative Preferred Stock (11)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(b)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Amended and Restated By-Laws of Registrant (9)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(c)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Not applicable</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(d)(i)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Form of certificate for Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (1)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(d)(ii)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Series&nbsp;C Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (4)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(d)(iii)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5.875% Series&nbsp;D Cumulative Preferred Stock (5)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(d)(iv)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Series&nbsp;E Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (5)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(e)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Automatic Dividend Reinvestment and Voluntary Cash Purchase Plan of The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. (the &#147;Registrant&#148;) (2)</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">C-1
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="92%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="8%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="90%"></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(f)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Not applicable</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(g)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Investment Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Gabelli Funds, LLC (the &#147;Investment Adviser&#148;) (1)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(h)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Form of Underwriting Agreement (13)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(i)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Not applicable</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(j)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Custodian Contract between Registrant and The Bank of New York Mellon (10)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(k)(i)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Transfer Agency and Service Agreement among Registrant, Computershare Trust Company, N.A. and Computershare Inc. (10)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(k)(ii)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Fee and Service Schedule for Stock Transfer Services among Registrant, Computershare Trust Company, N.A. and Computershare Inc. (10)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(k)(iii)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Form of Auction Agency Agreement for the Series&nbsp;C Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (4)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(k)(iv)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Form of Auction Agency Agreement for the Series&nbsp;E Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (5)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(k)(v)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Form of Broker-Dealer Agreement for the Series&nbsp;C Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (4)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(k)(vi)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Form of Broker-Dealer Agreement for the Series&nbsp;E Auction Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (5)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(l)(i)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Opinion and Consent of Venable LLP (11)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(m)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Not applicable</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(n)(i)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (13)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(n)(ii)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Power of Attorney (11)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(o)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Not applicable</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(p)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Not applicable</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(q)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Not applicable</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(r)(i)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Code of Ethics of the Investment Adviser and of the Registrant (10)</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="8"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="8" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(r)(ii)</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Joint Code of Ethics of the Investment Adviser and of the Registrant for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers of the Gabelli Funds (10)</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="line-height:8px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000;width:10%">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Incorporated by reference to the Registrant&#146;s Pre-Effective Amendment No.&nbsp;1 to the Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 033-62323
and 811-04700) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October&nbsp;13, 1995. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Incorporated by reference to the Registrant&#146;s Pre-Effective Amendment No.&nbsp;2 to the Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 33 3-45951
and 811-04700) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April&nbsp;7, 1998. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Incorporated by reference to the Registrant&#146;s Pre-Effective Amendment No.&nbsp;2 to the Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-47012
and 811-04700) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December&nbsp;1, 2000. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(4)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Incorporated by reference to the Registrant&#146;s Pre-Effective Amendment No.&nbsp;3 to the Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-86554
and 811-04700) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June&nbsp;25, 2002. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">C-2
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(5)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Incorporated by reference to the Registrant&#146;s Pre-Effective Amendment No.&nbsp;2 to the Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-106081
and 811-04700) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October&nbsp;1, 2003. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(6)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Incorporated by reference to the Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form N-14 (File No.&nbsp;333-126111) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on June&nbsp;24, 2005. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(7)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Incorporated by reference to the Registrant&#146;s Pre-Effective Amendment No.&nbsp;1 to the Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-127724
and 811-04700) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September&nbsp;15, 2005. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(8)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Incorporated by reference to the Registrant&#146;s Pre-Effective Amendment No.&nbsp;2 to the Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-137298
and 811-04700) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November&nbsp;6, 2006. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(9)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Incorporated by reference to the Registrant&#146;s filing on Form 8-K (File No.&nbsp;811-04700) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December&nbsp;9,
2010. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(10)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Incorporated by reference to the Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-173819 and 811-04700) as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on April&nbsp;29, 2011. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(11)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Incorporated by reference to the Registrant&#146;s Pre-Effective Amendment No.&nbsp;1 to the Registrant&#146;s Registration Statement on Form N-2 (File Nos. 333-173819
and 811-04700) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June&nbsp;22, 2011. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(12)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Filed herewith. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(13)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">To be filed by amendment. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Item&nbsp;26.
Marketing Arrangements </B> </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The information contained under the heading &#147;Plan of Distribution&#148; on page 49 of the
Prospectus is incorporated by reference, and any information concerning any underwriters will be contained in the accompanying Prospectus Supplement, if any. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Item&nbsp;27. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The following
table sets forth the estimated expenses to be incurred in connection with the offering described in this Registration Statement: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="68%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="87%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="5%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Accounting fees</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">60,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Legal fees</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">250,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">NYSE listing fees</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">60,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Printing expenses</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">200,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Rating agency fees</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">30,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">SEC registration fees</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">42,700</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Miscellaneous</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">107,300</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR STYLE="font-size:1px">
<TD VALIGN="bottom"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;&nbsp;</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="border-top:1px solid #000000">&nbsp;</P></TD>
<TD>&nbsp;</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:3.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Total</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">$</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">750,000</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Item&nbsp;28. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">None. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">C-3
</FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Item&nbsp;29. Number of Holders of Securities as of March&nbsp;31, 2012: </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="68%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="82%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="13%"></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD>
<TD></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP> <P STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000;width:47pt"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Class of Stock</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" COLSPAN="2" NOWRAP ALIGN="center" STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Number of<BR>Record&nbsp;Holders</B></FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Common Stock</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">7,844</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Series&nbsp;C Auction Rate Preferred</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Series&nbsp;D Preferred</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Series&nbsp;E Auction Rate Preferred</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR BGCOLOR="#cceeff">
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Series&nbsp;F Preferred</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="right"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2</FONT></TD>
<TD NOWRAP VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Item&nbsp;30. Indemnification </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Article&nbsp;VI of the Registrant&#146;s Amended and Restated Bylaws provides as follows: </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">ARTICLE VI </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">INDEMNIFICATION, ADVANCE OF EXPENSES
AND INSURANCE </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">SECTION 1. Indemnification of Directors and Officers. Any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party in
any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that such person is a current or former director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving
while a director or officer of the Corporation at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or employee benefit plan,
shall be indemnified by the Corporation against judgments, penalties, fines, excise taxes, settlements and reasonable expenses (including attorneys&#146; fees) actually incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding to
the full extent permissible under the MGCL, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act, as those statutes are now or hereafter in force, except that such indemnity shall not protect any such person against any liability
to the Corporation or any stockholder thereof to which such person would otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his office (&#147;disabling
conduct&#148;). </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">SECTION 2. Advances. Any current or former director or officer of the Corporation claiming indemnification within the scope
of this Article VI shall be entitled to advances from the Corporation for payment of the reasonable expenses incurred by him or her in connection with proceedings to which he or she is a party in the manner and to the full extent permissible under
the MGCL, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act, as those statutes are now or hereafter in force; provided, however, that the person seeking indemnification shall provide to the Corporation a written affirmation of
his good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the Corporation has been met and a written undertaking to repay any such advance, if it should ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct has not been
met, and provided further that at least one of the following additional conditions is met: (a)&nbsp;the person seeking indemnification shall provide a security in form and amount acceptable to the Corporation for his undertaking; (b)&nbsp;the
Corporation is insured against losses arising by reason of the advance; or (c)&nbsp;a majority of a quorum of directors of the Corporation who are neither &#147;interested persons&#148; as defined in Section&nbsp;2(a)(19) of the Investment Company
Act, nor parties to the proceeding (&#147;disinterested non-party directors&#148;), or independent legal counsel, in a written opinion, shall determine, based on a review of facts readily available to the Corporation at the time the advance is
proposed to be made, that there is reason to believe that the person seeking indemnification will ultimately be found to be entitled to indemnification. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">SECTION 3. Procedure. At the request of any current or former director or officer, or any employee or agent whom the Corporation proposes to indemnify, the Board of Directors shall determine, or cause to
be determined, in a manner consistent with the MGCL, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act, as those statutes are now or hereafter in force, whether the standards required by this Article V have been met; provided,
however, that indemnification shall be made only following: (a)&nbsp;a final decision on the merits by a court or other body before whom the proceeding was brought that the person to be indemnified was not liable by reason of disabling conduct or
(b)&nbsp;in the absence of such a decision, a reasonable determination, based upon a review of the facts, that the person to be indemnified was not liable by reason of disabling conduct, by (i)&nbsp;the vote of a majority of a quorum of
disinterested non-party directors or (ii)&nbsp;an independent legal counsel in a written opinion. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">SECTION 4. Indemnification of Employees and
Agents. Employees and agents who are not officers or directors of the Corporation may be indemnified, and reasonable expenses may be advanced to such employees or agents, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article V to the extent
permissible under the MGCL, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act, as those statutes are now or hereafter in force, and to such further extent, consistent with the foregoing, as may be provided by action of the Board
of Directors or by contract. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">C-4
</FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">SECTION 5. General; Other Rights. The rights to indemnification and advance of expenses provided by the
Charter and these Bylaws shall vest immediately upon election of a director or officer. Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article, nor the adoption or amendment of any other provision of the Charter or these Bylaws inconsistent with this
Article, shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability of the preceding paragraph with respect to any act or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption. The indemnification provided by this Article VI shall
not be deemed exclusive of any other right, with respect to indemnification or otherwise, to which those seeking such indemnification may be entitled under any insurance or other agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or
otherwise, both as to action by a director or officer of the Corporation in his official capacity and as to action by such person in another capacity while holding such office or position, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a
director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">SECTION 6. Insurance. The
Corporation shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, or who, while a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation, is or was
serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or employee benefit plan, against any liability asserted against
and incurred by him or her in any such capacity, or arising out of his or her status as such, and reasonable expenses incurred by him or her in connection with proceedings to which he or she is made a party, provided that no insurance may be
obtained by the Corporation for liabilities against which the Corporation is specifically prohibited from indemnifying him or her under this Article VI or applicable law. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Section&nbsp;5 of the Registrant&#146;s Investment Advisory Agreement provides as follows: </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5. Standard of Care </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Advisor
shall exercise its best judgment in rendering the services described in paragraphs 2 and 3 above. The Advisor shall not be liable for any error of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by the Fund in connection with the matters of
which this Agreement relates, provided that nothing in this paragraph shall be deemed to protect or purport to protect the Advisor against any liability to the Fund or to its shareholders to which the Advisor would otherwise be subject by reason of
willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on its part in the performance of its duties or by reason of the Advisor&#146;s reckless disregard of its obligations and duties under this Agreement. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Item&nbsp;31. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Investment Adviser, a limited liability company organized under the laws of the State of New York, acts as investment adviser to the Registrant. The Registrant is fulfilling the requirement of this
Item&nbsp;31 to provide a list of the officers and directors of the Investment Adviser, together with information as to any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a substantial nature engaged in by the Investment Adviser or those
officers and directors during the past two years, by incorporating by reference the information contained in the Form&nbsp;ADV of the Investment Adviser filed with the SEC pursuant to the 1940 Act (Commission File No.&nbsp;801-37706). </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Item&nbsp;32. Location of Accounts and Records </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The accounts and records of the Registrant are maintained in part at the office of the Investment Adviser at One Corporate Center, Rye, New York 10580-1422, in part at the offices of the Registrant&#146;s
custodian, The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation, 135 Santilli Highway, Everett, Massachusetts 02149, in part at the offices of the Registrant&#146;s sub-administrator, BNY Mellon Investment Servicing (US) Inc., 400 Bellevue Parkway, Wilmington,
Delaware, 19809, and in part at the offices of Computershare Trust Company, N.A., 250 Royall Street, Canton, Massachusetts 02021. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Item&nbsp;33. Management Services </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Not applicable. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:18px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>Item&nbsp;34. Undertakings </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:6px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">1.&nbsp;Registrant undertakes to suspend the offering of shares until the prospectus is amended, if subsequent to the effective date of
this registration statement, its net asset value declines more than ten percent from its net asset value as of the effective date of the registration statement or its net asset value increases to an amount greater than its net proceeds as stated in
the prospectus. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">C-5
</FONT></P>


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 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">2.&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">3.&nbsp;The Registrant undertakes to file a post-effective amendment if it intends to issue subscription rights to purchase its common
stock. If the securities being registered are to be offered to existing shareholders pursuant to warrants or subscription rights to purchase its common stock, and any securities not taken by shareholders are to be reoffered to the public, the
Registrant undertakes to supplement the prospectus, after the expiration of the subscription period, to set forth the results of the subscription offer, the transactions by underwriters during the subscription period, the amount of unsubscribed
securities to be purchased by underwriters, and the terms of any subsequent reoffering thereof. If any public offering by the underwriters of the securities being registered is to be made on terms differing from those set forth on the cover page of
the prospectus, the Registrant further undertakes to file a post-effective amendment to set forth the terms of such offering. </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">4.&nbsp;Registrant undertakes: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(a)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">to file, during and period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement: </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="8%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">to include any prospectus required by Section&nbsp;10(a)(3) of the Securities Act; </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="8%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which,
individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement; and </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="8%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such
information in the Registration Statement. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(b)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">that for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to
the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(c)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">to remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering; and
</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(d)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">that, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser, if the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C:&nbsp;Each prospectus filed pursuant
to Rule&nbsp;497(b), (c), (d)&nbsp;or (e)&nbsp;under the Securities Act as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule&nbsp;430A under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of
and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness.&nbsp;<I>Provided, however, </I>that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration or made in a document
incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any
statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(e)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">that for the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of securities:
</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; margin-left:8%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant
pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned
Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to the purchaser: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering&nbsp;required to be filed pursuant to Rule&nbsp;497 under the Securities
Act. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">the portion of any advertisement pursuant to Rule&nbsp;482 under the Securities Act relating to the offering containing&nbsp;material information about the undersigned
Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">C-6
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>


<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="8%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(3)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">5. Registrant undertakes: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:6px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="8%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(a)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of the Registration
Statement in reliance upon Rule&nbsp;430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 497(h) will be deemed to be a part of the Registration Statement as of the time it was declared effective.
</FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="8%"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">(b)</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus will be deemed to be a new
Registration Statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time will be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">6.&nbsp;Registrant undertakes to send by first class mail or other means designed to ensure equally prompt delivery, within two business
days of receipt of a written or oral request, any Statement of Additional Information constituting Part&nbsp;B of this Registration Statement. </FONT></P>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">C-7
</FONT></P>


<p Style='page-break-before:always'>
<HR  SIZE="3" style="COLOR:#999999" WIDTH="100%" ALIGN="CENTER">
<h5 align="left"><a href="#toc">Table of Contents</a></h5>

 <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B>SIGNATURES </B></FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%;padding-bottom:0px;"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">As required by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement on
Form N-2 to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, in the City of Rye, State of New York, on the 13</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">th</SUP></FONT><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"> day of April, 2012. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P><DIV ALIGN="right">
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="40%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="7%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="91%"></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" COLSPAN="3"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">THE GABELLI EQUITY TRUST INC.</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">By:</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" STYLE="BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top" ALIGN="center" STYLE="BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B<SMALL>RUCE</SMALL> N.
A<SMALL>LPERT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</SMALL></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Bruce N. Alpert</B></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>President and Principal Executive Officer</B></FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE></DIV> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%;padding-bottom:0px;"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">As required by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this Form N-2 has been
signed below by the following persons in the capacities set forth below on the 13</FONT><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><SUP STYLE="vertical-align:baseline; position:relative; bottom:.8ex">th</SUP></FONT><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"> day of April, 2012. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="37%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="3%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="28%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="5%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="27%"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000;width:24pt" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>NAME</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" NOWRAP ALIGN="center"> <P STYLE="border-bottom:1px solid #000000;width:24pt" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>TITLE</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom">&nbsp;<FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:1px solid #000000" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;T<SMALL>HOMAS</SMALL> E.
B<SMALL>RATTER</SMALL>*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Thomas E. Bratter</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:1px solid #000000" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A<SMALL>NTHONY</SMALL> J.
C<SMALL>OLAVITA</SMALL>*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Anthony J. Colavita</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:1px solid #000000" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;J<SMALL>AMES</SMALL> P.
C<SMALL>ONN</SMALL>*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>James P. Conn</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:1px solid #000000" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;F<SMALL>RANK</SMALL> J. F<SMALL>AHRENKOPF</SMALL>,
J<SMALL>R</SMALL>.*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Frank J. Fahrenkopf, Jr.</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:1px solid #000000" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A<SMALL>RTHUR</SMALL> V.
F<SMALL>ERRARA</SMALL>*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Arthur V. Ferrara</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:1px solid #000000" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A<SMALL>NTHONY</SMALL> R.
P<SMALL>USTORINO</SMALL>*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Anthony R. Pustorino</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:1px solid #000000" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;S<SMALL>ALVATORE</SMALL> J.
Z<SMALL>IZZA</SMALL>*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Salvatore J. Zizza</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Director</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:1px solid #000000" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A<SMALL>GNES</SMALL>
M<SMALL>ULLADY&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</SMALL></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Agnes Mullady</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Treasurer and Principal Financial Officer</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD>
<TD HEIGHT="16" COLSPAN="2"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;border-bottom:1px solid #000000" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B<SMALL>RUCE</SMALL> N.
A<SMALL>LPERT&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</SMALL></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="1"><B>Bruce N. Alpert</B></FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"> <P STYLE="margin-left:1.00em; text-indent:-1.00em"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Attorney-in-Fact</FONT></P></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="top"></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="line-height:8px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:2px;border-bottom:0.5pt solid #000000;width:10%">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">*</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Pursuant to a Power of Attorney </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
 <p STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">C-8
</FONT></P>

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<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>CORRESP
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<TEXT>
<HTML><HEAD>
<TITLE>SEC Cover Letter</TITLE>
</HEAD>
 <BODY BGCOLOR="WHITE">


<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="100%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" ALIGN="center">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="73%"></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="2%"></TD>
<TD WIDTH="25%"></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top">


<IMG SRC="g334544im01.jpg" ALT="LOGO">
</TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT SIZE="1">&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">787 Seventh Avenue</FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">New
York, NY 10019-6099</FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Tel: 212 728 8000</FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:1px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Fax: 212 728 8111</FONT></P></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">April&nbsp;13, 2012 </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><B><U>VIA EDGAR</U> </B></FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Securities and Exchange Commission </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">100 F Street, N.E. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Washington, D.C. 20549
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Re:</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Securities Act File No.&nbsp;333-173819 </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2"><U>Investment Company Act File No.&nbsp;811-04700</U> </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Ladies and Gentlemen: </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">On behalf of The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. (the
&#147;Fund&#148;), pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, we hereby file via EDGAR transmission post-effective amendment No.&nbsp;1 to the Fund&#146;s Registration Statement on Form
N-2. </FONT></P> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px; text-indent:4%"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Any questions or comments on the Registration Statement should be directed to the undersigned at (212)&nbsp;728-8865.
</FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE CELLSPACING="0" CELLPADDING="0" WIDTH="40%" BORDER="0" STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE">


<TR>
<TD WIDTH="100%"></TD></TR>


<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Very truly yours,</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD HEIGHT="16"></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="top" STYLE="BORDER-BOTTOM:1px solid #000000"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">/s/ Ryan P. Brizek</FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD VALIGN="bottom"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Ryan P. Brizek</FONT></TD></TR>
</TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Enclosures </FONT></P> <P STYLE="font-size:12px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px">&nbsp;</P>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">cc:</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Bruce N. Alpert, The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Agnes Mullady, The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Carter W. Austin, The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Sonia K. Kothari, Esq., The Gabelli Equity Trust Inc. </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE STYLE="BORDER-COLLAPSE:COLLAPSE" BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="100%">
<TR>
<TD WIDTH="4%" VALIGN="top" ALIGN="left"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">Rose F. DiMartino, Esq., Willkie Farr&nbsp;&amp; Gallagher LLP </FONT></TD></TR></TABLE> <P STYLE="margin-top:12px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT
STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">N<SMALL>EW</SMALL> Y<SMALL>ORK</SMALL> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;W<SMALL>ASHINGTON</SMALL> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;P<SMALL>ARIS</SMALL> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;L<SMALL>ONDON</SMALL>
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;M<SMALL>ILAN</SMALL> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;R<SMALL>OME</SMALL> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;F<SMALL>RANKFURT</SMALL> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B<SMALL>RUSSELS</SMALL> </FONT></P>
<P STYLE="margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px" ALIGN="center"><FONT STYLE="font-family:Times New Roman" SIZE="2">in alliance with Dickson Minto W.S., London and Edinburgh </FONT></P>
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