N-2 - USD ($)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2022

Sep. 30, 2022

Jun. 30, 2022

Mar. 31, 2022

Dec. 31, 2021

Sep. 30, 2021

Jun. 30, 2021

Mar. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2022

Dec. 31, 2021

Dec. 31, 2020

Dec. 31, 2019

Feb. 28, 2019

Feb. 28, 2018

Feb. 28, 2017

Feb. 29, 2016

Feb. 28, 2015

Feb. 28, 2014

Cover [Abstract]

Entity Central Index Key

0001051003

Amendment Flag

false

Document Type

N-CSR

Entity Registrant Name

BlackRock Debt Strategies Fund, Inc.

Fee Table [Abstract]

Shareholder Transaction Expenses [Table Text Block]


	DSU

Shareholder Transaction Expenses
Maximum sales load (as a percentage of offering price) (a)		1.00	%
Offering expenses borne by the Fund (as a percentage of offering price) (a)		0.03	%
		$0.02 per share for open market purchases of
Dividend reinvestment plan fees		common shares	(b)

(a)

If the common shares are sold to or through underwriters, the P

rospect

us Supplement will set forth any applicable sales load and the estimated offering expenses. Fund shareholders will pay all offering expenses involved with an offering.

(b)

Computershare Trust Company, N.A.’s (the “Reinvestment Plan Agent”) fees for the handling of the reinvestment of dividends will be paid by the Fund. However, shareholders will pay a $0.02 per share fee incurred in connection with open-market purchases, which will be deducted from the value of the dividend. Shareholders will also be charged a $0.02 per share fee if a shareholder directs the Reinvestment Plan Agent to sell the common shares held in a dividend reinvestment account. Per share fees include any applicable brokerage commissions the Reinvestment Plan Agent is required to pay.

Sales Load [Percent]

^[1]

1.00%

Dividend Reinvestment and Cash Purchase Fees

^[2]

$ 0.02

Other Transaction Expenses [Abstract]

Other Transaction Expenses [Percent]

^[2]

0.03%

Annual Expenses [Table Text Block]

Estimated Annual Expenses (as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares )
Investment advisory fees (c),(d)	0.79	%
Other expenses	1.11
Miscellaneous	0.09
Interest expense (e)	1.02
Total annual expenses	1.90
Fee waiver (d)	—
Total annual Fund operating expenses after fee waiver (d)	1.90

(c)

The Fund currently pays the Manager a monthly fee at an annual contractual investment advisory fee rate of 0.55% of the average daily value of the Fund’s net assets, plus the proceeds of any outstanding debt securities or borrowings used for leverage (together, “average daily Managed Assets”).

(d)

The Fund and the Manager have entered into a fee waiver agreement (the “Fee Waiver Agreement”), pursuant to which the Manager has contractually agreed to waive the investment advisory fees with respect to any portion of Fund’s assets attributable to investments in any equity and fixed-income mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (the “ETFs”) managed by the Manager or its affiliates that have a contractual management fee, through June 30, 2024. In addition, pursuant to the Fee Waiver Agreement, the Manager has contractually agreed to waive its investment advisory fees by the amount of investment advisory fees Fund pays to the Manager indirectly through its investment in money market funds managed by the Manager or its affiliates, through June 30, 2024. The Fee Waiver Agreement may be terminated at any time, without the payment of any penalty, only by Fund (upon the vote of a majority of the Directors who are not “interested persons” (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”), of Fund (the “Independent Directors”)) or a majority of the outstanding voting securities of Fund), upon 90 days’ written notice by Fund to the Manager.

(e)

The Fund uses leverage in the form of a credit facility, in an amount equal to approximately 25.2% of the Fund’s Managed Assets as of December 31, 2022. The interest expense borne by the Fund will vary over time in accordance with the level of the Fund’s use of leverage and variations in market interest rates. Interest expense is required to be treated as expense of the Fund for accounting purposes.

Management Fees [Percent]

^[3],[4]

0.79%

Other Annual Expenses [Abstract]

Other Annual Expense 1 [Percent]

0.09%

Other Annual Expense 2 [Percent]

^[5]

1.02%

Other Annual Expenses [Percent]

1.11%

Total Annual Expenses [Percent]

^[3]

1.90%

Waivers and Reimbursements of Fees [Percent]

^[3]

0.00%

Net Expense over Assets [Percent]

^[3]

1.90%

Expense Example [Table Text Block]

The following example illustrates the expenses (including the sales load of $10.00 and offering costs of $0.29) that shareholders would pay on a $1,000 investment in common shares, assuming (i) total net annual expenses of 1.90% of net assets attributable to common shares and (ii) a 5% annual return:


	1 Year		3 Years		5 Years		10 Years
Total expenses incurred	$	29	$	69	$	112	$	230

Expense Example, Year 01

$ 29

Expense Example, Years 1 to 3

Expense Example, Years 1 to 5

112

Expense Example, Years 1 to 10

$ 230

Purpose of Fee Table , Note [Text Block]

The following table and example are intended to assist shareholders in understanding the various costs and expenses directly or indirectly associated with investing in DSU’s common shares.

Basis of Transaction Fees, Note [Text Block]

^[1]

as a percentage of offering price

Other Transaction Fees, Note [Text Block]

Other Expenses, Note [Text Block]

The example should not be considered a representation of future expenses. The example assumes that the estimated “Other expenses” set forth in the Estimated Annual Expenses table are accurate and that all dividends and distributions are reinvested at NAV. Actual expenses may be greater or less than those assumed. The Fund’s actual rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example.

Management Fee not based on Net Assets, Note [Text Block]

Financial Highlights [Abstract]

Senior Securities [Table Text Block]

The following table sets forth information regarding DSU’s outstanding senior securities as of the end of each of DSU’s last ten fiscal years, as applicable. DSU’s audited financial

statements

, including Deloitte & Touche LLP’s Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, and accompanying notes to financial statements, are included in this annual report.


DSU — Fiscal Year Ended	Total Amount Outstanding (000)		Asset Coverage		Liquidating Preference		Average Market Value (000)		Type of Senior Security

December 31, 2022	$	164,000	$	3,967	$	N/A	$	215,814		Bank Borrowings
December 31, 2021		248,000		3,172		N/A		239,134		Bank Borrowings
December 31, 2020		229,000		3,349		N/A		220,721		Bank Borrowings
December 31, 2019		262,000		3,310		N/A		264,317		Bank Borrowings
February 28, 2019		278,000		3,308		N/A		293,419		Bank Borrowings
February 28, 2018		338,000		3,196		N/A		348,104		Bank Borrowings
February 28, 2017		318,000		3,455		N/A		234,238		Bank Borrowings
February 29, 2016		190,000		4,733		N/A		254,199		Bank Borrowings
February 28, 2015		295,000		3,719		N/A		303,926		Bank Borrowings
February 28, 2014		315,000		3,634		N/A		315,000		Bank Borrowings

Senior Securities Amount

$ 164,000

$ 248,000

$ 229,000

$ 262,000

$ 278,000

$ 338,000

$ 318,000

$ 190,000

$ 295,000

$ 315,000

Senior Securities Coverage per Unit

$ 3,967

$ 3,172

$ 3,349

$ 3,310

$ 3,308

$ 3,196

$ 3,455

$ 4,733

$ 3,719

$ 3,634

Senior Securities Involuntary Liquidating Preference per Unit

Senior Securities Average Market Value per Unit

$ 215,814

$ 239,134

$ 220,721

$ 264,317

$ 293,419

$ 348,104

$ 234,238

$ 254,199

$ 303,926

$ 315,000

Senior Securities, Note [Text Block]

Senior Securities

The following table sets forth information regarding DSU’s outstanding senior securities as of the end of each of DSU’s last ten fiscal years, as applicable. DSU’s audited financial

statements

, including Deloitte & Touche LLP’s Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, and accompanying notes to financial statements, are included in this annual report.


DSU — Fiscal Year Ended	Total Amount Outstanding (000)		Asset Coverage		Liquidating Preference		Average Market Value (000)		Type of Senior Security

December 31, 2022	$	164,000	$	3,967	$	N/A	$	215,814		Bank Borrowings
December 31, 2021		248,000		3,172		N/A		239,134		Bank Borrowings
December 31, 2020		229,000		3,349		N/A		220,721		Bank Borrowings
December 31, 2019		262,000		3,310		N/A		264,317		Bank Borrowings
February 28, 2019		278,000		3,308		N/A		293,419		Bank Borrowings
February 28, 2018		338,000		3,196		N/A		348,104		Bank Borrowings
February 28, 2017		318,000		3,455		N/A		234,238		Bank Borrowings
February 29, 2016		190,000		4,733		N/A		254,199		Bank Borrowings
February 28, 2015		295,000		3,719		N/A		303,926		Bank Borrowings
February 28, 2014		315,000		3,634		N/A		315,000		Bank Borrowings

Senior Securities Headings, Note [Text Block]

The following table sets forth information regarding DSU’s outstanding senior securities as of the end of each of DSU’s last ten fiscal years, as applicable. DSU’s audited financial

statements

, including Deloitte & Touche LLP’s Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, and accompanying notes to financial statements, are included in this annual report.

General Description of Registrant [Abstract]

Investment Objectives and Practices [Text Block]

BlackRock Debt Strategies Fund, Inc.’s (DSU) (the “Fund”)

primary investment objective is to seek to provide current income by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of U.S. companies’ debt instruments, including corporate loans, which are rated in the lower rating categories of the established rating services (BBB or lower by S&P Global Ratings or Baa or lower by Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. (“Moody’s”)) or

unrated

debt instruments, which are in the judgment of the investment adviser of equivalent quality. Corporate loans include senior and subordinated corporate loans, both secured and unsecured. The Fund may invest directly in debt instruments or synthetically through the use of derivatives. The Fund’s secondary investment objective is to provide capital appreciation.

The Fund’s primary investment objective is to seek to provide current income by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of U.S. companies’ debt instruments, including Corporate Loans (as defined below), which are rated in the lower rating categories of the established rating services (Baa or lower by Moody’s Investor’s Service (“Moody’s”) or BBB or lower by S&P Global Ratings (“S&P”)) or unrated debt instruments which are in the judgment of BlackRock Advisors, LLC (the “Manager”) of equivalent quality. Such investments generally involve greater volatility of price and risks to principal and income than securities in the higher rating categories. As a secondary objective, the Fund will seek to provide capital appreciation. The Fund’s investment objectives are fundamental policies and may not be changed without the approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”)).

Under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the Fund’s total assets will be invested in debt instruments. The Fund may invest directly in debt instruments or synthetically through the use of derivatives. The Fund has no restrictions on portfolio maturity or duration of the debt securities in which it may invest.

The Fund’s investment policies permit investment in the following asset classes which are described in greater detail below: (i) senior and subordinated corporate loans, both secured and unsecured (“Corporate Loans”), issued either directly by the borrower or in the form of participation interests in Corporate Loans made by banks and other financial institutions; (ii) publicly offered and privately placed high-yield debt securities, senior and subordinated, both secured and unsecured; and (iii) convertible debt instruments and preferred stock, each of which may be converted into common stock or other securities of the same or a different issuer, and nonconvertible preferred stock. The debt securities and Corporate Loans in which the Fund invests may pay interest at fixed rates or at rates that float at a margin above a generally recognized base lending rate such as the prime rate of a designated U.S. bank, or that adjust periodically at a margin above the CD rate or LIBOR.

In connection with its investments in corporate debt securities, or restructuring of investments owned by the Fund, the Fund may receive warrants or other non-income producing debt or equity securities. The Fund may retain such securities until the Manager determines it is appropriate in light of current market conditions to effect a disposition of such securities.

The Fund will not invest in Corporate Loans that would require the Fund to make any additional investments in connection with its obligation to make future advances to a borrower in connection with revolving credit facilities if such commitments would exceed 20% of the Fund’s total assets or would cause the Fund to fail to meet the diversification requirements described herein.

The Fund may invest in high-yield corporate debt securities, including Corporate Loans, which are rated in the lower rating categories of the established rating services (Baa or lower by Moody’s and BBB or lower by S&P Global Ratings), or in unrated securities considered by the Manager to be of comparable quality. Securities rated below Baa or lower by Moody’s or BBB or lower by S&P and unrated securities of comparable quality, are commonly known as “junk bonds.” Securities which subsequently are downgraded may continue to be held by the Fund and will be sold only if, in the judgment of the Manager, it is advantageous to do so.

Up to 20% of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in Distressed Securities (defined below), which includes publicly offered or privately placed debt securities and Corporate Loans which, at the time of investment, are the subject of bankruptcy proceedings or otherwise in default as to the repayment of principal and/or payment of interest or are rated in the lowest rating categories (Ca or lower by Moody’s and CC or lower by S&P) or which, if unrated, are in the judgment of the Manager of equivalent quality (“Distressed Securities”). Although the Fund will invest primarily in lower-rated securities, other than with respect to Distressed Securities (which are discussed below) it will not invest in securities in the lowest rating categories (Ca or below by Moody’s and CC or below by S&P) unless the Manager believes that the financial condition of the issuer or the protection afforded to the particular securities is stronger than would otherwise be indicated by such low ratings. Securities which subsequently are downgraded may continue to be held by the Fund and will be sold only if, in the judgment of the Manager, it is advantageous to do so.

Up to 20% of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in financial instruments of issuers domiciled outside the United States or that are denominated in various foreign currencies and multinational foreign currency units, provided that the foreign issuers of any non-U.S. dollar denominated instruments purchased by the Fund are domiciled in a country that is a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Up to 20% of the Fund’s total assets can be invested in convertible debt instruments and preferred stock, each of which may be converted into common stock or other securities of the same or a different issuer, and non-convertible preferred stock. The types of preferred securities in which the Fund may invest include trust preferred securities.

As a result of conversions of convertible securities or upon an exchange offer or bankruptcy plan of reorganization, a significant portion of the Fund’s total assets may be invested in common stock at certain points in time.

The Fund may engage in various portfolio strategies to seek to increase its return and to hedge its portfolio against movements in interest rates or foreign currencies through the use of interest rate or foreign currency swap transactions, the purchase of call and put options on securities, the sale of covered call and put options on its portfolio securities and transactions in financial futures and related options on such futures. There can be no assurance that the Fund will employ these strategies or that, if employed, they will be effective.

The Fund may make short sales of securities, provided that the market value of all securities sold short does not exceed 10% of its total assets. The Fund may make short sales both as a form of hedging to offset potential declines in long positions in similar securities and in order to seek to enhance return. The Fund’s obligation to replace the borrowed security will be secured by collateral deposited with the broker dealer, usually cash, U.S. government securities or other liquid securities similar to those borrowed. The Fund also will be required to segregate similar collateral with its custodian or designate such collateral on its books and records to the extent, if any, necessary so that the value of both collateral amounts in the aggregate is at all times equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the security sold short. The Fund also may make short sales “against the box.” Short sales “against the box” are not subject to the foregoing 10% limitation.

Subject to other investment restrictions applicable to the Fund, up to 10% of the Fund’s assets may be invested in debt instruments, including Corporate Loans, of investment companies (which may or may not be registered under the 1940 Act) whose portfolio securities consist entirely of (i) corporate debt or equity securities acceptable to the Manager or (ii) money market instruments.

The Fund has no limitation on the amount of its investments that are not readily marketable or are subject to restrictions on resale.

Risk Factors [Table Text Block]

10.	PRINCIPAL RISKS

In the normal course of business, the Funds invest in securities or other instruments and may enter into certain transactions, and such activities subject each Fund to various risks, including among others, fluctuations in the market (market risk) or failure of an issuer to meet all of its obligations. The value of securities or other instruments may also be affected by various factors, including, without limitation: (i) the general economy; (ii) the overall market as well as local, regional or global political and/or social instability; (iii) regulation, taxation or international tax treaties between various countries; or (iv) currency, interest rate and price fluctuations. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Funds and their investments.

Each Fund may invest without limitation in illiquid or less liquid investments or investments in which no secondary market is readily available or which are otherwise illiquid, including private placement securities. A Fund may not be able to readily dispose of such investments at prices that approximate those at which a Fund could sell such investments if they were more widely traded and, as a result of such illiquidity, a Fund may have to sell other investments or engage in borrowing transactions if necessary to raise funds to meet its obligations. Limited liquidity can also affect the market price of investments, thereby adversely affecting a Fund’s NAV and ability to make dividend distributions. Privately issued debt securities are often of below investment grade quality, frequently are unrated and present many of the same risks as investing in below investment grade public debt securities.

Market Risk:

Each Fund may be exposed to prepayment risk, which is the risk that borrowers may exercise their option to prepay principal earlier than scheduled during periods of declining interest rates, which would force each Fund to reinvest in lower yielding securities. Each Fund may also be exposed to reinvestment risk, which is the risk that income from each Fund’s portfolio will decline if each Fund invests the proceeds from matured, traded or called fixed-income securities at market interest rates that are below each Fund portfolio’s current earnings rate.

Infectious Illness Risk:

An outbreak of an infectious illness, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may adversely impact the economies of many nations and the global economy, and may impact individual issuers and capital markets in ways that cannot be foreseen. An infectious illness outbreak may result in, among other things, closed international borders, prolonged quarantines, supply chain disruptions, market volatility or disruptions and other significant economic, social and political impacts.

Valuation Risk:

The market values of equities, such as common stocks and preferred securities or equity related investments, such as futures and options, may decline due to general market conditions which are not specifically related to a particular company. They may also decline due to factors which affect a particular industry or industries. A Fund may invest in illiquid investments. An illiquid investment is any investment that a Fund reasonably expects cannot be sold or disposed of in current market conditions in seven calendar days or less without the sale or disposition significantly changing the market value of the investment. A Fund may experience difficulty in selling illiquid investments in a timely manner at the price that it believes the investments are worth. Prices may fluctuate widely over short or extended periods in response to company, market or economic news. Markets also tend to move in cycles, with periods of rising and falling prices. This volatility may cause each Fund’s NAV to experience significant increases or decreases over short periods of time. If there is a general decline in the securities and other markets, the NAV of a Fund may lose value, regardless of the individual results of the securities and other instruments in which a Fund invests.

The price a Fund could receive upon the sale of any particular portfolio investment may differ from a Fund’s valuation of the investment, particularly for securities that trade in thin or volatile markets or that are valued using a fair valuation technique or a price provided by an independent pricing service. Changes to significant unobservable inputs and assumptions (i.e., publicly traded company multiples, growth rate, time to exit) due to the lack of observable inputs may significantly impact the resulting fair value and therefore a Fund’s results of operations. As a result, the price received upon the sale of an investment may be less than the value ascribed by a Fund, and a Fund could realize a greater than expected loss or lesser than expected gain upon the sale of the investment. A Fund’s ability to value its investments may also be impacted by technological issues and/or errors by pricing services or other third-party service providers.

Counterparty Credit Risk:

The Funds may be exposed to counterparty credit risk, or the risk that an entity may fail to or be unable to perform on its commitments related to unsettled or open transactions, including making timely interest and/or principal payments or otherwise honoring its obligations. The Funds manage counterparty credit risk by entering into transactions only with counterparties that the Manager believes have the financial resources to honor their obligations and by monitoring the financial stability of those counterparties. Financial assets, which potentially expose the Funds to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks, consist principally of financial instruments and receivables due from counterparties. The extent of the Funds’ exposure to market, issuer and counterparty credit risks with respect to these financial assets is approximately their value recorded in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities, less any collateral held by the Funds.

A derivative contract may suffer a mark-to-market loss if the value of the contract decreases due to an unfavorable change in the market rates or values of the underlying instrument. Losses can also occur if the counterparty does not perform under the contract.

For OTC options purchased, each Fund bears the risk of loss in the amount of the premiums paid plus the positive change in market values net of any collateral held by the Funds should the counterparty fail to perform under the contracts. Options written by the Funds do not typically give rise to counterparty credit risk, as options written generally obligate the Funds, and not the counterparty, to perform. The Funds may be exposed to counterparty credit risk with respect to options written to the extent each Fund deposits collateral with its counterparty to a written option.

With exchange-traded options purchased, exchange-traded futures and centrally cleared swaps, there is less counterparty credit risk to the Funds since the exchange or clearinghouse, as counterparty to such instruments, guarantees against a possible default. The clearinghouse stands between the buyer and the seller of the contract; therefore, credit risk is limited to failure of the clearinghouse. While offset rights may exist under applicable law, a Fund does not have a contractual right of offset against a clearing broker or clearinghouse in the event of a default (including the bankruptcy or insolvency). Additionally, credit risk exists in exchange-traded futures and centrally cleared swaps with respect to initial and variation margin that is held in a clearing broker’s customer accounts. While clearing brokers are required to segregate customer margin from their own assets, in the event that a clearing broker becomes insolvent or goes into bankruptcy and at that time there is a shortfall in the aggregate amount of margin held by the clearing broker for all its clients, typically the shortfall would be allocated on a pro rata basis across all the clearing broker’s customers, potentially resulting in losses to the Funds.

Concentration Risk:

A diversified portfolio, where this is appropriate and consistent with a fund’s objectives, minimizes the risk that a price change of a particular investment will have a material impact on the NAV of a fund. The investment concentrations within each Fund’s portfolio are disclosed in its Schedule of Investments.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in high yield securities. High yield securities that are rated below investment-grade (commonly referred to as “junk bonds”) or are unrated may be deemed speculative, involve greater levels of risk than higher-rated securities of similar maturity and are more likely to default. High yield securities may be issued by less creditworthy issuers, and issuers of high yield securities may be unable to meet their interest or principal payment obligations. High yield securities are subject to extreme price fluctuations, may be less liquid than higher rated fixed-income securities, even under normal economic conditions, and frequently have redemption features.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in fixed-income securities and/or use derivatives tied to the fixed-income markets. Changes in market interest rates or economic conditions may affect the value and/or liquidity of such investments. Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of bonds and other fixed-income securities will decrease as interest rates rise and increase as interest rates fall. The Funds may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates due to the recent period of historically low interest rates. The Federal Reserve has recently begun to raise the federal funds rate as part of its efforts to address inflation. There is a risk that interest rates will continue to rise, which will likely drive down the prices of bonds and other fixed-income securities, and could negatively impact the Funds’ performance.

Certain Funds invest a significant portion of their assets in securities backed by commercial or residential mortgage loans or in issuers that hold mortgage and other asset-backed securities. When a Fund concentrates its investments in this manner, it assumes a greater risk of prepayment or payment extension by securities issuers. Changes in economic conditions, including delinquencies and/or defaults on assets underlying these securities, can affect the value, income and/or liquidity of such positions. Investment percentages in these securities are presented in the Schedules of Investments.

LIBOR Transition Risk:

The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced a phase out of the LIBOR. Although many LIBOR rates ceased to be published or no longer are representative of the underlying market they seek to measure after December 31, 2021, a selection of widely used USD LIBOR rates will continue to be published through June 2023 in order to assist with the transition. The Funds may be exposed to financial instruments tied to LIBOR to determine payment obligations, financing terms, hedging strategies or investment value. The transition process away from LIBOR might lead to increased volatility and illiquidity in markets for, and reduce the effectiveness of new hedges placed against instruments whose terms currently include LIBOR. The ultimate effect of the LIBOR transition process on the Funds is uncertain.

Risk Factors

This section contains a discussion of the general risks of investing in each Fund. The net asset value and market price of, and dividends paid on, the common shares will fluctuate with and be affected by, among other things, the risks more fully described below. As with any fund, there can be no guarantee that a Fund will meet its investment objective or that the Fund’s performance will be positive for any period of time. Each risk noted below is applicable to each Fund unless the specific Fund or Funds are noted in a parenthetical. The order of the below risk factors does not indicate the significance of any particular risk.

Investment and Market Discount Risk:

An investment in the Fund’s common shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire amount that you invest. As with any stock, the price of the Fund’s common shares will fluctuate with market conditions and other factors. If shares are sold, the price received may be more or less than the original investment. Common shares are designed for long-term investors and the Fund should not be treated as a trading vehicle. Shares of closed-end management investment companies frequently trade at a discount from their net asset value. This risk is separate and distinct from the risk that the Fund’s net asset value could decrease as a result of its investment activities. At any point in time an investment in the Fund’s common shares may be worth less than the original amount invested, even after taking into account distributions paid by the Fund. During periods in which the Fund may use leverage, the Fund’s investment, market discount and certain other risks will be magnified.

Debt Securities Risk:

Debt securities, such as bonds, involve interest rate risk, credit risk, extension risk, and prepayment risk, among other things.

•

Interest Rate Risk — The market value of bonds and other fixed-income securities changes in response to interest rate changes and other factors. Interest rate risk is the risk that prices of bonds and other fixed-income securities will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise.

The Fund may be subject to a greater risk of rising interest rates due to the recent period of historically low interest rates. For example, if interest rates increase by 1%, assuming a current portfolio duration of ten years, and all other factors being equal, the value of the Fund’s investments would be expected to decrease by 10%. (Duration is a measure of the price sensitivity of a debt security or portfolio of debt securities to relative changes in interest rates.) The magnitude of these fluctuations in the market price of bonds and other fixed-income securities is generally greater for those securities with longer maturities. Fluctuations in the market price of the Fund’s investments will not affect interest income derived from instruments already owned by the Fund, but will be reflected in the Fund’s net asset value. The Fund may lose money if short-term or long-term interest rates rise sharply in a manner not anticipated by Fund management.

To the extent the Fund invests in debt securities that may be prepaid at the option of the obligor (such as mortgage-backed securities), the sensitivity of such securities to changes in interest rates may increase (to the detriment of the Fund) when interest rates rise. Moreover, because rates on certain floating rate debt securities typically reset only periodically, changes in prevailing interest rates (and particularly sudden and significant changes) can be expected to cause some fluctuations in the net asset value of the Fund to the extent that it invests in floating rate debt securities.

These basic principles of bond prices also apply to U.S. Government securities. Asecurity backed by the “full faith and credit” of the U.S. Government is guaranteed only as to its stated interest rate and face value at maturity, not its current market price. Just like other fixed-income securities, government-guaranteed securities will fluctuate in value when interest rates change.

A general rise in interest rates has the potential to cause investors to move out of fixed-income securities on a large scale, which may increase redemptions from funds that hold large amounts of fixed-income securities. Heavy redemptions could cause the Fund to sell assets at inopportune times or at a loss or depressed value and could hurt the Fund’s performance.

•

Credit Risk — Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer of a debt security (i.e., the borrower) will not be able to make payments of interest and principal when due. Changes in an issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of an issuer’s creditworthiness may also affect the value of the Fund’s investment in that issuer. The degree of credit risk depends on both the financial condition of the issuer and the terms of the obligation.

•

Extension Risk — When interest rates rise, certain obligations will be paid off by the obligor more slowly than anticipated, causing the value of these obligations to fall.

•

Prepayment Risk — When interest rates fall, certain obligations will be paid off by the obligor more quickly than originally anticipated, and the Fund may have to invest the proceeds in securities with lower yields.

U.S. Government Obligations Risk:

Certain securities in which the Fund may invest, including securities issued by certain U.S. Government agencies and U.S. Government sponsored enterprises, are not guaranteed by the U.S. Government or supported by the full faith and credit of the United States.

U.S. Government Mortgage-Related Securities Risk (FRA, BKT and BLW):

There are a number of important differences among the agencies and instrumentalities of the U.S. Government that issue mortgage-related securities and among the securities that they issue. Mortgage-related securities guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA” or “Ginnie Mae”) are guaranteed as to the timely payment of principal and interest by GNMAand such guarantee is backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. GNMA securities also are supported by the right of GNMA to borrow funds from the U.S. Treasury to make payments under its guarantee. Mortgage-related securities issued by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac are solely the obligations of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, as the case may be, and are not backed by or entitled to the full faith and credit of the United States but are supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury.

Mortgage- and Asset-Backed Securities Risks (FRA, BKT and BLW):

Mortgage- and asset-backed securities represent interests in “pools” of mortgages or other assets, including consumer loans or receivables held in trust. Mortgage- and asset-backed securities are subject to credit, interest rate, prepayment and extension risks. These securities also are subject to risk of default on the underlying mortgage or asset, particularly during periods of economic downturn. Small movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain mortgage-backed securities.

Senior Loans Risk (DSU, FRA and BLW):

There is less readily available, reliable information about most senior loans than is the case for many other types of securities. An economic downturn generally leads to a higher non-payment rate, and a senior loan may lose significant value before a default occurs. Moreover, any specific collateral used to secure a senior loan may decline in value or become illiquid, which would adversely affect the senior loan’s value. No active trading market may exist for certain senior loans, which may impair the ability of the Fund to realize full value in the event of the need to sell a senior loan and which may make it difficult to value senior loans. Although senior loans in which the Fund will invest generally will be secured by specific collateral, there can be no assurance that liquidation of such collateral would satisfy the borrower’s obligation in the event of non-payment of scheduled interest or principal or that such collateral could be readily liquidated. To the extent that a senior loan is collateralized by stock in the borrower or its subsidiaries, such stock may lose all of its value in the event of the bankruptcy of the borrower. Uncollateralized senior loans involve a greater risk of loss.

Risks of Loan Assignments and Participations (BLW):

As the purchaser of an assignment, the Fund typically succeeds to all the rights and obligations of the assigning institution and becomes a lender under the credit agreement with respect to the debt obligation; however, the Fund may not be able unilaterally to enforce all rights and remedies under the loan and with regard to any associated collateral. Because assignments may be arranged through private negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, the rights and obligations acquired by the Fund as the purchaser of an assignment may differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning lender. In addition, if the loan is foreclosed, the Fund could become part owner of any collateral and could bear the costs and liabilities of owning and disposing of the collateral. The Fund may be required to pass along to a purchaser that buys a loan from the Fund by way of assignment a portion of any fees to which the Fund is entitled under the loan. In connection with purchasing participations, the Fund generally will have no right to enforce compliance by the borrower with the terms of the loan agreement relating to the loan, nor any rights of set-off against the borrower, and the Fund may not directly benefit from any collateral supporting the loan in which it has purchased the participation. As a result, the Fund will be subject to the credit risk of both the borrower and the lender that is selling the participation. In the event of the insolvency of the lender selling a participation, the Fund may be treated as a general creditor of the lender and may not benefit from any set-off between the lender and the borrower.

Corporate Loans Risk (DSU):

Commercial banks and other financial institutions or institutional investors make corporate loans to companies that need capital to grow or restructure. Borrowers generally pay interest on corporate loans at rates that change in response to changes in market interest rates such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or the prime rates of U.S. banks. As a result, the value of corporate loan investments is generally less exposed to the adverse effects of shifts in market interest rates than investments that pay a fixed rate of interest. The market for corporate loans may be subject to irregular trading activity and wide bid/ask spreads. In addition, transactions in corporate loans may settle on a delayed basis. As a result, the proceeds from the sale of corporate loans may not be readily available to make additional investments or to meet the Fund’s redemption obligations. To the extent the extended settlement process gives rise to short-term liquidity needs, the Fund may hold additional cash, sell investments or temporarily borrow from banks and other lenders. The corporate loans in which the Fund invests are usually rated below investment grade.

Variable and Floating Rate Instrument Risk (DSU, FRA and BLW):

Variable and floating rate securities provide for periodic adjustment in the interest rate paid on the securities. These securities may be subject to greater illiquidity risk than other fixed income securities, meaning the absence of an active market for these securities could make it difficult for the Fund to dispose of them at any given time.

Junk Bonds Risk (DSU, FRA and BLW):

Although junk bonds generally pay higher rates of interest than investment grade bonds, junk bonds are high risk investments that are considered speculative and may cause income and principal losses for the Fund.

Distressed Securities Risk (DSU and FRA):

Distressed securities are speculative and involve substantial risks in addition to the risks of investing in junk bonds. The Fund will generally not receive interest payments on the distressed securities and may incur costs to protect its investment. In addition, distressed securities involve the substantial risk that principal will not be repaid. These securities may present a substantial risk of default or may be in default at the time of investment. The Fund may incur additional expenses to the extent it is required to seek recovery upon a default in the payment of principal of or interest on its portfolio holdings. In any reorganization or liquidation proceeding relating to a portfolio company, the Fund may lose its entire investment or may be required to accept cash or securities with a value less than its original investment. Distressed securities and any securities received in an exchange for such securities may be subject to restrictions on resale.

Collateralized Bond Obligations Risk (BLW):

The pool of high yield securities underlying collateralized bond obligations is typically separated into groupings called tranches representing different degrees of credit quality. The higher quality tranches have greater degrees of protection and pay lower interest rates. The lower tranches, with greater risk, pay higher interest rates.

Collateralized Debt Obligations Risk (FRA):

In addition to the typical risks associated with fixed-income securities and asset-backed securities, collateralized debt obligations (“CDOs”), including collateralized loan obligations, carry additional risks including, but not limited to: (i) the possibility that distributions from collateral securities will not be adequate to make interest or other payments; (ii) the risk that the collateral may default or decline in value or be downgraded, if rated by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization; (iii) the Fund may invest in tranches of CDOs that are subordinate to other tranches; (iv) the structure and complexity of the transaction and the legal documents could lead to disputes among investors regarding the characterization of proceeds; (v) the investment return achieved by the Fund could be significantly different than those predicted by financial models; (vi) the lack of a readily available secondary market for CDOs; (vii) the risk of forced “fire sale” liquidation due to technical defaults such as coverage test failures; and (viii) the CDO’s manager may perform poorly.

Sovereign Debt Risk (FRA and BLW):

Sovereign debt instruments are subject to the risk that a governmental entity may delay or refuse to pay interest or repay principal on its sovereign debt, due, for example, to cash flow problems, insufficient foreign currency reserves, political considerations, the relative size of the governmental entity’s debt position in relation to the economy or the failure to put in place economic reforms required by the International Monetary Fund or other multilateral agencies.

Brady Bonds Risk (BLW):

Brady Bonds involve various risk factors described above associated with investing in non-U.S. securities, including the history of defaults with respect to commercial bank loans by public and private entities of countries issuing Brady Bonds.

Supranational Entities Risk (BLW):

The Fund may invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by the World Bank. The government members, or “stockholders,” usually make initial capital contributions to the World Bank and in many cases are committed to make additional capital contributions if the World Bank is unable to repay its borrowings. There is no guarantee that one or more stockholders of the World Bank will continue to make any necessary additional capital contributions. If such contributions are not made, the entity may be unable to pay interest or repay principal on its debt securities, and the Fund may lose money on such investments.

Yield and Ratings Risk (BKT):

The yields on debt obligations are dependent on a variety of factors, including general market conditions, conditions in the particular market for the obligation, the financial condition of the issuer, the size of the offering, the maturity of the obligation and the ratings of the issue. The ratings of Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, represent their respective opinions as to the quality of the obligations they undertake to rate. Ratings, however, are general and are not absolute standards of quality. Consequently, obligations with the same rating, maturity and interest rate may have different market prices. Subsequent to its purchase by the Fund, a rated security may cease to be rated. The Manager will consider such an event in determining whether the Fund should continue to hold the security.

Repurchase Agreements and Purchase and Sale Contracts Risk (BKT):

If the other party to a repurchase agreement or purchase and sale contract defaults on its obligation under the agreement, the Fund may suffer delays and incur costs or lose money in exercising its rights under the agreement. If the seller fails to repurchase the security in either situation and the market value of the security declines, the Fund may lose money.

Foreign Securities Risk (DSU, FRA and BLW):

Foreign investments often involve special risks not present in U.S. investments that can increase the chances that the Fund will lose money. These risks include:

•

The Fund generally holds its foreign securities and cash in foreign banks and securities depositories, which may be recently organized or new to the foreign custody business and may be subject to only limited or no regulatory oversight.

•

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates can affect the value of the Fund’s portfolio.

•

The economies of certain foreign markets may not compare favorably with the economy of the United States with respect to such issues as growth of gross national product, reinvestment of capital, resources and balance of payments position.

•

The governments of certain countries, or the U.S. Government with respect to certain countries, may prohibit or impose substantial restrictions through capital controls and/or sanctions on foreign investments in the capital markets or certain industries in those countries, which may prohibit or restrict the ability to own or transfer currency, securities, derivatives or other assets.

•

Many foreign governments do not supervise and regulate stock exchanges, brokers and the sale of securities to the same extent as does the United States and may not have laws to protect investors that are comparable to U.S. securities laws.

•

Settlement and clearance procedures in certain foreign markets may result in delays in payment for or delivery of securities not typically associated with settlement and clearance of U.S. investments.

•

The Fund’s claims to recover foreign withholding taxes may not be successful, and if the likelihood of recovery of foreign withholding taxes materially decreases, due to, for example, a change in tax regulation or approach in the foreign country, accruals in the Fund’s net asset value for such refunds may be written down partially or in full, which will adversely affect the Fund’s net asset value.

•

The European financial markets have recently experienced volatility and adverse trends due to concerns about economic downturns in, or rising government debt levels of, several European countries as well as acts of war in the region. These events may spread to other countries in Europe and may affect the value and liquidity of certain of the Fund’s investments.

Emerging Markets Risk (FRA and BLW):

Emerging markets are riskier than more developed markets because they tend to develop unevenly and may never fully develop. Investments in emerging markets may be considered speculative. Emerging markets are more likely to experience hyperinflation and currency devaluations, which adversely affect returns to U.S. investors. In addition, many emerging securities markets have far lower trading volumes and less liquidity than developed markets.

Equity Securities Risk (DSU, FRA and BLW):

Stock markets are volatile. The price of equity securities fluctuates based on changes in a company’s financial condition and overall market and economic conditions.

Preferred Securities Risk (DSU, FRA and BLW):

Preferred securities may pay fixed or adjustable rates of return. Preferred securities are subject to issuer-specific and market risks applicable generally to equity securities. In addition, a company’s preferred securities generally pay dividends only after the company makes required payments to holders of its bonds and other debt. For this reason, the value of preferred securities will usually react more strongly than bonds and other debt to actual or perceived changes in the company’s financial condition or prospects. Preferred securities of smaller companies may be more vulnerable to adverse developments than preferred securities of larger companies.

Convertible Securities Risk (DSU and FRA):

The market value of a convertible security performs like that of a regular debt security; that is, if market interest rates rise, the value of a convertible security usually falls. In addition, convertible securities are subject to the risk that the issuer will not be able to pay interest or dividends when due, and

their market value may change based on changes in the issuer’s credit rating or the market’s perception of the issuer’s creditworthiness. Since it derives a portion of its value from the common stock into which it may be converted, a convertible security is also subject to the same types of market and issuer risks that apply to the underlying common stock.

Warrants Risk (DSU and FRA):

If the price of the underlying stock does not rise above the exercise price before the warrant expires, the warrant generally expires without any value and the Fund will lose any amount it paid for the warrant. Thus, investments in warrants may involve substantially more risk than investments in common stock. Warrants may trade in the same markets as their underlying stock; however, the price of the warrant does not necessarily move with the price of the underlying stock.

Real Estate-Related Securities Risk (BLW):

The main risk of real estate-related securities is that the value of the underlying real estate may go down. Many factors may affect real estate values. These factors include both the general and local economies, vacancy rates, tenant bankruptcies, the ability to re-lease space under expiring leases on attractive terms, the amount of new construction in a particular area, the laws and regulations (including zoning, environmental and tax laws) affecting real estate and the costs of owning, maintaining and improving real estate. The availability of mortgage financing and changes in interest rates may also affect real estate values. If the Fund’s real estate-related investments are concentrated in one geographic area or in one property type, the Fund will be particularly subject to the risks associated with that area or property type. Many issuers of real estate-related securities are highly leveraged, which increases the risk to holders of such securities. The value of the securities the Fund buys will not necessarily track the value of the underlying investments of the issuers of such securities.

REIT Investment Risk (BLW):

Investments in REITs involve unique risks. REITs may have limited financial resources, may trade less frequently and in limited volume, may engage in dilutive offerings of securities and may be more volatile than other securities. REIT issuers may also fail to maintain their exemptions from investment company registration or fail to qualify for the “dividends paid deduction” under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, which allows REITs to reduce their corporate taxable income for dividends paid to their shareholders.

Derivatives Risk:

The Fund’s use of derivatives may increase its costs, reduce the Fund’s returns and/or increase volatility. Derivatives involve significant risks, including:

•

Leverage Risk — The Fund’s use of derivatives can magnify the Fund’s gains and losses. Relatively small market movements may result in large changes in the value of a derivatives position and can result in losses that greatly exceed the amount originally invested.

•

Market Risk — Some derivatives are more sensitive to interest rate changes and market price fluctuations than other securities. The Fund could also suffer losses related to its derivatives positions as a result of unanticipated market movements, which losses are potentially unlimited. Finally, the Manager may not be able to predict correctly the direction of securities prices, interest rates and other economic factors, which could cause the Fund’s derivatives positions to lose value.

•

Counterparty Risk — Derivatives are also subject to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party in the transaction will be unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligation, and the related risks of having concentrated exposure to such a counterparty.

•

Illiquidity Risk — The possible lack of a liquid secondary market for derivatives and the resulting inability of the Fund to sell or otherwise close a derivatives position could expose the Fund to losses and could make derivatives more difficult for the Fund to value accurately.

•

Operational Risk — The use of derivatives includes the risk of potential operational issues, including documentation issues, settlement issues, systems failures, inadequate controls and human error.

•

Legal Risk — The risk of insufficient documentation, insufficient capacity or authority of counterparty, or legality or enforceability of a contract.

•

Volatility and Correlation Risk — Volatility is defined as the characteristic of a security, an index or a market to fluctuate significantly in price within a short time period. A risk of the Fund’s use of derivatives is that the fluctuations in their values may not correlate with the overall securities markets.

•

Valuation Risk — Valuation for derivatives may not be readily available in the market. Valuation may be more difficult in times of market turmoil since many investors and market makers may be reluctant to purchase complex instruments or quote prices for them.

•

Hedging Risk — Hedges are sometimes subject to imperfect matching between the derivative and the underlying security, and there can be no assurance that the Fund’s hedging transactions will be effective. The use of hedging may result in certain adverse tax consequences.

•

Tax Risk — Certain aspects of the tax treatment of derivative instruments, including swap agreements and commodity-linked derivative instruments, are currently unclear and may be affected by changes in legislation, regulations or other legally binding authority. Such treatment may be less favorable than that given to a direct investment in an underlying asset and may adversely affect the timing, character and amount of income the Fund realizes from its investments.

•

Regulatory Risk — Derivative contracts are subject to regulation under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) in the United States and under comparable regimes in Europe, Asia and other non-U.S. jurisdictions. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, with respect to uncleared swaps, swap dealers are required to collect variation margin from the Fund and may be required by applicable regulations to collect initial margin from the Fund. Both initial and variation margin may be comprised of cash and/or securities, subject to applicable regulatory haircuts. Shares of investment companies (other than certain money market funds) may not be posted as collateral under applicable regulations. In addition, regulations adopted by global prudential regulators that are now in effect require certain bank-regulated counterparties and certain of their affiliates to include in certain financial contracts, including many derivatives contracts, terms that delay or restrict the rights of counterparties, such as the Fund, to terminate such contracts, foreclose upon collateral, exercise other default rights or restrict transfers of credit support in the event that the counterparty and/or its affiliates are subject to certain types of resolution or insolvency proceedings. The implementation of these requirements with respect to derivatives, as well as regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act regarding clearing, mandatory trading and margining of other derivatives, may increase the costs and risks to the Fund of trading in these instruments and, as a result, may affect returns to investors in the Fund.

Structured Notes Risk (FRA):

Structured notes and other related instruments purchased by the Fund are generally privately negotiated debt obligations where the principal and/or interest is determined by reference to the performance of a specific asset, benchmark asset, market or interest rate (“reference measure”). The purchase of structured notes exposes the Fund to the credit risk of the issuer of the structured product. Structured notes may be leveraged, increasing the volatility of each structured note’s value relative to the change in the reference measure. Structured notes may also be less liquid and more difficult to price accurately than less complex securities and instruments or more traditional debt securities.

Leverage Risk:

The Fund’s use of leverage may increase or decrease from time to time in its discretion and the Fund may, in the future, determine not to use leverage.

The use of leverage creates an opportunity for increased common share net investment income dividends, but also creates risks for the holders of common shares. The Fund cannot assure you that the use of leverage will result in a higher yield on the common shares. Any leveraging strategy the Fund employs may not be successful.

Leverage involves risks and special considerations for common shareholders, including:

•

the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value, market price and dividend rate of the common shares than a comparable portfolio without leverage;

•

the risk that fluctuations in interest rates or dividend rates on any leverage that the Fund must pay will reduce the return to the common shareholders;

•

the effect of leverage in a declining market, which is likely to cause a greater decline in the net asset value of the common shares than if the Fund were not leveraged, which may result in a greater decline in the market price of the common shares;

•

leverage may increase operating costs, which may reduce total return.

Any decline in the net asset value of the Fund’s investments will be borne entirely by the holders of common shares. Therefore, if the market value of the Fund’s portfolio declines, leverage will result in a greater decrease in net asset value to the holders of common shares 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 shares.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements Risk:

Reverse repurchase agreements involve the sale of securities held by the Fund with an agreement to repurchase the securities at an agreed-upon price, date and interest payment. Reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the other party may fail to return the securities in a timely manner or at all. The Fund could lose money if it is unable to recover the securities and the value of the collateral held by the Fund, including the value of the investments made with cash collateral, is less than the value of the securities. These events could also trigger adverse tax consequences for the Fund. In addition, reverse repurchase agreements involve the risk that the interest income earned in the investment of the proceeds will be less than the interest expense.

Dollar Rolls Risk (BLW):

Dollar rolls involve the risk that the market value of the securities that the Fund is committed to buy may decline below the price of the securities the Fund has sold. These transactions may involve leverage.

Short Sales Risk (DSU):

Because making short sales in securities that it does not own exposes the Fund to the risks associated with those securities, such short sales involve speculative exposure risk. The Fund will incur a loss as a result of a short sale if the price of the security increases between the date of the short sale and the date on which the Fund replaces the security sold short.

Illiquid Investments Risk:

The Fund may invest without limitation in illiquid or less liquid investments or investments in which no secondary market is readily available or which are otherwise illiquid, including private placement securities. The Fund may not be able to readily dispose of such investments at prices that approximate those at which the Fund could sell such investments if they were more widely traded and, as a result of such illiquidity, the Fund may have to sell other investments or engage in borrowing transactions if necessary to raise cash to meet its obligations. Limited liquidity can also affect the market price of investments, thereby adversely affecting the Fund’s net asset value and ability to make dividend distributions. The financial markets in general, and certain segments of the mortgage-related securities markets in particular, have in recent years experienced periods of extreme secondary market supply and demand imbalance, resulting in a loss of liquidity during which market prices were suddenly and substantially below traditional measures of intrinsic value. During such periods, some investments could be sold only at arbitrary prices and with substantial losses. Periods of such market dislocation may occur again at any time. Privately issued debt securities are often of below investment grade quality, frequently are unrated and present many of the same risks as investing in below investment grade public debt securities.

Investment Companies and ETFs Risk (DSU and BLW):

Subject to the limitations set forth in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules thereunder, the Fund may acquire shares in other investment companies and in exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”), some of which may be affiliated investment companies. The market value of the shares of other investment companies and ETFs may differ from their net asset value. As an investor in investment companies and ETFs, the Fund would bear its ratable share of that entity’s expenses, including its investment advisory and administration fees, while continuing to pay its own advisory and administration fees and other expenses (to the extent not offset by the Manager through waivers). As a result, shareholders will be absorbing duplicate levels of fees with respect to investments in other investment companies and ETFs (to the extent not offset by the Manager through waivers).

The securities of other investment companies and ETFs in which the Fund may invest may be leveraged. As a result, the Fund may be indirectly exposed to leverage through an investment in such securities. An investment in securities of other investment companies and ETFs that use leverage may expose the Fund to higher volatility in the market value of such securities and the possibility that the Fund’s long-term returns on such securities (and, indirectly, the long-term returns of shares of the Fund) will be diminished.

As with other investments, investments in other investment companies, including ETFs, are subject to market and selection risk. To the extent the Fund is held by an affiliated fund, the ability of the Fund itself to hold other investment companies may be limited.

Market Risk and Selection Risk:

Market risk is the risk that one or more markets in which the Fund invests will go down in value, including the possibility that the markets will go down sharply and unpredictably. The value of a security or other asset may decline due to changes in general market conditions, economic trends or events that are not

specifically related to the issuer of the security or other asset, or factors that affect a particular issuer or issuers, exchange, country, group of countries, region, market, industry, group of industries, sector or asset class. Local, regional or global events such as war, acts of terrorism, the spread of infectious illness or other public health issues like pandemics or epidemics, recessions, or other events could have a significant impact on the Fund and its investments. Selection risk is the risk that the securities selected by Fund management will underperform the markets, the relevant indices or the securities selected by other funds with similar investment objectives and investment strategies. This means you may lose money.

An outbreak of an infectious coronavirus (COVID-19) that was first developed into a global pandemic that has resulted in numerous disruptions in the market and has had significant economic impact leaving general concern and uncertainty. Although vaccines have been developed and approved for use by various governments, the duration of the pandemic and its effects cannot be predicted with certainty. The impact of this coronavirus, and other epidemics and pandemics that may arise in the future, could affect the economies of many nations, individual companies and the market in general ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the present time.

Effects of Leverage [Text Block]

Leverage:

The Fund currently utilizes leverage for investment purposes in the form of a bank credit facility. The Fund generally will not utilize leverage if it anticipates that the Fund’s leveraged capital structure would result in a lower return to common stockholders than that obtainable if the common stock were unleveraged for any significant amount of time. At times, the Fund could utilize leverage through borrowings, including the issuance of short term debt securities, the issuance of shares of preferred stock or a combination thereof. The Fund also has the ability to utilize leverage through the issuance of shares of preferred stock. The Fund may also utilize leverage through the use of reverse repurchase agreements.

The Fund may also borrow money as a temporary measure for extraordinary or emergency purposes, including the payment of dividends and the settlement of securities transactions which may otherwise require untimely dispositions of Fund securities. The Fund at times may borrow from affiliates of the Manager, provided that the terms of such borrowings are no less favorable than those available from comparable sources of funds in the marketplace.

There can be no assurance that the Fund will borrow in order to leverage its assets or, if it does, what percentage of the Fund’s assets such borrowings will represent. The Fund does not currently anticipate issuing any preferred stock.

Share Price [Table Text Block]

Share Price Data

The following tables summarize each Fund’s highest and lowest daily closing market prices on the NYSE per common share, the NAV per common share, and the premium to or discount from NAV, on the date of each of the high and low market prices. The trading volume indicates the number of common shares traded on the NYSE during the respective quarters.


	NYSE Market Price Per Common Share				NAV per Common Share on Date of Market Price				Premium/ (Discount) on Date of Market Price


DSU — During Quarter Ended	High		Low		High		Low		High			Low			Trading Volume

December 31, 2022		$ 9.77		$ 8.80		$ 10.48		$ 10.24		(6.77	)%		(14.06	)%		9,860,686
September 30, 2022		10.15		8.83		10.84		10.27		(6.37	)		(14.02	)		6,897,776
June 30, 2022		10.52		8.59		11.34		10.40		(7.23	)		(17.40	)		11,465,492
March 31, 2022		11.75		10.06		11.57		11.20		1.56			(10.18	)		11,354,361
December 31, 2021		12.14		11.47		11.61		11.69		4.57			(1.88	)		7,344,194
September 30, 2021		11.73		10.93		11.68		11.65		0.43			(6.18	)		9,105,172
June 30, 2021		11.53		10.86		11.71		11.61		(1.54	)		(6.46	)		6,975,149
March 31, 2021		11.00		10.37		11.64		11.62		(5.50	)		(10.76	)		10,570,729

As of December 31, 2022, DSU’s market price, NAV per Common Share, and premium/(discount) to NAV per Common Share were $9.20, $10.44, and (11.88)%, respectively.

Common shares of each Fund have historically traded at both a premium and

discount

to NAV.

Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to their NAV. Because of this possibility and the recognition that any such discount may not be in the interest of shareholders, the Board might consider from time to time engaging in open-market repurchases, managed distribution plans, or other programs intended to reduce the discount. We cannot guarantee or assure, however, that the Board will decide to engage in any of these actions. Nor is there any guarantee or assurance that such actions, if undertaken, would result in the shares trading at a price equal or close to the NAV.

Capital Stock, Long-Term Debt, and Other Securities [Abstract]

Capital Stock [Table Text Block]

11.	CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS

DSU is authorized to issue 400 million shares, all of which were initially classified as Common Shares. FRA and BKT are authorized to issue 200 million shares, all of which were initially classified as Common Shares. BLW is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares, all of which were initially classified as Common Shares. The par value for DSU’s, FRA’s, BKT’s and BLW’s shares is $0.10, $0.10, $0.010 and $0.001, respectively. The Board for DSU, FRA and BLW are each authorized, however, to reclassify any unissued Common Shares to Preferred Shares without the approval of Common Shareholders.

The Board authorized a 1-for-3 reverse stock split for BKT, effective after the close of trading on October 17, 2022, for the shareholders of record on October 17, 2022. The impact of the reverse stock split was a decrease in the number of shares outstanding by a factor of three, while increasing the NAV per share by a factor of three, resulting in no effect on the net assets of BKT. The financial statements for BKT have been adjusted to reflect the reverse stock split.

Common Shares

For the periods shown, shares issued and outstanding increased by the following amounts as a result of dividend reinvestment:




	Year Ended


Fund Name	12/31/22		12/31/21


DSU		3,721		14,784
BKT (a)		3,887		34,687
BLW		—		49,148

(a)

Share transactions reflect 1-for-3 reverse stock split effective after the close of trading on October 17, 2022.

The Funds participate in an open market share repurchase program (the “Repurchase Program”). From December 1, 2021 through November 30, 2022, each Fund may repurchase up to 5% of its outstanding common shares under the Repurchase Program, based on common shares outstanding as of the close of business on November 30, 2021, subject to certain conditions. From December 1, 2022 through November 30, 2023, each Fund may repurchase up to 5% of its outstanding common shares under the Repurchase Program, based on common shares outstanding as of the close of business on November 30, 2022, subject to certain conditions. The Repurchase Program has an accretive effect as shares are purchased at a discount to the Fund’s NAV. There is no assurance that the Funds will purchase shares in any particular amounts. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Funds did not repurchase any shares.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, shares issued and outstanding decreased by 102,939 as a result of share repurchase for FRA.

DSU filed a registration statement with the SEC seeking the ability to issue additional Common Shares through a Shelf Offering, which was declared effective on December 28, 2022. DSU may not sell any Common Shares in the Shelf Offering until a definitive prospectus relating to the Shelf Offering has been filed with the SEC. Under the Shelf Offering, DSU subject to market conditions, may raise additional equity capital from time to time in varying amounts and utilizing various offering methods at a net price at or above DSU’s NAV per Common Share (calculated within 48 hours of pricing). See Additional Information - Shelf Offering Program for additional information.

BKT and BLW have filed a prospectus with the SEC allowing them to issue an additional 8,333,333 and 10,000,000 Common Shares, respectively, through an equity Shelf Offering. Under the Shelf Offering, BKT and BLW, subject to market conditions, may raise additional equity capital from time to time in varying amounts and utilizing various offering methods at a net price at or above each Fund’s NAV per Common Share (calculated within 48 hours of pricing). As of period end, 8,333,333 and 10,000,000 Common Shares, respectively, remain available for issuance under the Shelf Offering. For the year ended December 31, 2022, Common Shares issued and outstanding under the Shelf Offering remained constant for BKT and BLW. See Additional Information - Shelf Offering Program for additional information.

Initial costs incurred by DSU, BKT and BLW in connection with their Shelf Offerings are recorded as “Deferred offering costs” in the Statements of Assets and Liabilities. As shares are sold, a portion of the costs attributable to the shares sold will be charged against paid-in-capital. Any remaining deferred charges at the end of the Shelf Offering period will be charged to expense.