As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 8, 2021
1933 Act File No. 333-232062
1940 Act File No. 811-21846
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-2
(Check appropriate box or boxes)
[X] REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES
ACT OF 1933
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[X]
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Pre-Effective Amendment No.2
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[ ]
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Post-Effective Amendment No.
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and
[X] REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT
COMPANY ACT OF 1940
Clough Global Opportunities Fund
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
1290 Broadway, Suite 1000
Denver, Colorado 80203
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code)
(303) 623-2577
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area
Code
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Clifford J. Alexander, Esq.
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Sareena Khwaja-Dixon
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K&L Gates LLP
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ALPS Fund Services, Inc.
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1601 K Street, NW
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1290 Broadway, Suite 1000
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Washington, DC 20006
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Denver, CO 80203
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(202) 778-9068
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(303) 623-2577
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Name and Address of Agent for Service
(Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code)
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable
after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
[ ] Check box if the only securities being registered on this Form
are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans.
[X] Check box if any securities being registered on this Form will
be offered on a delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 (“Securities Act”),
other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment plan.
[X] Check box if this Form is a registration statement pursuant
to General Instruction A.2 or a post-effective amendment thereto.
[ ] Check box if this Form is a registration statement pursuant
to General Instruction B or a post-effective amendment thereto that will become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant
to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act.
[ ] Check box if this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration
statement filed pursuant to General Instruction B to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant
to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act.
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check
appropriate box)
[ ] when declared effective pursuant to Section 8(c) of the Securities
Act
The following boxes should only be included and completed if
the registrant is making this filing in accordance with Rule 486 under the Securities Act.
[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)
[ ] on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)
If appropriate, check the following box:
[ ] This [post-effective] amendment designates a new effective date
for a previously filed [post-effective amendment] [registration statement].
[ ] 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 statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering is: .
[ ] This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule
462(c) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering is: .
[ ] This Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule
462(d) under the Securities Act, and the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering is:___._
Check each box that appropriately characterizes the Registrant:
[X] Registered Closed-End Fund (closed-end company that is registered
under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (“Investment Company Act”)).
[ ] Business Development Company (closed-end company that intends
or has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act).
[ ] Interval Fund (Registered Closed-End Fund or a Business Development
Company that makes periodic repurchase offers under Rule 23c-3 under the Investment Company Act).
[X] A.2 Qualified (qualified to register securities pursuant to
General Instruction A.2 of this Form).
[ ] Well-Known Seasoned Issuer (as defined by Rule 405 under the
Securities Act).
[ ] Emerging Growth Company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”).
[ ] If an Emerging Growth Company, indicate by check mark if the
registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards
provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act.
[ ] New Registrant (registered or regulated under the Investment
Company Act for less than 12 calendar months preceding this filing).
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
Title of Securities Being Registered
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Amount Being Registered
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Amount of Registration
Fee
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Common Shares, no par value(2)
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[ ]
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[ ]
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Preferred Shares, no par value(2)
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[ ]
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[ ]
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Subscription Rights for Common Shares(2)
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[ ]
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[ ]
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Subscription Rights for Preferred Shares(2)
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[ ]
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[ ]
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Subscription Rights for Common Shares and Preferred Shares(2)
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[ ]
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[ ]
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Total
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$60,259,646.70
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$7,182.27
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(1)
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Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(o) 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.
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(2)
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There is being registered hereunder an indeterminate principal amount of common or preferred shares, or subscription
rights to purchase common shares, preferred shares or common and preferred shares as may be sold, from time to time. In no event
will the aggregate offering price of all securities issued from time to time pursuant to this registration statement exceed $[
].
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The information
in this prospectus 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 it
is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT
TO COMPLETION
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS DATED MARCH 8,
2021
Clough Global Opportunities Fund
$[ ]
Common
Shares
Preferred
Shares
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Common Shares
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Preferred Shares
Subscription
Rights to Purchase Common and Preferred Shares
Important Note: Beginning
on January 1, 2021, as permitted by regulations adopted by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, paper copies of the Fund’s
annual and semi-annual shareholder reports will no longer be sent by mail, unless you specifically request paper copies of the
reports. Instead, the reports will be made available on the Fund’s website at www.cloughglobal.com, and you will be notified
by mail each time a report is posted and provided with a website link to access the report.
Investment
Objective. Clough Global Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment
company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “1940 Act”). The Fund’s investment
objective is to provide a high level of total return. The Fund seeks to pursue this objective by applying a fundamental research-driven
investment process and will invest in equity securities of companies of any market capitalization and equity-related securities,
including equity swaps and call options, as well as fixed income securities, including both corporate and sovereign debt in both
U.S. and non-U.S. markets. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
The Fund invests primarily in a
managed mix of U.S. and non-U.S. equity and debt securities. The Fund is flexibly managed so that, depending on the
Fund’s investment adviser’s outlook, it sometimes will be more heavily invested in equity securities or in debt
or fixed income securities. Under normal circumstances, in addition to the U.S., the Fund expects to invest in securities of
at least three countries. The Fund will also, in certain situations, augment its investment positions by purchasing call
options, both on specific equity securities, as well as securities representing exposure to equity sectors or indices and
fixed income indices, including options on indices and exchange traded funds (“ETFs”). Investments in non-U.S.
markets will be made primarily through liquid securities, including depositary receipts (which evidence ownership of
underlying foreign securities) such as American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), European Depositary Receipts
(“EDRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), as well as through ETFs and in stocks traded on
non-U.S. exchanges. Investments in debt may include both investment grade and non-investment grade issues. Investments in
corporate debt may include bonds issued by companies in countries considered emerging markets. Investments in sovereign debt
may include bonds issued by countries considered emerging markets. The Fund will not invest more than 33% of its total
assets, at the time of acquisition, in securities (including equity and fixed income securities) of governments and companies
in emerging markets. The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in real estate investment trusts, or
“REITs”, but the Fund does not expect that portion to be significant.
The Fund will place a high priority on capital preservation,
and should the Fund’s investment adviser believe that extraordinary conditions affecting global financial markets warrant,
the Fund may temporarily be primarily invested in money market securities or money market mutual funds. When the Fund is invested
in these instruments for temporary or defensive purposes, it may not achieve its investment objective. The Fund may use a variety
of investment techniques designed to capitalize on declines in the market price of equity securities or declines in market indices
(e.g., the Fund may establish short positions in specific stocks or stock indices) based on the Fund’s investment adviser’s
investment outlook. Subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
the Fund will not make a short sale if, after giving effect to such sale, the market value of all securities sold short by the
Fund exceeds 30% of the value of its total assets. No assurances can be given that the Fund’s investment objective will be
achieved.
The Fund was organized as a Delaware statutory
trust on January 12, 2006, and commenced its investment operations on April 25, 2006. An investment in the Fund is not appropriate
for all investors.
The Fund may offer, from time to time,
in one or more offerings, its common and/or preferred shares, each with a par value $0.001 per share (together, “shares”),
and/or its subscription rights to purchase its common and/or preferred shares, which are referred to collectively as the “securities.”
Securities may be offered at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this prospectus (this “Prospectus,”
and each supplement thereto, a “Prospectus Supplement”). You should read this Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus
Supplement carefully before you invest in the Fund’s securities.
The Fund’s securities 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 the Fund’s
securities, and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Fund and the
Fund’s agents or underwriters, or among its underwriters, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. The Prospectus
Supplement relating to any sale of preferred shares will set forth the liquidation preference and information about the dividend
period, dividend rate, any call protection or non-call period and other matters. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any sale
of notes will set forth the principal amount, interest rate, interest payment dates, maturities, prepayment protection (if any)
and other matters. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any offering of subscription rights will set forth the number of common
and/or preferred shares issuable upon the exercise of each right and the other terms of such rights offering. The Fund may offer
subscription rights for common shares, preferred shares or common and preferred shares. The Fund may not sell any of its securities
through agents, underwriters or dealers without delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms of the particular
offering of the Fund’s securities.
The Fund’s common shares are listed
on the NYSE American LLC (the “NYSE American”) under the symbol “GLO”. On March 5, 2021, the last reported
sale price of the Fund common shares was $12.15. The net asset value of the Fund’s common shares at the close of business on
March 5, 2021, was $13.41 per share.
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.
Investing in the Fund’s
securities involves risks. See “Risk Factors and Special Considerations” beginning on page 35, “Risk
Factors and Special Considerations—Special Risks to Holders of Common Shares” beginning on page 43, and
“Risk Factors and Special Considerations—Special Risks to Holders of Preferred Shares” beginning
on page 46, for factors that should be considered before investing in securities of the Fund, including risks related to a
leveraged capital structure.
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.
This Prospectus may not be used to consummate
sales of securities by us through agents, underwriters or dealers unless accompanied by a Prospectus Supplement.
This Prospectus, together with an applicable
Prospectus Supplement, sets forth concisely the information about the Fund that a prospective investor should know before investing.
You should read this Prospectus, together with an applicable Prospectus Supplement, which contains important information about
the Fund, before deciding whether to invest in the securities, and retain it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information,
dated [ ], 2021, containing additional information about the Fund, has been filed with the SEC and is incorporated by reference
in its entirety into this Prospectus. You may request a free copy of the Fund’s annual and semiannual reports, request a
free copy of the Statement of Additional Information, or request
other information about us and make shareholder inquiries by calling (877) 256-8445 (toll-free) or by writing to ALPS Fund Services,
Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203, or obtain a copy of such documents (and other information regarding the
Fund) from the Fund’s website (www.cloughglobal.com/closed-end-funds/overview/glv) or the SEC’s web site (http://www.sec.gov).
The Fund’s annual and semiannual reports are also available on the Fund’s website (www.cloughglobal.com). The Statement
of Additional Information is only updated in connection with an offering and is therefore not available on the Fund’s website.
The Fund’s securities 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.
You should rely only on the information
contained or incorporated by reference in this Prospectus and any applicable Prospectus Supplement. The references in this prospectus
to the SEC’s website are not intended to and do not include or incorporate by reference into this prospectus the information
on that website. Similarly, references to the Fund’s website are not intended to and do not include or incorporate by reference
into this prospectus the information on that website. 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 and any applicable Prospectus Supplement is accurate as of any date other
than the date of this Prospectus or the date of the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
Table of Contents
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Page
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Prospectus Summary
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1
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Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
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14
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Summary of Fund Expenses
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15
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The Offer
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28
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Use of Proceeds
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17
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The Fund
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17
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Investment Objective and Policies
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17
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Use of Leverage
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33
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Risk Factors and Special Considerations
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35
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Management of the Fund
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46
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Net Asset Value
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48
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Distributions
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49
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Dividend Reinvestment Plan
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50
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Federal Income Tax Matters
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51
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Description of Capital Structure
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53
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Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Declaration of Trust
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65
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Conversion to Open-End Fund
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66
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Custodian and Transfer Agent
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66
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Legal Matters
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66
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Reports to Shareholders
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66
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Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
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67
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Additional Information
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67
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Incorporation of Reference
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67
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The Fund’s Privacy Policy
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68
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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference
to the more detailed information appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. This summary does not contain all of the information that
you should consider before investing in the Fund. You should review the more detailed information contained in this Prospectus,
the applicable Prospectus Supplement and in the Statement of Additional Information dated [ ],2021, especially the information
set forth under the heading “Risk Factors and Special Considerations.”
The Fund
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Clough Global Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”) is a diversified, closed-end management investment company. The Fund’s outstanding common shares are listed on the NYSE American LLC (the “NYSE American”) under the symbol “GLO”. As of March 5, 2021, the net assets of the Fund were $432,138,699. As of March 5, 2021, the Fund had outstanding 32,224,411.60 common shares. The Fund has no other outstanding securities. See “The Fund.”
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The Offering
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The Fund may offer, from time to time, in one or more offerings,
its common and/or preferred shares, $0.001 par value per share, or the Fund’s subscription rights to purchase its common
or preferred shares or both, which are referred to collectively as the “securities.” The securities may be offered
at prices and on terms to be set forth in one or more supplements to this Prospectus (each a “Prospectus Supplement”).
The offering price per common share of the Fund will not be less than the net asset value per common share at the time the Fund
makes the offering, exclusive of any underwriting commissions or discounts; however, transferable rights offerings that meet certain
conditions may be offered at a price below the then current net asset value per common share of the Fund. You should read this
Prospectus and the applicable Prospectus Supplement carefully before you invest in the Fund’s securities.
The Fund’s securities may be offered directly
to one or more purchasers, through agents designated from time to time by us, or through underwriters or dealers. The Prospectus
Supplement relating to the offering will identify any agents, underwriters or dealers involved in the sale of the Fund’s
securities, and will set forth any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangement between the Fund and the
Fund’s agents or underwriters, or among its underwriters, or the basis upon which such amount may be calculated. The Prospectus
Supplement relating to any sale of preferred shares will set forth the liquidation preference and information about the dividend
period, dividend rate, any call protection or non-call period and other matters. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any sale
of notes will set forth the principal amount, interest rate, interest payment dates, maturities, prepayment protection (if any),
and other matters. The Prospectus Supplement relating to any offering of subscription rights will set forth the number of common
and/or preferred shares issuable upon the exercise of each right and the other terms of such rights offering.
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While the aggregate number and amount of securities the Fund
may issue pursuant to this registration statement is limited to $419.155 million of securities, the Board of Trustees (the “Board”
and each member of the Board individually a “Trustee”) may, without any action by the shareholders, amend the Declaration
of Trust from time to time to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares or the number of shares of any class or series
that the Fund has authority to issue. The Fund may not sell any of its securities through agents, underwriters or dealers without
delivery of a Prospectus Supplement describing the method and terms of the particular offering.
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Use of Proceeds
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The Fund will use the net proceeds from the offering to purchase portfolio securities in accordance with its Investment Objectives and Policies. Clough anticipates that the investment of the proceeds will be made as appropriate investment opportunities are identified, which is expected to substantially be completed within one month; however, changes in market conditions could result in the Fund’s anticipated investment period extending to as long as six months. This could occur because market conditions could result in Clough delaying the investment of proceeds if it believes the margin of risk in making additional investments is not favorable in light investment strategy. See “Investment Objective and Policies”. Depending on market conditions and operations, a portion of the proceeds to be identified in any relevant Prospectus Supplement may be used to pay distributions in accordance with the Fund’s distribution policy. See “Use of Proceeds”.
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Investment Objective and Policies
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The Fund’s investment objective is to provide a high level of total return. The Fund seeks to pursue this objective by applying a fundamental research-driven investment process and will invest in equity securities of companies of any market capitalization and equity-related securities, including equity swaps and call options, as well as fixed income securities, including both corporate and sovereign debt, in both U.S. and non-U.S. markets. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
The Fund invests
primarily in a managed mix of U.S. and non-U.S. equity and debt securities. The Fund is flexibly managed so that, depending
on the Fund’s investment adviser’s outlook, it sometimes will be more heavily invested in equity securities or in
debt or fixed income securities. Under normal circumstances in addition to the U.S., the Fund expects to invest in securities of
at least three countries. The Fund will also, in certain situations, augment its investment positions by purchasing call
options, both on specific equity securities, as well as securities representing exposure to equity sectors or indices and
fixed income indices, including options on indices and exchange traded funds (“ETFs”). Investments in non-U.S.
markets will be made primarily through liquid securities, including depositary receipts (which evidence ownership of
underlying foreign securities) such as American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”), European Depositary Receipts
(“EDRs”) and Global Depositary Receipts (“GDRs”), as well as through ETFs and in stocks traded on
non-U.S. exchanges. Investment in debt may include both investment grade and non-investment grade issues. Investments in
corporate debt may include bonds issued by companies in countries considered emerging markets. Investments in sovereign debt
may also include bonds issued by countries considered emerging markets. The Fund will not invest more than 33% of its total
assets, at the time of acquisition, in securities (including equity and fixed income securities) of governments and companies
in emerging markets. The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in real estate investment trusts, or
“REITs”, but the Fund does not expect that portion to be significant.
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The Fund will place a high priority on capital preservation, and should the Fund’s investment adviser believe that extraordinary conditions affecting global financial markets warrant, the Fund may temporarily be primarily invested in money market securities or money market mutual funds. When the Fund is invested in these instruments for temporary or defensive purposes, it may not achieve its investment objective. The Fund may use a variety of investment techniques designed to capitalize on the declines in the market price of equity securities or declines in market indices (e.g., the Fund may establish short positions in specific stocks or stock indices) based on the Fund’s investment adviser’s investment outlook. Subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), the Fund will not make a short sale if, after giving effect to such sale, the market value of all securities sold short by the Fund exceeds 30% of the value of its total assets. No assurances can be given that the Fund’s investment objective will be achieved.
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Preferred Shares
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The terms of preferred shares are expected to be fixed by the Board and may materially limit and/or qualify the rights of holders of the Fund’s common shares. If the Board determines that it may be advantageous to the holders of the Fund’s common shares for the Fund to utilize additional leverage, the Fund may issue additional series of preferred shares. Any preferred shares issued by the Fund will pay distributions at a fixed rate. 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 “Risk Factors and Special Considerations—Special Risks to Holders of Common Shares—Leverage Risk.” The Fund may also determine in the future to issue other forms of senior securities, such as securities representing debt, subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act. The Fund may also engage in investment management techniques, which will not be considered senior securities if the Fund establishes a segregated account with cash or other liquid assets or sets aside assets on the accounting records equal to the Fund’s obligations in respect of such techniques. The Fund may also borrow money, to the extent permitted by the 1940 Act.
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Investment Adviser
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Clough Capital Partners L.P. (“Clough”), the investment adviser of the Fund, is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. As of January 31, 2021, Clough had approximately $2.1 billion of assets under management.
Clough is entitled to receive a monthly fee at the annual rate of 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily total assets.
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Administrator
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ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”), located at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203, serves as administrator to the Fund. Under the Administration Agreement, ALPS is responsible for calculating the net asset value of the Common Shares, and generally managing the business affairs of the Fund. The Administration Agreement between the Fund and ALPS provides that ALPS will pay all expenses incurred by the Fund, with the exception of advisory fees, trustees’ fees, interest expenses, if any, portfolio transaction expenses, litigation expenses, taxes, costs of preferred shares, expenses of conducting repurchase offers for the purpose of repurchasing Fund shares and extraordinary expenses. ALPS is entitled to receive a monthly fee at the annual rate of 0.32% of the Fund’s average daily total assets.
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Use of Leverage
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The Fund
currently uses leverage through borrowing. More specifically, the Fund has entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit
Agreement”) with a commercial bank (“Bank”). As of January 31, 2021, the Fund had outstanding $197,500,000 in
principal amount of borrowings from the Credit Agreement representing approximately 27.97% of the Fund’s total assets (including
assets attributable to the Fund’s use of leverage). The Bank has the ability to terminate the Credit Agreement upon 179-days’
notice or following an event of default.
The Fund also may borrow money as a temporary measure for extraordinary or
emergency purposes.
Leverage creates risks for holders of the Common Shares, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and
market price of, and dividends paid on, the Common Shares. There is a risk that fluctuations in the dividend rates on any preferred
shares issued by the Fund may adversely affect the return to the holders of the Common Shares. If the income from the securities
purchased with such funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leverage, the return on the Fund will be less than if leverage
had not been used, and therefore the amount available for distribution to Common Shareholders as dividends and other distributions
will be reduced and may not satisfy the level dividend rate distribution policy set by the Board of Trustees.
Changes in the value of the Fund’s portfolio (including investments bought with the proceeds of the leverage program) will be borne entirely by the Common Shareholders. If there is a net decrease (or increase) in the value of the Fund’s investment portfolio, the leverage will decrease (or increase) the net asset value per share to a greater extent than if the Fund were not leveraged.
The issuance of a class of preferred shares or incurrence of borrowings having priority over the Fund’s Common Shares creates an opportunity for greater return per Common Share, but at the same time such leveraging is a speculative technique in that it will increase the Fund’s exposure to capital risk. Unless the income and appreciation, if any, on assets acquired with leverage proceeds equal or exceed the associated costs of the leverage program (and other Fund expenses), the use of leverage will diminish the investment performance of the Fund’s Common Shares compared with what it would have been without leverage. The fees to be received by Clough and ALPS are based on the total assets of the Fund, including assets represented by leverage. During periods in which the Fund is using leverage, the fees paid to Clough for investment advisory services and to ALPS for administrative services will be higher than if the Fund did not use leverage because the fees paid will be calculated on the basis of the Fund’s total assets, including proceeds from borrowings and the issuance of preferred shares.
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Under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not permitted to issue preferred shares unless immediately after such issuance the total asset value of the Fund’s portfolio is at least 200% of the liquidation value of the outstanding preferred shares (i.e., such liquidation value may not exceed 50% of the Fund’s total assets). In addition, the Fund is not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on its Common Shares unless, at the time of such declaration, the net asset value of the Fund’s portfolio (determined after deducting the amount of such dividend or other distribution) is at least 200% of such liquidation value.
Also under the 1940 Act, the Fund must satisfy an asset coverage requirement of 300% of its indebtedness, including amounts borrowed, measured at the time the investment company incurs the indebtedness. This means that the value of the investment company’s total indebtedness may not exceed one-third of the value of its total assets (including such indebtedness). In addition, the Fund is not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on any class of its capital stock (including the Common Shares), and is not permitted to purchase any of its capital stock, unless, at the time of such declaration or purchase, the net asset value of the Fund’s portfolio (determined after deducting the amount of such dividend or other distribution, or purchase price) is at least 300% of its outstanding indebtedness; except that dividends may be declared upon any preferred stock of the Fund if the Fund, at the time of such declaration (and after deducting the amount of the dividend), maintains an asset coverage with respect to its preferred stock of at least 200%.
To qualify for federal income taxation as a “regulated investment company”, the Fund must satisfy certain requirements relating to sources of its income and diversification of its assets, and must distribute in each taxable year at least 90% of its net investment income (including net interest income and net short-term gain). The Fund also will be required to distribute annually substantially all of its income and capital gain, if any, to avoid imposition of a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax.
The Fund’s willingness to issue new securities for investment purposes, and the amount the Fund will issue, will depend on many factors, the most important of which are market conditions and interest rates. There is no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful during any period in which it is employed.
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Risk Factors
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Risk is inherent in all investing. Investing in any investment company security involves risk, including the risk that you may receive little or no return on your investment or even that you may lose part or all of your investment. Therefore, before investing in the Fund you should consider carefully the following risks described in this Prospectus and any applicable Prospectus Supplement that you assume when you invest in the Fund:
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Key Adviser Personnel Risk. The Fund’s ability
to identify and invest in attractive opportunities is dependent upon Clough, its investment adviser. If one or more key individuals
leaves Clough, Clough may not be able to hire qualified replacements, or may require an extended time to do so. This could prevent
the Fund from achieving its investment objective.
Investment and Market Risk. An investment in common
shares is subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of the entire principal amount invested. An investment in common
shares represents an indirect investment in the securities owned by the Fund, which are generally traded on a securities exchange
or in the over-the-counter markets. The value of these securities, like other market investments, may move up or down, sometimes
rapidly and unpredictably. The common shares at any point in time may be worth less than the original investment, even after taking
into account any reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
Issuer Risk. The value of an issuer’s securities
may decline for a number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and
reduced demand for the issuer’s goods and services.
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Common Stock Risk. Investments in common stocks
are subject to special risks. Although common stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities
over the long term, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in returns. Common stocks may be more susceptible
to adverse changes in market value due to issuer specific events or general movements in the equities markets. A drop in the stock
market may depress the price of common stocks held by the Fund. These risks may be heightened for common stocks of small and medium
capitalization companies because these issuers may have more limited product lines or markets and may be less financially secure
than larger, more established issuers.
Debt Securities Risk. In addition to credit risk,
investment in debt securities carries certain other risks. An issuer may call for a redemption in the event of tax or security
law changes, or pursuant to call features attached to the debt securities. In these events, the Fund may not be able to reinvest
the proceeds at comparable rates of return. Further, debt securities typically do not provide for voting rights, and certain debt
securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the risk
that preferred stocks paying fixed dividend rates and fixed-rate debt securities will decline in value because of changes in market
interest rates. When interest rates rise the market value of such securities generally will fall. The Fund’s investment in
preferred stocks and fixed-rate debt securities means that the net asset value and price of the Common Shares may decline if market
interest rates rise. Interest rates are currently low relative to historic levels. During periods of declining interest rates,
an issuer of preferred stock or fixed-rate debt securities may exercise its option to redeem or prepay securities prior to maturity,
which could result in the Fund’s having to reinvest in lower yielding debt securities or other types of securities. This
is known as call or prepayment risk. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may
be extended because of slower than expected payments. This may lock in a below market yield, increase the security’s duration,
and reduce the value of the security. This is known as extension risk. Investments in debt securities with long-term maturities
may experience significant price declines if long-term interest rates increase. This is known as maturity risk. The value of the
Fund’s common stock investments may also be influenced by changes in interest rates.
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Credit Risk. Credit risk is the risk that an issuer
of a preferred or debt security will become unable to meet its obligation to make dividend, interest and principal payments. In
general, lower rated preferred or debt securities carry a greater degree of credit risk. If rating agencies lower their ratings
of preferred or debt securities in the Fund’s portfolio, the value of those obligations could decline. In addition, the underlying
revenue source for a preferred or debt security may be insufficient to pay dividends, interest or principal in a timely manner.
Because a significant source of income for the Fund can be the dividend, interest and principal payments on the preferred or
debt securities in which it invests, any default by an issuer of a preferred or debt security could have a negative impact on the
Fund’s ability to pay dividends on Common Shares. Even if the issuer does not actually default, adverse changes in the issuer’s
financial condition may negatively affect its credit rating or presumed creditworthiness. These developments would adversely affect
the market value of the issuer’s obligations or the value of credit derivatives if the Fund has sold credit protection.
Preferred Securities Risk. In addition to credit
risk, investment in preferred securities carries certain other risks. An issuer may defer or skip distributions, including dividend
payments, which may require the Fund to report income for tax purposes on distributions it has not received. In addition, an issuer
may call for a redemption in the event of tax or securities law changes, or pursuant to call features attached to the preferred
securities. In these events, the Fund may not be able to reinvest the proceeds at comparable rates of return. Further, preferred
securities typically do not provide for voting rights and are subordinated to debt instruments in a company’s capital structure
in terms of priority to corporate income and liquidation payments (and thus subject to greater credit risk than the debt instruments).
Preferred securities may also be substantially less liquid than many other securities.
Non-Investment Grade Securities Risk. The Fund’s
investments in preferred stocks and bonds of below investment grade quality (commonly referred to as “high yield” or
“junk bonds”), if any, are predominantly speculative because of the credit risk of their issuers. While offering a
greater potential opportunity for capital appreciation and higher yields, preferred stocks and bonds of below investment grade
quality entail greater potential price volatility and may be less liquid than higher-rated securities. Issuers of below investment
grade quality preferred stocks and bonds are more likely to default on their payments of dividends/interest and liquidation value/principal
owed to the Fund, and such defaults will reduce the Fund’s net asset value and income distributions. The prices of these
lower quality preferred stocks and bonds are more sensitive to negative developments than higher rated securities. Adverse business
conditions, such as a decline in the issuer’s revenues or an economic downturn, generally lead to a higher non-payment rate.
In addition, such a security may lose significant value before a default occurs as the market adjusts to expected higher non-payment
rates. The Fund will not invest more than 20% of its total assets in securities rated below investment grade. The foregoing credit
quality policy applies only at the time a security is purchased, and the Fund is not required to dispose of securities already
owned by the Fund in the event of a change in assessment of credit quality or the removal of a rating.
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Foreign Securities Risk. Foreign issuers are subject to risks of possible adverse political and economic developments abroad. Investing in foreign issuers also involves risks of change in foreign currency exchange rates. The Fund’s investments in sovereign debt may also include bonds issued by countries in emerging markets. Emerging market securities generally are less liquid and subject to wider price and currency fluctuations than securities issued in more developed countries. The Fund will not invest more than 33% of its assets, at the time of acquisition, in securities (including equity and fixed income securities) of governments and companies in emerging markets, but has no other investment restrictions with respect to investing in foreign issuers. See “Risk Factors—Foreign Securities Risk.”
Emerging Markets Risk. Investing in securities
of issuers based in underdeveloped emerging markets entails all of the risks of investing in securities of foreign issuers to
a heightened degree. These heightened risks include: (i) greater risks of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, nationalization
and less social, political and economic stability; (ii) the smaller size of the market for such securities and a lower volume
of trading, resulting in a lack of liquidity and in price volatility; and (iii) certain national policies that may restrict the
Fund’s investment opportunities including restrictions on investing in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant
national interests. The Fund defines emerging markets to be countries that are included in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index.
Derivatives
Risk. The Fund may acquire put and call options and options on stock indices and enter into stock index futures contracts,
certain credit derivatives transactions and short sales in connection with its equity investments. In connection with the Fund’s
investments in debt securities, it may enter into related derivatives transactions such as interest rate futures, swaps and options
thereon and certain credit derivatives transactions. Derivatives transactions of the types described above subject the Fund to
increased risk of principal loss due to imperfect correlation or unexpected price or interest rate movements. The Fund also will
be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to the derivatives contracts purchased by the Fund. If a counterparty
becomes bankrupt or otherwise fails to perform its obligations under a derivatives contract due to financial difficulties, the
Fund may experience significant delays in obtaining any recovery under the derivatives contract in a bankruptcy or other reorganization
proceeding. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery in such circumstances.
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Hedging Strategy Risk. There may be an imperfect correlation between changes in the value of the Fund’s portfolio holdings and hedging positions entered into by the Fund, which may prevent the Fund from achieving the intended hedge or expose the Fund to risk of loss. In addition, the Fund’s success in using hedge instruments is subject to Clough’s ability to predict correctly changes in the relationships of such hedge instruments to the Fund’s portfolio holdings, and there can be no assurance that Clough’s judgment in this respect will be accurate. Consequently, the use of hedging transactions might result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund, whether or not adjusted for risk, than if the Fund had not hedged its portfolio holdings.
Small and Medium Cap Company Risk. Compared to investment companies that focus only on large capitalization companies, the Fund’s share price may be more volatile because it also invests in small and medium capitalization companies. Compared to large companies, small and medium capitalization companies are more likely to have (i) more limited product lines or markets and less mature businesses, (ii) fewer capital resources, (iii) more limited management depth and (iv) shorter operating histories. Further, compared to large cap stocks, the securities of small and medium capitalization companies are more likely to experience sharper swings in market values, be harder to sell at times and at prices that Clough believes appropriate, and offer greater potential for gains and losses.
Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the purchasing power of assets or income from investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the real value of the Common Shares and distributions thereon can decline. In addition, during any periods of rising inflation, dividend rates of preferred shares of the Fund would likely increase, which would tend to further reduce returns to Common Shareholders. Market Price of Shares. The shares of closed-end management investment companies often trade at a discount from their net asset value, and the Fund’s Common Shares may likewise trade at a discount from net asset value. The trading price of the Fund’s Common Shares may be less than the public offering price. The returns earned by Common Shareholders who sell their Common Shares below net asset value will be reduced.
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Management Risk. The Fund is subject to management
risk because it is an actively managed portfolio. Clough and the individual portfolio managers 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.
Leverage Risk. Leverage creates risks for the holders
of Common Shares, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of the Common Shares. There
is a risk that fluctuations in the dividend rates on any preferred shares may adversely affect the return to the Common Shareholders.
If the income from the securities purchased with such funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leverage, the return on the
Fund will be less than if leverage had not been used, and therefore the amount available for distribution to holders of the Common
Shares as dividends and other distributions will be reduced and may not satisfy the level dividend rate distribution policy set
by the Board of Trustees. Clough in its best judgment nevertheless may determine to maintain the Fund’s leveraged position
if it deems such action to be appropriate in the circumstances.
Liquidity Risk. Restricted securities and other
illiquid investments of the Fund involve the risk that the securities will not be able to be sold at the time desired by Clough
or at prices approximating the value at which the Fund is carrying the securities. Where registration is required to sell a security,
the Fund may be obligated to pay all or part of the registration expenses, and a considerable period may elapse between the decision
to sell and the time the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a
period, adverse market conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided
to sell. Restricted securities for which no market exists and other illiquid investments are valued at fair value as determined
in accordance with procedures approved and periodically reviewed by the trustees of the Fund.
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Market Disruption and
Geopolitical Risk. The ongoing U.S. military and related actions in Iraq and Afghanistan and events in the Middle East
and Ukraine, as well as the continuing threat of terrorist attacks, could have significant adverse effects on the U.S.
economy, the stock market and world economies and markets generally. A disruption of financial markets or other terrorist
attacks could adversely affect the Fund’s service providers and/or the Fund’s operations as well as interest
rates, secondary trading, credit risk, inflation and other factors relating to the common shares. The Fund cannot predict the
effects or likelihood of similar events in the future on the U.S. and world economies, the value of the common shares or the
net asset value of the Fund. Assets of companies, including those held in the Fund’s portfolio, could be direct
targets, or indirect casualties, of an act of terrorism. The U.S. government has issued warnings that assets of utility
companies and energy sector companies, specifically the United States’ pipeline infrastructure, may be the future
target of terrorist organizations.
Pandemic Risks. An outbreak of Covid-19 respiratory disease caused by
a novel coronavirus was first detected in late 2019 and subsequently spread globally in early 2020. The impact of the outbreak
has been rapidly evolving, and cases of the virus have continued to be identified in most developed and emerging countries throughout
the world. Many local, state, and national governments, as well as businesses, have reacted by instituting quarantines, border
closures, restrictions on travel, and other measures designed to arrest the spread of the virus. The outbreak and public and private
sector responses thereto have led to large portions of the populations of many nations working from home for indefinite periods
of time, temporary or permanent layoffs, disruptions in supply chains, lack of availability of certain goods, and adversely impacted
many industries. These circumstances are evolving, and further developments could result in additional disruptions and uncertainty.
The impact of the coronavirus outbreak may last for an extended period of time and result in a substantial economic downturn.
Pandemics, including the coronavirus outbreak, have resulted in a general decline in the global economy and negative effects on
the performance of individual countries, industries, or sectors. Such negative impacts can be significant in unforeseen ways.
Deteriorating economic fundamentals may in turn increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular companies, negatively
impact market value, increase market volatility, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce liquidity. All of these risks may have
a material adverse effect on the performance and financial condition of the Fund’s investments, and on the overall performance
of the Fund.
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Income Risk. The income Common Shareholders
receive from the Fund is based primarily on the dividends and interest it earns from its investments, which can vary widely over
the short and long term. If prevailing market interest rates drop, distribution rates of the Fund’s preferred stock holdings
and any bond holdings and Common Shareholder’s income from the Fund could drop as well. The Fund’s income also would
likely be affected adversely when prevailing short-term interest rates increase and the Fund is utilizing leverage.
Portfolio Turnover Risk. The techniques and strategies
contemplated by the Fund might result in a high degree of portfolio turnover. The Fund cannot accurately predict its securities
portfolio turnover rate, but anticipates that its annual portfolio turnover rate will exceed 100% under normal market conditions,
although it could be materially higher under certain conditions. Higher portfolio turnover rates could result in corresponding
increases in brokerage commissions and generate short-term capital gains taxable as ordinary income.
Convertible Securities Risk. The value of a convertible
security is a function of its “investment value” (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities
of comparable maturity and quality that do not have a conversion privilege) and its “conversion value” (the security’s
worth, at market value, if converted into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is influenced
by changes in interest rates, with investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline.
The credit standing of the issuer and other factors may also have an effect on the convertible security’s investment value.
The conversion value of a convertible security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock. If the conversion
value is low relative to the investment value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment
value. Generally, the conversion value decreases as the convertible security approaches maturity. To the extent the market price
of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds the conversion price, the price of the convertible security will be increasingly
influenced by its conversion value. A convertible security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value by the extent
to which investors place value on the right to acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security.
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A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option
of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument. If a convertible security held by
the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying
common stock or sell it to a third party. Any of these actions could have an adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to achieve
its investment objective.
REIT Risk. If the Fund invests in REITs, such investment
will subject the Fund to various risks. The first, real estate industry risk, is the risk that the REIT share prices will decline
because of adverse developments affecting the real estate industry and real property values. In general, real estate values can
be affected by a variety of factors, including supply and demand for properties, the economic health of the country or of different
regions and the strength of specific industries that rent properties. The second, investment style risk, is the risk that returns
from REITs, which typically are small or medium capitalization stocks, will trail returns from the overall stock market. The third,
interest rate risk, is the risk that changes in interest rates may hurt real estate values or make REIT shares less attractive
than other income-producing investments.
Qualification as a REIT in any particular year is a complex
analysis that depends on a number of factors. There can be no assurance that the entities in which the Fund invests with the expectation
that they will be taxed as a REIT will qualify as a REIT. An entity that fails to qualify as a REIT, would be subject to a corporate
level tax, would not be entitled to a deduction for dividends paid to its shareholders and would not pass through to its shareholders
the character of income earned by the entity. If the Fund were to invest in an entity that failed to qualify as a REIT, such failure
could drastically reduce the Fund’s yield on that investment.
The Fund does not expect to invest a significant portion of
its assets in REITs but does not have any investment restrictions with respect to such investments.
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Anti-Takeover Provisions
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The Fund’s Agreement and Declaration of Trust, dated January 12, 2006 (the “Declaration of Trust”), and By-laws include provisions that could have the effect of inhibiting the Fund’s possible conversion to open-end status and limiting the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Board of Trustees. In certain circumstances, these provisions might also inhibit the ability of shareholders to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices. See “Conversion to Open-End Fund” and “Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Declaration of Trust.”
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Distributions
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The Fund, acting pursuant to a Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) exemptive order and with the approval of the Board, has adopted a plan, consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies to support a level distribution of income, capital gains and/or return of capital (the “Plan”). In accordance with the Plan, until December 2021, the Fund will pay monthly distributions in an annualized amount of not less than 10% of the Fund’s average monthly net asset value (“NAV”). Until July 2021, the Fund will pay monthly distributions in an amount not less than the average distribution rate of a peer group of closed-end funds selected by the Board. Under the Plan, the Fund will distribute all available investment income to its shareholders, consistent with the Fund’s primary investment objectives and as required by the Code. If sufficient investment income is not available on a monthly basis, the Fund will distribute long-term capital gains and/or return of capital to shareholders in order to maintain a level distribution. Each monthly distribution to shareholders is expected to be at the fixed amount established by the Board, except for extraordinary distributions and potential distribution rate increases to enable the Fund to comply with the distribution requirements imposed by the Code.
Shareholders should not
draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of these distributions or from the terms
of the Plan. The Fund’s total return performance on net asset value is presented in its financial highlights table in the Annual Report dated October 31, 2020, which is incorporated by reference.
The Board may amend, suspend or terminate the Fund’s Plan without prior notice if the Board determines in good faith
that continuation would constitute a breach of fiduciary duty or would violate the 1940 Act. The suspension or termination of
the Plan could have the effect of creating a trading discount (if the Fund’s stock is trading at or above net asset
value) or widening an existing trading discount. The Fund is subject to risks that could have an adverse impact on its
ability to maintain level distributions. Examples of potential risks include, but are not limited to, economic downturns
impacting the markets, increased market volatility, companies suspending or decreasing corporate dividend distributions and
changes in the Code. Please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements in the Annual Report to Shareholders for a more
complete description of its risks.
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The level dividend rate may be modified by the Board of Trustees from time to time. If, for any monthly distribution, net investment company taxable income, if any (which term includes net short-term capital gain) and net tax-exempt income, if any, is less than the amount of the distribution, the difference will generally be a tax-free return of capital distributed from the Fund’s assets. The Fund’s final distribution for each calendar year will include any remaining net investment company taxable income and net tax-exempt income undistributed during the year, as well as all net capital gain, if any, realized during the year. If the total distributions made in any calendar year exceed net investment company taxable income, net tax-exempt income and net capital gain, such excess distributed amount would be treated as ordinary dividend income to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Distributions in excess of the earnings and profits would first be a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the adjusted tax basis in the shares. After such adjusted tax basis is reduced to zero, the distribution would constitute capital gain (assuming the shares are held as capital assets). This distribution policy may, under certain circumstances, have certain adverse consequences to the Fund and its shareholders. See “Distributions.”
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The level dividend distribution described above would result in the payment of approximately the same amount or percentage to Common Shareholders each quarter. Section 19(a) of the 1940 Act and Rule 19a-1 thereunder require the Fund to provide a written statement accompanying any such payment that adequately discloses its source or sources. Thus, if the source of the dividend or other distribution were the original capital contribution of the Common Shareholder, and the payment amounted to a return of capital, the Fund would be required to provide written disclosure to that effect. Nevertheless, persons who periodically receive the payment of a dividend or other distribution may be under the impression that they are receiving net profits when they are not. Common Shareholders should read any written disclosure provided pursuant to Section 19(a) and Rule 19a-1 carefully, and should not assume that the source of any distribution from the Fund is net profit. In addition, in cases where the Fund would return capital to Common Shareholders, such distribution may impact the Fund’s ability to maintain its asset coverage requirements and to pay the interest on any preferred shares that the Fund may issue, if ever. See “Distributions.”
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Dividend Reinvestment Plan
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Unless a Common Shareholder elects otherwise, the shareholder’s distributions will be reinvested in additional Common Shares under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan. Common Shareholders who elect not to participate in the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan will receive all distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to the shareholder of record (or, if the Common Shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to such nominee). See “Dividend Reinvestment Plan.”
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Stock Purchases and Tenders
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The Fund’s Board of Trustees currently contemplates that the Fund, at least once each year, may consider repurchasing Common Shares in the open market or in private transactions, or tendering for shares, in an attempt to reduce or eliminate a market value discount from net asset value, if one should occur. There can be no assurance that the Board of Trustees will determine to effect any such repurchase or tender or that it would be effective in reducing or eliminating any market value discount.
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Custodian and Transfer Agent
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State Street Bank and Trust Company serves as the Fund’s custodian and DST Systems, Inc. is the Fund’s transfer agent. See “Custodian and Transfer Agent.”
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CAUTIONARY NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING
STATEMENTS
This Prospectus, and the Statement of Additional Information
(the “SAI”), incorporated by reference into the Prospectus, contain “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking
statements can be identified by the words “may,” “will,” “intend,” expect,” “estimate,”
“continue,” “plan,” “anticipate,” and similar terms with the negative of such terms. 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 the Fund’s actual results are the performance
of the portfolio of securities the Fund holds, the price at which the Fund’s shares will trade in the public markets and
other factors discussed in the Fund’s periodic filings with the SEC.
Although the Fund believes that the expectations expressed
in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in
the Fund’s forward-looking statements. 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 “Risk Factors and Special Considerations” and “The Offering” sections of this Prospectus. All
forward-looking statements contained in this Prospectus or in the SAI are made as of the date of this Prospectus or SAI, as
the case may be. Except for ongoing obligations under the federal securities laws, the Fund does not intend and is not
obligated, to update any forward-looking statement.
SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES
The following table shows the Fund’s expenses, including
preferred shares offering expenses, as a percentage of net assets attributable to common shares. All expenses of the Fund are borne,
directly or indirectly, by the common shareholders. The purpose of the table and example below is to help you understand all fees
and expenses that you, as a holder of common shares, would bear directly or indirectly.
The table assumes the use of leverage in
an amount equal to 33% of the Fund’s total assets in the forms of: (1) amounts borrowed by the Fund under a credit agreement
in an amount equal to 10% of the Fund’s total assets and (2) preferred shares offered in an amount equal to 23% of the Fund’s
total assets (including the amounts of any additional leverage obtained), also taking into account the additional assets to be
raised in the offering, as estimated above. The extent of the Fund’s assets attributable to leverage, and the Fund’s
associated expenses, are likely to vary (perhaps significantly) from these assumptions. Interest payments on borrowings are included
in the total annual expenses of the Fund.
Shareholder Transaction Expenses
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Sales Load (as a percentage of offering price)
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None
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Offering Expenses Borne by the Fund (Excluding Preferred Shares Offering Expenses)1
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0.07%
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Dividend Reinvestment Plan Fees2
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None
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Preferred Shares Offering Expenses Borne by the Fund 3
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0.04%
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Annual Expenses
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Percentage of Net Assets Attributable to Common Shares
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Investment Advisory Fees4
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1.86%
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Interest Payments on Borrowed Funds5
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0.17%
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Other Expenses6
|
0.74%
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Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
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0.31%
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Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
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3.08%
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Dividends on Preferred Shares7
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1.74%
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Total Annual Expenses and Dividends on Preferred Shares
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4.82%
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(1)
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Estimated maximum amount based on offering of $190,527,000 in common shares and $228,628,000 in preferred shares.
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(2)
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There will be no brokerage charges under the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan with respect to shares of common stock
issued by the Fund in connection with the offering. However, you may pay brokerage charges if you sell your shares of common stock
held in a dividend reinvestment account. You also may pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred in connection with
your market purchases pursuant to the Fund’s dividend reinvestment plan.
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(3)
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Assumes issuance of $228,628,000 in preferred shares, net attributable to common shares of approximately $526,489,666. The
actual amounts in connection with any offering will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement if applicable.
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(4)
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The Investment Adviser fee is 1.00% of the Fund’s average daily total assets. Consequently, if the Fund has preferred
shares or debt outstanding, the investment management fee and other expenses as a percentage of net assets attributable to common
shares may be higher than if the Fund does not utilize a leveraged capital structure
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(5)
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Assumes the use of leverage in the form of borrowing under the Credit Agreement representing 10% of the Fund’s total
assets (including any additional leverage obtained through the use of borrowed funds), also taking into account the additional
assets to be raised in an offer, as estimated above, at an annual interest rate cost to the Fund of 0.91%.
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(6)
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Other Expenses are estimated based on the Fund’s fiscal year ended on October 31, 2020 assuming completion of the proposed
issuances.
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(7)
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Dividends on Preferred Shares assumes that $228,628,000 of additional preferred shares are issued with a dividend rate of 4.00%.
There can, of course, be no guarantee that any preferred shares would be issued or, if issued, the terms thereof.
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For a more complete description of the various costs and expenses
a common shareholder would bear in connection with the issuance and ongoing maintenance of any preferred shares issued by the Fund,
see “Risk Factors and Special Considerations—Special Risks to Holders of Common Shares—Leverage Risk.”
Example
The following example illustrates the expenses you would pay
on a $1,000 investment in common shares, followed by a preferred share offering, assuming a 5% annual portfolio total return.*
The expenses illustrated in the following example include the estimated offering expenses of $543,237 from the issuance of $190.527
million in common shares and $228.628 million in preferred shares offered in the first year. The actual amounts in connection with
any offering will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement if applicable.
1 Year
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3 Years
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5 Years
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10 Years
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$49
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$146
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$243
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$487
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*The example should not be considered a representation of
future expenses or rate of return.
The example is based on total Annual Expenses and Dividends
on Preferred Shares 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’s actual
rate of return may be greater or less than the hypothetical 5% return shown in the example.
The example includes Dividends of Preferred Shares. If Dividends
on Preferred Shares were not included in the example calculation, the expenses for the 1-, 3-, 5- and 10-year periods in the table
above would be as follows (based on the same assumptions as above): $32, $96, $163 and $340.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Clough expects that it will initially invest the proceeds of
the offering in high-quality short-term debt securities and instruments. Clough anticipates that the investment of the proceeds
will be made in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies as appropriate investment opportunities are
identified, which is expected to be completed or substantially completed within approximately one month.
Adverse market conditions could cause certain investments to
be made after one month but no later than six months. Pending such investment, the proceeds will be held in high quality short-term
debt securities and instruments.
THE FUND
The Fund is a diversified, closed-end management investment
company registered under the 1940 Act. The Fund was organized as a Delaware statutory trust on January 12, 2006, pursuant to a
Certificate of Trust governed by the laws of the state of Delaware. The Fund’s principal office is located at 1290 Broadway,
Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203 and its telephone number is (877) 256-8445 (toll-free).
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
General
The Fund’s investment objective is to provide a high level
of total return. The Fund seeks to pursue this objective by applying a fundamental research-driven investment process and will
invest in equity securities of companies of any market capitalization and equity-related securities, including equity swaps and
call options, as well as fixed income securities, including both corporate and sovereign debt, in both U.S. and non-U.S. markets.
There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
The Fund invests primarily in a managed mix of U.S. and
non-U.S. equity and debt securities. The Fund is flexibly managed so that, depending on the Fund’s investment
adviser’s outlook, it sometimes will be more heavily invested in equity securities or in debt or fixed income
securities. Under normal circumstances, in addition to the U.S. the Fund expects to invest in securities of at least three
countries. The Fund will also, in certain situations, augment its investment positions by purchasing call options, both on
specific equity securities, as well as securities representing exposure to equity sectors or indices and fixed income
indices, including options on indices and ETFs. Investments in non-U.S. markets will be made primarily through liquid
securities, including depositary receipts (which evidence ownership of underlying foreign securities) such as ADRs, EDRs,
GDRs, ETFs and in stocks traded on non-U.S. exchanges. Investments in debt may include both investment grade and
non-investment grade issues. Investments in corporate debt may include bonds issued by companies in countries considered
emerging markets. Investments in sovereign debt may also include bonds issued by countries considered emerging markets. The
Fund will not invest more than 33% of its total assets, at the time of acquisition, in securities (including equity and fixed
income securities) of governments and companies in emerging markets. The Fund may also invest a portion of its assets in real
estate investment trusts, or “REITs”, but the Fund does not expect that portion to be significant.
The Fund will place a high priority on capital preservation
and should the Fund’s investment adviser believe that extraordinary conditions affecting global financial markets warrant,
the Fund may temporarily be primarily invested in money market securities or money market mutual funds. When the Fund is invested
in these instruments for temporary or defensive purposes, it may not achieve its investment objective. The Fund may use a variety
of investment techniques designed to capitalize on declines in the market price of equity securities or declines in market indices
(e.g., the Fund may establish short positions in specific stocks or stock indices) based on the Fund’s investment adviser’s
investment outlook. Subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
the Fund will not make a short sale if, after giving effect to such sale, the market value of all securities sold short by the
Fund exceeds 30% of the value of its total assets.
Investment Strategy
Clough believes that above average investment returns can be
achieved when key, proprietary insights into industry or economic trends are discovered, and their significance understood, before
they become obvious to other investors. Within this context, the investment process will focus on investing in a number of major
global investment themes identified by Clough. Industry consolidation, technological change, an emerging shortage of a product
or raw material which derives from a period of under-investment, changes in government regulation, or major economic or investment
cycles are examples of themes Clough would emphasize in its investment focus. Attractive investment themes will often be influenced
by global trends, which make investments in certain industries across more than one geographic market likely.
Once attractive themes are identified, Clough will generally
utilize a “bottom-up” research process to identify companies it believes are best positioned to benefit from those
specific themes. Individual positions will be selected based upon a host of qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but
not limited to, such factors as a company’s competitive position, quality of company management, quality and visibility of
earnings and cash flow, balance sheet strength and relative valuation. This approach may provide investment opportunities in various
levels of a company’s capital structure, including common and preferred stock, as well as corporate bonds, including convertible
debt securities.
Under the Fund’s theme-oriented investment approach, the
portfolio may be invested in only a relatively small number of industries. The Fund will attempt to diversify within its investment
themes, as appropriate, to lower volatility. Individual equity positions on both the long and short side of the portfolio will
typically be below 5% of total assets. The Fund also does not have restrictions on the levels of portfolio turnover. However, since
major industry trends often last years, Clough believes that a theme-based investment approach can result in opportunities for
tax efficient investing (as a result of lower portfolio turnover).
The Fund is not required to maintain any particular percentage
of its assets in equity securities, or in fixed income securities, and Clough may change the weightings of the Fund’s investments
in equity and fixed income securities based upon Clough’s assessment of the prevailing interest rate environment and expected
returns relative to other identified investment opportunities. Generally, the Fund will increase its investments in fixed income
securities when Clough anticipates that the return on these securities will exceed the return on equity securities, and vice versa.
Clough believes that its theme-based portfolio strategy will
present periods of time when Clough has a particularly high degree of confidence in the Fund’s investment positions. During
these occasions, the Fund may purchase call options in order to enhance investment returns. The Fund may also purchase such options
at other times if Clough believes it would be beneficial to the Fund to do so. The Fund’s use of such option strategies is
expected to be opportunistic in nature and the Fund is not required to maintain any particular percentage of assets in call option
premium. Call option premiums, when utilized, will typically be less than 12% of total assets.
Generally, securities will be purchased or sold by the Fund
on national securities exchanges and in the over-the-counter market. From time to time, securities may be purchased or sold in
private transactions, including securities that are not publicly traded or that are otherwise illiquid. Clough does not expect
such investments to comprise more than 10% of the Fund’s total assets (determined at the time the investment is made).
Clough may invest the Fund’s cash balances in any investments
it deems appropriate, including, without limitation and as permitted under the 1940 Act, money market funds, repurchase agreements,
U.S. Treasury, U.S. agency securities, municipal bonds and bank accounts. Any income earned from such investments is ordinarily
reinvested by the Fund in accordance with its investment program. Many of the considerations entering into Clough’s recommendations
and the portfolio managers’ decisions are subjective.
The Fund’s portfolio will be actively managed and securities
may be bought or sold on a daily basis. Investments may be added to the portfolio if they satisfy value-based criteria or contribute
to the portfolio’s risk profile. Investments may be removed from the portfolio if Clough believes that their market value
exceeds full value, they add inefficient risk or the initial investment thesis fails.
Portfolio Investments
Common Stocks
Common stock represents an equity ownership interest in an issuer.
The Fund will have substantial exposure to common stocks. Although common stocks have historically generated higher average returns
than fixed-income securities over the long term, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in returns.
An adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings report, may depress the value of a particular common stock held by the Fund.
Also, the prices of common stocks are sensitive to general movements in the stock market and a drop in the stock market may depress
the prices of common stocks to which the Fund has exposure. Common stock prices fluctuate for many reasons, including changes in
investors’ perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant stock market, or
when political or economic events affecting the issuer occur. In addition, common stock prices may be sensitive to rising interest
rates, as the costs of capital rise and borrowing costs increase.
Small and Medium Cap Companies
The Fund may invest in securities of small capitalization companies,
currently considered by Clough to mean companies with market capitalization at or below $1 billion. It may also invest in medium
capitalization companies, currently considered by Clough to mean companies with market capitalization of between $1 billion and
$5 billion.
Preferred Stocks
Preferred stock, like common stock, represents an equity ownership
in an issuer. Generally, preferred stock has a priority of claim over common stock in dividend payments and upon liquidation of
the issuer. Unlike common stock, preferred stock does not usually have voting rights. Preferred stock in some instances is convertible
into common stock.
Although they are equity securities, preferred stocks have certain
characteristics of both debt and common stock. They are debt-like in that their promised income is contractually fixed. They are
common stock-like in that they do not have rights to precipitate bankruptcy proceedings or collection activities in the event of
missed payments. Furthermore, they have many of the key characteristics of equity due to their subordinated position in an issuer’s
capital structure and because their quality and value are heavily dependent on the profitability of the issuer rather than on any
legal claims to specific assets or cash flows.
In order to be payable, dividends on preferred stock must be
declared by the issuer’s board of directors or trustees. In addition, distributions on preferred stock may be subject to
deferral and thus may not be automatically payable. Income payments on some preferred stocks are cumulative, causing dividends
and distributions to accrue even if not declared by the board of directors or trustees or otherwise made payable. Other preferred
stocks are non-cumulative, meaning that skipped dividends and distributions do not continue to accrue. There is no assurance that
dividends on preferred stocks in which the Fund invests will be declared or otherwise made payable. The Fund may invest in non-cumulative
preferred stock, although Clough would consider, among other factors, their non-cumulative nature in making any decision to purchase
or sell such securities.
Shares of preferred stock have a liquidation value that generally
equals the original purchase price at the date of issuance. The market values of preferred stock may be affected by favorable and
unfavorable changes impacting the issuers’ industries or sectors. They may also be affected by actual and anticipated changes
or ambiguities in the tax status of the security and by actual and anticipated changes or ambiguities in tax laws, such as changes
in corporate and individual income tax rates.
Because the claim on an issuer’s earnings represented
by preferred stock may become onerous when interest rates fall below the rate payable on the stock or for other reasons, the issuer
may redeem preferred stock, generally after an initial period of call protection in which the stock is not redeemable. Thus, in
declining interest rate environments in particular, the Fund’s holdings of higher dividend-paying preferred stocks may be
reduced and the Fund may be unable to acquire securities paying comparable rates with the redemption proceeds.
Restricted and Illiquid Securities
Although the Fund will invest primarily in publicly traded securities,
it may invest a portion of its assets (generally, no more than 15% of its value) in restricted securities and other investments
which are illiquid. Restricted securities are securities that may not be sold to the public without an effective registration statement
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or, if they are unregistered, may be sold only
in a privately negotiated transaction or pursuant to an exemption from registration. In recognition of the increased size and liquidity
of the institutional markets for unregistered securities and the importance of institutional investors in the formation of capital,
the SEC has adopted Rule 144A under the Securities Act, which is designed to further facilitate efficient trading among eligible
institutional investors by permitting the sale of certain unregistered securities to qualified institutional buyers. To the extent
privately placed securities held by the Fund qualify under Rule 144A, and an institutional market develops for those securities,
the Fund likely will be able to dispose of the securities without registering them under the Securities Act. To the extent that
institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing these securities, investing in Rule 144A securities could have
the effect of increasing the level of the Fund’s illiquidity. The Fund has adopted procedures under which certain Rule 144A
securities will not be deemed to be illiquid, if certain criteria are satisfied with respect to those securities and the market
therefor. Foreign securities that can be freely sold in the markets in which they are principally traded are not considered by
the Fund to be restricted. Regulation S under the Securities Act permits the sale abroad of securities that are not registered
for sale in the United States. Repurchase agreements with maturities of more than seven days will be treated as illiquid.
Corporate Bonds, Government Debt Securities and Other Debt
Securities
The Fund may invest in corporate bonds, debentures and other
debt securities. Debt securities in which the Fund may invest may pay fixed or variable rates of interest. Bonds and other debt
securities generally are issued by corporations and other issuers to borrow money from investors. The issuer pays the investor
a fixed or variable rate of interest and normally must repay the amount borrowed on or before maturity. Certain debt securities
are “perpetual” in that they have no maturity date.
The Fund will invest in government debt securities, including
those of emerging market issuers or of other non-U.S. issuers. These securities may be U.S. dollar-denominated on non-U.S. dollar-denominated
and include: (a) debt obligations issued or guaranteed by foreign national, provincial, state, municipal or other governments with
taxing authority or by their agencies or instrumentalities; and (b) debt obligations of supranational entities. Government debt
securities include: debt securities issued or guaranteed by governments, government agencies or instrumentalities and political
subdivisions; debt securities issued by government owed, controlled or sponsored entities; interests in entities organized and
operated for the purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics issued by the above-noted issuers; or debt securities
issued by supranational entities such as the World Bank or the European Union. The Fund may also invest in securities denominated
in currencies of emerging market countries. Emerging market debt securities generally are rated in the lower rating categories
of recognized credit rating agencies or are unrated and considered to be of comparable quality to lower rated debt securities.
A non-U.S. issuer of debt or the non-U.S. governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling
to repay principal or interest when due, and the Fund may have limited resources in the event of a default. Some of these risks
do not apply to issuers in large, more developed countries. These risks are more pronounced in investments in issuers in emerging
markets or if the Fund invests significantly in one country.
The Fund will not invest more than 20% of its total assets in
debt securities rated below investment grade (i.e., securities rated lower than Baa by Moody’s Investors Service,
Inc. (“Moody’s”) or lower than BBB by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services, a division of The McGraw-Hill
Companies, Inc. (“S&P”)), or their equivalent as determined by Clough. These securities are commonly referred to
as “junk bonds.” The foregoing credit quality policy applies only at the time a security is purchased, and the Fund
is not required to dispose of securities already owned by the Fund in the event of a change in assessment of credit quality or
the removal of a rating.
Exchange Traded Funds
The Fund may invest in ETFs, which are investment companies
that typically aim to track or replicate a desired index, such as a sector, market or global segment. Such ETFs are passively managed
and their shares are traded on a national exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers’ Automatic Quotation
System (“NASDAQ”). Certain ETFs are actively managed by a portfolio manager or management team that makes investment
decisions without seeking to replicate the performance of a reference index. ETFs do not sell individual shares directly to investors
and only issue their shares in large blocks known as “creation units.” The investor purchasing a creation unit may
sell the individual shares on a secondary market. Therefore, the liquidity of ETFs depends on the adequacy of the secondary market.
There can be no assurance that an ETF’s investment objective will be achieved. ETFs based on an index may not replicate and
maintain exactly the composition and relative weightings of securities in the index. ETFs are subject to the risks of investing
in the underlying securities. The Fund, as a holder of the securities of the ETF, will bear its pro rata portion of the ETF’s
expenses, including advisory fees. These expenses are in addition to the direct expenses of the Fund’s own operations.
Foreign Securities
Under normal circumstances, the Fund intends to invest a portion
of its assets in securities of issuers located in at least three countries (in addition to the United States). The value of foreign
securities is affected by changes in currency rates, foreign tax laws (including withholding tax), government policies (in this
country or abroad), relations between nations and trading, settlement, custodial and other operational risks. In addition, the
costs of investing abroad are generally higher than in the United States, and foreign securities markets may be less liquid, more
volatile and less subject to governmental supervision than markets in the United States. As an alternative to holding foreign-traded
securities, the Fund may invest in dollar-denominated securities of foreign companies that trade on U.S. exchanges or in the U.S.
over-the-counter market (including depositary receipts as described below, which evidence ownership in underlying foreign securities,
and ETFs as described above).
Because foreign companies are not subject to uniform accounting,
auditing and financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies, there
may be less publicly available information about a foreign company than about a domestic company. Volume and liquidity in most
foreign debt markets is less than in the United States and securities of some foreign companies are less liquid and more volatile
than securities of comparable U.S. companies. There is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities exchanges,
broker-dealers and listed companies than in the United States. Mail service between the United States and foreign countries may
be slower or less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions
or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Payment for securities before delivery may be required. In addition, with respect
to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, political or social instability,
or diplomatic developments, which could affect investments in those countries. Moreover, individual foreign economies may differ
favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital
reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments position. Foreign securities markets, while growing in volume and
sophistication, are generally not as developed as those in the United States, and securities of some foreign issuers (particularly
those located in developing countries) may be less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies.
The Fund may purchase ADRs, EDRs and GDRs, which are certificates
evidencing ownership of shares of foreign issuers and are alternatives to purchasing directly the underlying foreign securities
in their national markets and currencies. However, they continue to be subject to many of the risks associated with investing directly
in foreign securities. These risks include foreign exchange risk as well as the political and economic risks of the underlying
issuer’s country. ADRs, EDRs and GDRs may be sponsored or unsponsored. Unsponsored receipts are established without the participation
of the issuer. Unsponsored receipts may involve higher expenses, they may not pass-through voting or other shareholder rights,
and they may be less liquid.
The Fund’s investments in sovereign debt may also include
bonds issued by countries in emerging markets. Emerging market securities generally are less liquid and subject to wider price
and currency fluctuations than securities issued in more developed countries. While there is no limit on the amount of assets the
Fund may invest outside of the United States, the Fund will not invest more than 33% of its assets, at the time of acquisition,
in securities (including equity and fixed income securities) of governments and companies in emerging markets.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
REITs are companies that own and manage real estate, including
apartment buildings, offices, shopping centers, industrial buildings, and hotels. By investing in REITs, the Fund may gain exposure
to the real estate market with greater liquidity and diversification than through direct ownership of property, which can be costly
and require ongoing management and maintenance, and which can be difficult to convert into cash when needed. The Fund does not
expect to invest a significant portion of its assets in REITs but does not have any investment restrictions with respect to such
investments.
Warrants
The Fund may invest in equity and index warrants of domestic
and international issuers. Equity warrants are securities that give the holder the right, but not the obligation, to subscribe
for equity issues of the issuing company or a related company at a fixed price either on a certain date or during a set period.
Changes in the value of a warrant do not necessarily correspond to changes in the value of its underlying security. The price of
a warrant may be more volatile than the price of its underlying security, and a warrant may offer greater potential for capital
appreciation as well as capital loss.
Warrants do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights
with respect to the underlying security and do not represent any rights in the assets of the issuing company. A warrant ceases
to have value if it is not exercised prior to its expiration date. These factors can make warrants more speculative than other
types of investments.
Convertible Securities and Bonds with Warrants Attached
The Fund may invest in preferred stocks and fixed-income obligations
that are convertible into common stocks of domestic and foreign issuers, and bonds issued as a unit with warrants to purchase equity
or fixed income securities. Convertible securities in which the Fund may invest, comprised of both convertible debt and convertible
preferred stock, may be converted at either a stated price or at a stated rate into underlying shares of common stock. Because
of this feature, convertible securities generally enable an investor to benefit from increases in the market price of the underlying
common stock. Convertible securities often provide higher yields than the underlying equity securities, but generally offer lower
yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. The value of convertible securities fluctuates in relation to changes
in interest rates like bonds, and, in addition, fluctuates in relation to the underlying common stock.
Bonds with warrants attached to purchase equity securities have
many characteristics of convertible bonds and their prices may, to some degree, reflect the performance of the underlying stock.
Bonds may also be issued with warrants attached to purchase additional fixed income securities at the same coupon rate. A decline
in interest rates would permit the Fund to buy additional bonds at a favorable rate or to sell the warrants at a profit. If interest
rates rise, the warrants would generally expire with no value.
Investment Techniques
The Fund may, but is under no obligation to, from time to time
employ a variety of investment techniques, including those described below, to hedge against fluctuations in the price of portfolio
securities, to enhance total return or to provide a substitute for the purchase or sale of securities. Some of these techniques,
such as purchases of put and call options, options on stock indices and stock index futures and entry into certain credit derivative
transactions and short sales, may be used as hedges against or substitutes for investments in equity securities. Other techniques
such as the purchase of interest rate futures and entry into transactions involving interest rate swaps, options on interest rate
swaps and certain credit derivatives are hedges against or substitutes for investments in debt securities. The Fund’s ability
to utilize any of the techniques described below may be limited by restrictions imposed on its operations in connection with obtaining
and maintaining its qualification as a regulated investment company under the Code. Additionally, other factors (such as cost)
may make it impractical or undesirable to use any of these investment techniques from time to time.
Options on Securities
In order to hedge against adverse market shifts, the Fund may
utilize up to 12% of its total assets (in addition to the 12% limit applicable to options on stock indices described below) to
purchase put and call options on securities. The Fund will also, in certain situations, augment its investment positions by purchasing
call options, both on specific equity securities, as well as securities representing exposure to equity sectors or indices and
fixed income indices, including options on indices and exchange traded funds (“ETFs”). In addition, the Fund may seek
to increase its income or may hedge a portion of its portfolio investments through writing (i.e., selling) covered put and
call options. A put option embodies the right of its purchaser to compel the writer of the option to purchase from the option holder
an underlying security or its equivalent at a specified price at any time during the option period. In contrast, a call option
gives the purchaser the right to buy the underlying security or its equivalent covered by the option or its equivalent from the
writer of the option at the stated exercise price. Under interpretations of the Securities and Exchange Commission currently in
effect, which may change from time to time, a “covered” call option means that so long as the Fund is obligated as
the writer of the option, it will own (1) the underlying instruments subject to the option, (2) instruments convertible or exchangeable
into the instruments subject to the option or (3) a call option on the relevant instruments with an exercise price no higher than
the exercise price on the call option written.
Similarly, the Securities and Exchange Commission currently
requires that, to “cover” or support its obligation to purchase the underlying instruments if a put option is written
by the Fund, the Fund must (1) deposit with its custodian in a segregated account liquid securities having a value at least equal
to the exercise price of the underlying securities, (2) continue to own an equivalent number of puts of the same “series”
(that is, puts on the same underlying security having the same exercise prices and expiration dates as those written by the Fund),
or an equivalent number of puts of the same “class” (that is, puts on the same underlying security) with exercise
prices greater than those it has written (or, if the exercise prices of the puts it holds are less than the exercise prices of
those it has written, it will deposit the difference with its custodian in a segregated account) or (3) sell short the securities
underlying the put option at the same or a higher price than the exercise price on the put option written.
The Fund will receive a premium when it writes put and call
options, which increases the Fund’s return on the underlying security in the event the option expires unexercised or is closed
out at a profit. By writing a call, the Fund will limit its opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of the underlying
security above the exercise price of the option for as long as the Fund’s obligation as the writer of the option continues.
Upon the exercise of a put option written by the Fund, the Fund may suffer an economic loss equal to the difference between the
price at which the Fund is required to purchase the underlying security and its market value at the time of the option exercise,
less the premium received for writing the option. Upon the exercise of a call option written by the Fund, the Fund may suffer an
economic loss equal to an amount not less than the excess of the security’s market value at the time of the option exercise
over the Fund’s acquisition cost of the security, less the sum of the premium received for writing the option and the difference,
if any, between the call price paid to the Fund and the Fund’s acquisition cost of the security. Thus, in some periods the
Fund might receive less total return and in other periods greater total return from its hedged positions than it would have received
from leaving its underlying securities unhedged.
The Fund may purchase and write options on securities that are
listed on national securities exchanges or are traded over the counter, although it expects, under normal circumstances, to effect
such transactions on national securities exchanges.
As a holder of a put option, the Fund will have the right to
sell the securities underlying the option and as the holder of a call option, the Fund will have the right to purchase the securities
underlying the option, in each case at their exercise price at any time prior to the option’s expiration date. The Fund may
choose to exercise the options it holds, permit them to expire or terminate them prior to their expiration by entering into closing
sale transactions. In entering into a closing sale transaction, the Fund would sell an option of the same series as the one it
has purchased. The ability of the Fund to enter into a closing sale transaction with respect to options purchased and to enter
into a closing purchase transaction with respect to options sold depends on the existence of a liquid secondary market. There can
be no assurance that a closing purchase or sale transaction can be effected when the Fund so desires. The Fund’s ability
to terminate option positions established in the over-the-counter market may be more limited than in the case of exchange-traded
options and may also involve the risk that securities dealers participating in such transactions would fail to meet their obligations
to the Fund.
In purchasing a put option, the Fund will seek to benefit from
a decline in the market price of the underlying security, while in purchasing a call option, the Fund will seek to benefit from
an increase in the market price of the underlying security. If an option purchased is not sold or exercised when it has remaining
value, or if the market price of the underlying security remains equal to or greater than the exercise price, in the case of a
put, or remains equal to or below the exercise price, in the case of a call, during the life of the option, the option will expire
worthless. For the purchase of an option to be profitable, the market price of the underlying security must decline sufficiently
below the exercise price, in the case of a put, and must increase sufficiently above the exercise price, in the case of a call,
to cover the premium and transaction costs. Because option premiums paid by the Fund are small in relation to the market value
of the instruments underlying the options, buying options can result in large amounts of leverage. The leverage offered by trading
in options could cause the Fund’s net asset value to be subject to more frequent and wider fluctuation than would be the
case if the Fund did not invest in options.
Options on Stock Indices
The Fund may utilize up to 12% of its total assets (in addition
to the 12% limit applicable to options on securities) to purchase put and call options on domestic stock indices to hedge against
risks of market-wide price movements affecting its assets. The Fund will also, in certain situations, augment its investment positions
by purchasing call options, both on specific equity securities, as well as securities representing exposure to equity sectors or
indices and fixed income indices, including options on indices and exchange traded funds (“ETFs”). In addition, the
Fund may write covered put and call options on stock indices. A stock index measures the movement of a certain group of stocks
by assigning relative values to the common stocks included in the index. Options on stock indices are similar to options on securities.
Because no underlying security can be delivered, however, the option represents the holder’s right to obtain from the writer,
in cash, a fixed multiple of the amount by which the exercise price exceeds (in the case of a put) or is less than (in the case
of a call) the closing value of the underlying index on the exercise date. The advisability of using stock index options to hedge
against the risk of market-wide movements will depend on the extent of diversification of the Fund’s investments and the
sensitivity of its investments to factors influencing the underlying index. The effectiveness of purchasing or writing stock index
options as a hedging technique will depend upon the extent to which price movements in the Fund’s securities investments
correlate with price movements in the stock index selected. In addition, successful use by the Fund of options on stock indices
will be subject to the ability of Clough to predict correctly changes in the relationship of the underlying index to the Fund’s
portfolio holdings. No assurance can be given that Clough’s judgment in this respect will be correct.
When the Fund writes an option on a stock index, it will establish
a segregated account with its custodian in which the Fund will deposit liquid securities in an amount equal to the market value
of the option, and will maintain the account while the option is open.
Short Sales
The Fund intends to attempt to limit exposure to a possible
market decline in the value of its portfolio securities through short sales of securities that Clough believes possess volatility
characteristics similar to those being hedged. In addition, the Fund intends to use short sales for non-hedging purposes to pursue
its investment objective. Subject to the requirements of the 1940 Act and the Code, the Fund will not make a short sale if, after
giving effect to such sale, the market value of all securities sold short by the Fund exceeds 30% of the value of its total assets.
A short sale is a transaction in which the Fund sells a security
it does not own in anticipation that the market price of that security will decline. When the Fund makes a short sale, it must
borrow the security sold short from a broker-dealer and deliver it to the buyer upon conclusion of the sale. The Fund may have
to pay a fee to borrow particular securities and is often obligated to pay over any payments received on such borrowed securities.
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.
The Fund will also be required to designate on its books and records similar collateral with its custodian to the extent, if any,
necessary so that the aggregate collateral value is at all times at least equal to the current market value of the security sold
short. Depending on arrangements made with the broker-dealer from which it borrowed the security regarding payment over of any
payments received by the Fund on such security, the Fund may not receive any payments (including interest) on its collateral deposited
with such broker-dealer.
If the price of the security sold short increases between the
time of the short sale and the time the Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a loss; conversely, if the price
declines, the Fund will realize a gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the transaction costs described
above. Although the Fund’s gain is limited to the price at which it sold the security short, its potential loss is unlimited.
The Fund may also sell a security short if it owns at least
an equal amount of the security sold short or another security convertible or exchangeable for an equal amount of the security
sold short without payment of further compensation (a short sale against-the-box). In a short sale against-the-box, the short seller
is exposed to the risk of being forced to deliver stock that it holds to close the position if the borrowed stock is called in
by the lender, which would cause gain or loss to be recognized on the delivered stock. The Fund expects normally to close its short
sales against-the-box by delivering newly acquired stock.
Purchasing securities to close out the short position can itself
cause the price of the securities to rise further, thereby exacerbating the loss. Short-selling exposes the Fund to unlimited risk
with respect to that security due to the lack of an upper limit on the price to which an instrument can rise. Although the Fund
reserves the right to utilize short sales, and currently intends to utilize short sales, Clough is under no obligation to utilize
short sales at all.
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts
The Fund may enter into interest rate and stock index futures
contracts and may purchase and sell put and call options on such futures contracts. The Fund will enter into such transactions
for hedging and other appropriate risk-management purposes or to increase return, in accordance with the rules and regulations
of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) and the Securities and Exchange Commission.
An interest rate futures contract is a standardized contract
for the future delivery of a specified security (such as a U.S. Treasury Bond or U.S. Treasury Note) or its equivalent at a future
date at a price set at the time of the contract. A stock index futures contract is an agreement to take or make delivery of an
amount of cash equal to the difference between the value of the index at the beginning and at the end of the contract period. The
Fund may only enter into futures contracts traded on regulated commodity exchanges.
Parties to a futures contract must make “initial margin”
deposits to secure performance of the contract. There are also requirements to make “variation margin” deposits from
time to time as the value of the futures contract fluctuates. Clough has claimed an exclusion from the definition of commodity
pool operator under the Commodity Exchange Act (“CEA”) and, therefore, Clough will not be subject to registration or
regulation as a commodity pool operator under the CEA. The Fund reserves the right to engage in transactions involving futures
and options thereon and in accordance with the Fund’s policies. In addition, certain provisions of the Code may limit the
extent to which the Fund may enter into futures contracts or engage in options transactions.
Pursuant to the views of the Securities and Exchange Commission
currently in effect, which may change from time to time, with respect to futures contracts to purchase securities or stock indices,
call options on futures contracts purchased by the Fund and put options on futures contracts written by the Fund, the Fund will
set aside in a segregated account liquid securities with a value at least equal to the value of instruments underlying such futures
contracts less the amount of initial margin on deposit for such contracts. The current view of the staff of the Securities and
Exchange Commission is that the Fund’s long and short positions in futures contracts as well as put and call options on futures
written by it must be collateralized with cash or certain liquid assets held in a segregated account or “covered” in
a manner similar to that described below for covered options on securities. See “Investment Objective and Policies—Investment
Techniques—Options on Securities”. However, even if “covered,” these instruments could have the effect
of leveraging the Fund’s portfolio.
The Fund may either accept or make delivery of cash or the underlying
instrument specified at the expiration of an interest rate futures contract or cash at the expiration of a stock index futures
contract or, prior to expiration, enter into a closing transaction involving the purchase or sale of an offsetting contract. Closing
transactions with respect to futures contracts are effected on the exchange on which the contract was entered into (or a linked
exchange).
The Fund may purchase and write put and call options on interest
rate futures contracts and stock index futures contracts in order to hedge all or a portion of its investments and may enter into
closing purchase transactions with respect to options written by the Fund in order to terminate existing positions. There is no
guarantee that such closing transactions can be effected at any particular time or at all. In addition, daily limits on price fluctuations
on exchanges on which the Fund conducts its futures and options transactions may prevent the prompt liquidation of positions at
the optimal time, thus subjecting the Fund to the potential of greater losses.
An option on an interest rate futures contract or stock index
futures contract, as contrasted with the direct investment in such a contract, gives the purchaser of the option the right, in
return for the premium paid, to assume a position in a stock index futures contract or interest rate futures contract at a specified
exercise price at any time on or before the expiration date of the option. Upon exercise of an option, the delivery of the futures
position by the writer of the option to the holder of the option will be accompanied by delivery of the accumulated balance in
the writer’s futures margin account, 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 a futures contract is limited to the premium paid for the option (plus transaction
costs).
With respect to options purchased by the Fund, there are no
daily cash payments made by the Fund 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 asset value of the Fund.
While the Fund may enter into futures contracts and options
on futures contracts for hedging purposes, the use of futures contracts and options on futures contracts might result in a poorer
overall performance for the Fund than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. If, for example, the Fund had insufficient
cash, it might have to sell a portion of its underlying portfolio of securities in order to meet daily variation margin requirements
on its futures contracts or options on futures contracts at a time when it might be disadvantageous to do so. There may be an imperfect
correlation between the Fund’s portfolio holdings and futures contracts or options on futures contracts entered into by the
Fund, which may prevent the Fund from achieving the intended hedge or expose the Fund to risk of loss. Further, the Fund’s
use of futures contracts and options on futures contracts to reduce risk involves costs and will be subject to Clough’s ability
to predict correctly changes in interest rate relationships or other factors. No assurance can be given that Clough’s judgment
in this respect will be correct.
When-Issued and Delayed Delivery Transactions
New issues of preferred and debt securities may be offered on
a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, which means that delivery and payment for the security normally take place within 45 days
after the date of the commitment to purchase. The payment obligation and the dividends that will be received on the security are
fixed at the time the buyer enters into the commitment. The Fund will make commitments to purchase securities on a when-issued
or delayed delivery basis only with the intention of acquiring the securities, but may sell these securities before the settlement
date if Clough deems it advisable. No additional when-issued or delayed delivery commitments will be made if more than 20% of the
Fund’s total assets would be so committed. Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may be subject
to changes in value based upon the public’s perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and changes, real or anticipated,
in the level of interest rates. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis may expose the Fund to
risk because they may experience these fluctuations prior to their actual delivery. The Fund will not accrue income with respect
to a debt security it has purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis prior to its stated delivery date but will accrue
income on a delayed delivery security it has sold. Purchasing or selling securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis
can involve the additional risk that the yield available in the market when the delivery takes place actually may be higher than
that obtained in the transaction itself. A segregated account of the Fund consisting of liquid securities equal at all times to
the amount of the Fund’s when-issued and delayed delivery purchase commitments will be established and maintained with the
Fund’s custodian. Placing securities rather than cash in the segregated account may have a leveraging effect on the Fund’s
net asset value per share; that is, to the extent that the Fund remains substantially fully invested in securities at the same
time that it has committed to purchase securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis, greater fluctuations in its net asset
value per share may occur than if it has set aside cash to satisfy its purchase commitments.
Interest Rate Swaps and Options Thereon (“Swaptions”)
The Fund may enter into interest rate swap agreements and may
purchase and sell put and call options on such swap agreements, commonly referred to as swaptions. The Fund will enter into such
transactions for hedging some or all of its interest rate exposure in its holdings of preferred securities and debt securities.
Interest rate swap agreements and swaptions are highly specialized investments and are not traded on or regulated by any securities
exchange or regulated by the CFTC or the Securities and Exchange Commission.
An interest rate swap is an agreement between two parties where
one party agrees to pay a contractually stated fixed income stream, usually denoted as a fixed percentage of an underlying “notional”
amount, in exchange for receiving a variable income stream, usually based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), and denoted
as a percentage of the underlying notional amount. From the perspective of a fixed rate payer, if interest rates rise, the payer
will expect a rising level of income since the payer is a receiver of floating rate income. This would cause the value of the swap
contract to rise in value, from the payer’s perspective, because the discounted present value of its obligatory payment stream
is diminished at higher interest rates, all at the same time it is receiving higher income. Alternatively, if interest rates fall,
the reverse occurs and it simultaneously faces the prospects of both a diminished floating rate income stream and a higher discounted
present value of his fixed rate payment obligation. These value changes all work in reverse from the perspective of a fixed rate
receiver.
A swaption is an agreement between two parties where one party
purchases the right from the other party to enter into an interest rate swap at a specified date and for a specified “fixed
rate” yield (or “exercise” yield). In a pay-fixed swaption, the holder of the swaption has the right to enter
into an interest rate swap as a payer of fixed rate and receiver of variable rate, while the writer of the swaption has the obligation
to enter into the other side of the interest rate swap. In a received-fixed swaption, the holder of the swaption has the right
to enter into an interest rate swap as a receiver of fixed rate and a payer of variable rate, while the writer of the swaption
has the obligation to enter into the opposite side of the interest rate swap.
A pay-fixed swaption is analogous to a put option on Treasury
securities in that it rises in value as interest rate swap yields rise. A receive-fixed swaption is analogous to a call option
on Treasury securities in that it rises in value as interest rate swap yields decline. As with other options on securities, indices,
or futures contracts, the price of any swaption will reflect both an intrinsic value component, which may be zero, and a time premium
component. The intrinsic value component represents what the value of the swaption would be if it were immediately exercisable
into the underlying interest rate swap. The intrinsic value component measures the degree to which an option is in-the-money, if
at all. The time premium represents the difference between the actual price of the swaption and the intrinsic value.
It is customary market practice for swaptions to be “cash
settled” rather than an actual position in an interest rate swap being established at the time of swaption expiration. For
reasons set forth more fully below, Clough expects to enter strictly into cash settled swaptions (i.e., where the exercise
value of the swaption is determined by reference to the market for interest rate swaps then prevailing).
Credit Derivatives
The Fund may enter into credit derivative transactions, either
to hedge credit exposure or to gain exposure to an issuer or group of issuers more economically than can be achieved by investing
directly in preferred or debt securities. Credit derivatives fall into two broad categories: credit default swaps and market spread
swaps, both of which can reference either a single issuer or obligor or a portfolio of preferred and/or debt securities. In a credit
default swap, which is the most common form of credit derivative, the purchaser of credit protection makes a periodic payment to
the seller (swap counterparty) in exchange for a payment by the seller should a referenced security or loan, or a specified portion
of a portfolio of such instruments, default during the life of the swap agreement. If there were a default event as specified in
the swap agreement, the buyer either (i) would receive from the seller the difference between the par (or other agreed-upon) value
of the referenced instrument(s) and the then-current market value of the instrument(s) or (ii) have the right to make delivery
of the reference instrument to the counterparty. If there were no default, the buyer of credit protection would have spent the
stream of payments and received no benefit from the contract. Market spread swaps are based on relative changes in market rates,
such as the yield spread between a preferred security and a benchmark Treasury security, rather than default events.
In a market spread swap, two counterparties agree to exchange
payments at future dates based on the spread between a reference security (or index) and a benchmark security (or index). The buyer
(fixed-spread payer) would receive from the seller (fixed-spread receiver) the difference between the market rate and the reference
rate at each payment date, if the market rate were above the reference rate. If the market rate were below the reference rate,
then the buyer would pay to the seller the difference between the reference rate and the market rate. The Fund may utilize market
spread swaps to “lock in” the yield (or price) of a security or index without having to purchase the reference security
or index. Market spread swaps may also be used to mitigate the risk associated with a widening of the spread between the yield
or price of a security in the Fund’s portfolio relative to a benchmark Treasury security. Market spread options, which are
analogous to swaptions, give the buyer the right but not the obligation to buy (in the case of a call) or sell (in the case of
a put) the referenced market spread at a fixed price from the seller. Similarly, the seller of a market spread option has the obligation
to sell (in the case of a call) or buy (in the case of a put) the referenced market spread at a fixed price from the buyer. Credit
derivatives are highly specialized investments and are not traded on or regulated by any securities exchange or regulated by the
CFTC or the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Interest Rate Swaps, Swaptions and Credit Derivatives (General)
The pricing and valuation terms of interest rate swaps, swaptions
and credit derivatives are not standardized and there is no clearinghouse whereby a party to any such derivative agreement can
enter into an offsetting position to close out a contract. Interest rate swaps, swaptions and credit derivatives are usually (1)
between an institutional investor and a broker-dealer firm or bank or (2) between institutional investors. In addition, substantially
all swaps are entered into subject to the standards set forth by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”).
ISDA represents participants in the privately negotiated derivatives industry, helps formulate the investment industry’s
position on regulatory and legislative issues, develops international contractual standards and offers arbitration on disputes
concerning market practice.
Under the rating agency guidelines that would likely be imposed
in connection with any issuance of preferred shares by the Fund, it is expected that the Fund would be authorized to enter into
swaptions and to purchase credit default swaps without limitation but would be subject to limitation on entering into interest
rate swap agreements or selling credit protection. Certain rating agency guidelines may be changed from time to time and it is
expected that those relating to interest rate swaps, swaptions and credit derivatives would be able to be revised by the Board
of Trustees, without shareholder vote of the Common Shares or the Fund’s preferred shares, so long as the relevant rating
agency(ies) has given written notice that such revisions would not adversely affect the rating of the Fund’s preferred shares
then in effect.
The Board of Trustees has currently limited the Fund’s
use of interest rate and credit swaps and swaptions as follows: (1) swaps and swaptions must be U.S. dollar-denominated and used
for hedging purposes only; (2) no more than 5% of the Fund’s total assets, at the time of purchase, may be invested in time
premiums paid for swaptions; (3) swaps and swaptions must conform to the standards of the ISDA Master Agreement; and (4) the counterparty
must be a bank or broker-dealer firm regulated under the laws of the United States that (a) is on a list approved by the Board
of Trustees, (b) has capital of at least $100 million and (c) is rated investment grade by both Moody’s and S&P. These
criteria can be modified by the Board of Trustees at any time in its discretion.
The market value of the Fund’s investments in credit derivatives
and/or premiums paid therefor as a buyer of credit protection will not exceed 12% of the Fund’s total assets and the notional
value of the credit exposure to which the Fund is subject when it sells credit derivatives will not exceed 331/3% of
the Fund’s total assets. The Fund has no other investment restrictions with respect to credit derivatives.
Clough expects that the Fund will be subject to the initial
and subsequent mark-to-market collateral requirements that are standard among ISDA participants. These requirements help insure
that the party who is a net obligor at current market value has pledged for safekeeping, to the counterparty or its agent, sufficient
collateral to cover any losses should the obligor become incapable, for whatever reason, of fulfilling its commitments under the
swap or swaption agreements. This is analogous, in many respects, to the collateral requirements in place on regular futures and
options exchanges. The Fund will be responsible for monitoring the market value of all derivative transactions to ensure that they
are properly collateralized.
If Clough determines it is advisable for the Fund to enter into
such transactions, the Fund will institute procedures for valuing interest rate swap, swaption or credit derivative positions to
which it is party. Interest rate swaps, swaptions and credit derivatives will be valued by the counterparty to the swap or swaption
in question. Such valuation will then be compared with the valuation provided by a broker-dealer or bank that is not a party to
the contract. In the event of material discrepancies, the Fund has procedures in place for valuing the swap or swaption, subject
to the direction of the Board of Trustees, which include reference to third-party information services, such as Bloomberg, and
a comparison with Clough’s valuation models. The use of interest rate swaps, swaptions and credit derivatives, as the foregoing
discussion suggests, is subject to risks and complexities beyond what might be encountered in standardized, exchange traded options
and futures contracts. Such risks include operational risk, valuation risk, credit risk and /or counterparty risk (i.e.,
the risk that the counterparty cannot or will not perform its obligations under the agreement). In addition, at the time the interest
rate swap, swaption or credit derivative 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 performance of the Fund.
While the Fund may utilize interest rate swaps, swaptions and
credit derivatives for hedging purposes or to enhance total return, their use might result in poorer overall performance for the
Fund than if it had not engaged in any such transactions. If, for example, the Fund had insufficient cash, it might have to sell
or pledge a portion of its underlying portfolio of securities in order to meet daily mark-to-market collateralization requirements
at a time when it might be disadvantageous to do so.
There may be an imperfect correlation between the Fund’s
portfolio holdings and swaps, swaptions or credit derivatives entered into by the Fund, which may prevent the Fund from achieving
the intended hedge or expose the Fund to risk of loss. Further, the Fund’s use of swaps, swaptions and credit derivatives
to reduce risk involves costs and will be subject to Clough’s ability to predict correctly changes in interest rate relationships,
volatility, credit quality or other factors. No assurance can be given that Clough’s judgment in this respect will be correct.
Temporary Investments
From time to time, as Clough deems warranted based on market
conditions, the Fund may invest temporarily in cash, money market securities, money market mutual funds or cash equivalents, which
may be inconsistent with the Fund’s investment objective. Cash equivalents are highly liquid, short-term securities such
as commercial paper, time deposits, certificates of deposit, short-term notes and short-term U.S. government obligations.
Portfolio Turnover
Although the Fund cannot accurately predict its portfolio turnover
rate, it is likely to exceed 100% (excluding turnover of securities having a maturity of one year or less). A high turnover rate
(100% or more) necessarily involves greater expenses to the Fund and may result in realization of net short-term capital gains.
Foreign Currency Transactions
The value of foreign assets as measured in U.S. dollars may
be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in foreign currency rates and exchange control regulations. Currency exchange rates
can also be affected unpredictably by intervention by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or the failure to intervene,
or by currency controls or political developments in the United States or abroad. Foreign currency exchange transactions may be
conducted on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market or through entering
into derivative currency transactions. Currency futures contracts are exchange-traded and change in value to reflect movements
of a currency or a basket of currencies. Settlement must be made in a designated currency.
Forward foreign currency exchange contracts are individually
negotiated and privately traded so they are dependent upon the creditworthiness of the counterparty. Such contracts may be used
when a security denominated in a foreign currency is purchased or sold, or when the Fund anticipates receipt in a foreign currency
of dividend or interest payments on such a security. A forward contract can then “lock in” the U.S. dollar price of
the security or the U.S. dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest payment, as the case may be. Additionally, when Clough
believes that the currency of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S. dollar, it may enter
into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount of dollars, the amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some
or all of the securities held that are denominated in such foreign currency. The precise matching of the forward contract amounts
and the value of the securities involved will not generally be possible. In addition, it may not be possible to hedge against long-term
currency changes. The Fund may engage in cross-hedging by using forward contracts in one currency (or basket of currencies) to
hedge against fluctuations in the value of securities denominated in a different currency if Clough determines that there is an
established historical pattern of correlation between the two currencies (or the basket of currencies and the underlying currency).
Use of a different foreign currency magnifies exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The Fund may use forward
contracts to shift exposure to foreign currency exchange rate changes from one currency to another. Short-term hedging provides
a means of fixing the dollar value of only a portion of portfolio assets.
Currency transactions are subject to the risk of a number of
complex political and economic factors applicable to the countries issuing the underlying currencies. Furthermore, unlike trading
in most other types of instruments, there is no systematic reporting of last sale information with respect to the foreign currencies
underlying the derivative currency transactions. As a result, available information may not be complete. In an over-the-counter
trading environment, there are no daily price fluctuation limits. There may be no liquid secondary market to close out options
purchased or written, or forward contracts entered into, until their exercise, expiration or maturity. There is also the risk of
default by, or the bankruptcy of, the financial institution serving as a counterparty.
Illiquid Securities
The Fund may invest in securities for which there is no readily
available trading market or which are otherwise illiquid. Illiquid securities include securities legally restricted as to resale,
such as commercial paper issued pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule
144A thereunder. Section 4(2) and Rule 144A securities may, however, be treated as liquid by Clough pursuant to procedures adopted
by the Board of Trustees, which require consideration of factors such as trading activity, availability of market quotations and
number of dealers willing to purchase the security. If the Fund invests in Rule 144A securities, the level of portfolio illiquidity
may be increased to the extent that eligible buyers become uninterested in purchasing such securities.
It may be difficult to sell such securities at a price representing
their fair value until such time as such securities may be sold publicly. Where registration is required, a considerable period
may elapse between a decision to sell the securities and the time when it would be permitted to sell. Thus, the Fund may not be
able to obtain as favorable a price as that prevailing at the time of the decision to sell. The Fund may also acquire securities
through private placements under which it may agree to contractual restrictions on the resale of such securities. Such restrictions
might prevent their sale at a time when such sale would otherwise be desirable.
Repurchase Agreements
A repurchase agreement exists where the Fund sells a security
(typically U.S. government securities) to a party for cash and agrees to buy the same security back on a specific date (typically
the next business day) from the same party for cash. Repurchase agreements carry several risks. For instance, the Fund could incur
a loss if the value of the security sold has increased more than the value of the cash and collateral held. In addition, the other
party to the agreement may default, in which case the Fund would not re-acquire possession of the security and suffer full value
loss (or incur costs when attempting to purchase a similar security from another party). Also, in a bankruptcy proceeding involving
the other party, a court may determine that the security does not belong to the Fund and order that the security be used to pay
off the debts of the bankrupt. The Fund will reduce the risk by requiring the other party to put up collateral, whose value is
checked and reset daily. The Fund also intends only to deal with parties that appear to have the resources and the financial strength
to live up to the terms of the agreement. Repurchase agreements are limited to 50% of the Fund’s assets. Cash held for securities
sold by the Fund are not included in the Fund’s assets when making this calculation.
USE OF LEVERAGE
The Fund uses leverage through the issuance of preferred shares
and/or through borrowings, including the issuance of debt securities. The Fund may use leverage of up to 33% of its total assets
(including the amount obtained from leverage). The Fund generally will not use leverage if Clough anticipates that it would result
in a lower return to Common Shareholders for any significant amount of time. The Fund also may borrow money as a temporary measure
for extraordinary or emergency purposes, including the payment of dividends and the settlement of securities transactions, which
otherwise might require untimely dispositions of Fund securities.
Changes in the value of the Fund’s portfolio (including
investments bought with the proceeds of the preferred shares offering or borrowing program) will be borne entirely by the Common
Shareholders. If there is a net decrease (or increase) in the value of the Fund’s investment portfolio, the leverage will
decrease (or increase) the net asset value per share to a greater extent than if the Fund were not leveraged. During periods in
which the Fund is using leverage, the fees paid to Clough for investment advisory services and to ALPS for administrative services
will be higher than if the Fund did not use leverage because the fees paid will be calculated on the basis of the Fund’s
total assets, including proceeds from borrowings and the issuance of preferred shares, which may create an incentive to leverage
the Fund. As discussed under “Description of Capital Structure—Preferred Shares,” the Fund’s issuance of
preferred shares may alter the voting power of Common Shareholders.
Capital raised through leverage will be subject to dividend
or interest payments, which may exceed the income and appreciation on the assets purchased. The issuance of preferred shares or
entering into a borrowing program involves expenses and other costs and may limit the Fund’s freedom to pay dividends on
Common Shares or to engage in other activities. The issuance of a class of preferred shares or incurrence of borrowings having
priority over the Fund’s Common Shares creates an opportunity for greater return per Common Share, but at the same time such
leveraging is a speculative technique in that it will increase the Fund’s exposure to capital risk. Unless the income and
appreciation, if any, on assets acquired with leverage proceeds exceed the associated costs of such preferred shares or borrowings
(and other Fund expenses), the use of leverage will diminish the investment performance of the Fund’s Common Shares compared
with what it would have been without leverage.
The Fund may be subject to certain restrictions on investments
imposed by guidelines of one or more rating agencies that may issue ratings for any preferred shares issued by the Fund and by
borrowing program covenants. These guidelines and covenants may impose asset coverage or Fund composition requirements that are
more stringent than those imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act. It is not anticipated that these covenants or guidelines will significantly
impede Clough from managing the Fund’s portfolio in accordance with the Fund’s investment objective and policies.
Under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not permitted to issue preferred
shares unless immediately after such issuance the total asset value of the Fund’s portfolio is at least 200% of the liquidation
value of the outstanding preferred shares (i.e., such liquidation value may not exceed 50% of the Fund’s total assets).
In addition, the Fund is not permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on its Common Shares unless, at the time
of such declaration, the net asset value of the Fund’s portfolio (determined after deducting the amount of such dividend
or other distribution) is at least 200% of such liquidation value. If preferred shares are issued, the Fund intends, to the extent
possible, to purchase or redeem preferred shares, from time to time, to maintain coverage of any preferred shares of at least 200%.
Though the Fund may issue preferred shares amounting to 50% leverage, it does not intend to exceed 33% leverage, at which point
there will be an asset coverage of 303%. Initially, holders of the Common Shares will elect each of the eight Trustees of the Fund.
If the Fund issues preferred shares, the holders of the preferred shares will elect two of the Trustees of the Fund. In the event
the Fund failed to pay dividends on its preferred shares for two years, preferred shareholders would be entitled to elect a majority
of the Trustees until the dividends are paid.
To qualify for federal income taxation as a “regulated
investment company,” the Fund must distribute in each taxable year at least 90% of its net investment income (including net
interest income and net short-term gain). The Fund also will be required to distribute annually substantially all of its income
and capital gain, if any, to avoid imposition of a nondeductible 4% federal excise tax.
The Fund’s willingness to issue new securities for investment
purposes, and the amount the Fund will issue, will depend on many factors, the most important of which are market conditions and
interest rates. Successful use of a leveraging strategy may depend on Clough’s ability to predict correctly interest rates
and market movements, and there is no assurance that a leveraging strategy will be successful during any period in which it is
employed.
For the period from November 1, 2019 to October 31, 2020, the
average amount borrowed under the Credit Agreement was $178,750,000, at an average rate of 1.64%. As of October 31, 2020 the amount
of outstanding borrowings was $182,500,000, the interest rate was 0.91% and the amount of pledged collateral was $318,371,757.
Additional information on senior securities of the Fund may be found in the Financial Highlights section of the Annual Report dated October 31, 2020, which is incorporated by reference.
The following table is designed to illustrate the effect on
the return to a holder of the Fund’s Common Shares of leverage in the amount of approximately 33% of the Fund’s total
assets, assuming hypothetical annual returns of the Fund’s portfolio of minus 10% to plus 10%. As the table shows, leverage
generally increases the return to Common Shareholders when portfolio return is positive and greater than the cost of leverage and
decreases the return when the portfolio return is negative or less than the cost of leverage. The figures appearing in the table
are hypothetical and actual returns may be greater or less than those appearing in the table.
Assumed portfolio return (net of expenses)
|
(10)%
|
(5)%
|
0%
|
5%
|
10%
|
Corresponding Common Share return
|
(16)%
|
(8)%
|
(1)%
|
7%
|
15%
|
In addition to the credit facility, the Fund may use a variety
of additional strategies that would be viewed as potentially adding leverage to the portfolio. These include the sale of credit
default swap contracts and the use of other derivative instruments, reverse repurchase agreements and the issuance of preferred
shares. By adding additional leverage, these strategies have the potential to increase returns to Common Shareholders, but also
involve additional risks. Additional leverage will increase the volatility of the Fund’s investment portfolio and could result
in larger losses than if the strategies were not used. However, to the extent that the Fund enters into offsetting transactions
or owns positions covering its obligations, the leveraging effect is expected to be minimized or eliminated.
During the time in which the Fund is utilizing leverage, the
fees paid to Clough and the Administrator for services will be higher than if the Fund did not utilize leverage because the fees
paid will be calculated based on the Fund’s total assets. Only the Fund’s holders of Common Shares bear the cost of
the Fund’s fees and expenses.
RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Investing in the Fund involves risk, including the risk that
you may receive little or no return on your investment or that you may lose part or all of your investment. Therefore, before
investing you should consider carefully the following risks before investing in the Fund.
Key Adviser Personnel Risk
The Fund’s ability to identify and invest in attractive
opportunities is dependent upon Clough, its investment adviser. If one or more key individuals leaves Clough, Clough may not be
able to hire qualified replacements, or may require an extended time to do so. This could prevent the Fund from achieving its investment
objective.
Investment and Market Risk
An investment in Common Shares is subject to investment risk,
including the possible loss of the entire principal amount invested. An investment in Common Shares represents an indirect investment
in the securities owned by the Fund, which are generally traded on a securities exchange or in the over-the-counter markets. The
value of these securities, like other market investments, may move up or down, sometimes rapidly and unpredictably. The Common
Shares at any point in time may be worth less than the original investment, even after taking into account any reinvestment of
dividends and distributions.
Issuer Risk
The value of an issuer’s securities may decline for a
number of reasons which directly relate to the issuer, such as management performance, financial leverage and reduced demand for
the issuer’s goods and services.
Common Stock Risk
To the extent the Fund invests in common stocks, those investments
will be subject to special risks. Although common stocks have historically generated higher average returns than fixed income securities
over the long term, common stocks also have experienced significantly more volatility in returns. Common stocks may be more susceptible
to adverse changes in market value due to issuer specific events or general movements in the equities markets. A drop in the stock
market may depress the price of common stocks held by the Fund. Common stock prices fluctuate for many reasons, including changes
in investors’ perceptions of the financial condition of an issuer or the general condition of the relevant stock market,
or the occurrence of political or economic events affecting issuers. For example, an adverse event, such as an unfavorable earnings
report, may depress the value of common stock in which the Fund has invested; the price of common stock of an issuer may be particularly
sensitive to general movements in the stock market; or a drop in the stock market may depress the price of most or all of the common
stocks held by the Fund. Also, common stock of an issuer in the Fund’s portfolio may decline in price if the issuer fails
to make anticipated dividend payments because, among other reasons, the issuer of the security experiences a decline in its financial
condition. The common stocks in which the Fund will invest are structurally subordinated to preferred securities, bonds and other
debt instruments in a company’s capital structure, in terms of priority to corporate income and assets, and therefore will
be subject to greater risk than the preferred securities or debt instruments of such issuers. In addition, common stock prices
may be sensitive to rising interest rates, as the costs of capital rise and borrowing costs increase.
Debt Securities Risk
In addition to credit risk, investment in debt securities carries
certain risks including:
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Redemption Risk—Debt securities sometimes contain provisions that allow for redemption in the event of tax or security law changes in addition to call features at the option of the issuer. In the event of a redemption, the Fund may not be able to reinvest the proceeds at comparable rates of return.
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Limited Voting Rights—Debt securities typically do not provide any voting rights, except in cases when interest payments have not been made and the issuer is in default.
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Liquidity—Certain debt securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as U.S. government securities or common stocks.
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Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that preferred stocks paying
fixed dividend rates and fixed-rate debt securities will decline in value because of changes in market interest rates. When interest
rates rise the market value of such securities generally will fall. The Fund’s investment in preferred stocks and fixed-rate
debt securities means that the net asset value and price of the Common Shares may decline if market interest rates rise. Interest
rates are currently low relative to historic levels. During periods of declining interest rates, an issuer of preferred stock or
fixed-rate debt securities may exercise its option to redeem or prepay securities prior to maturity, which could result in the
Fund’s having to reinvest in lower yielding debt securities or other types of securities. This is known as call or prepayment
risk. During periods of rising interest rates, the average life of certain types of securities may be extended because of slower
than expected payments. This may lock in a below market yield, increase the security’s duration, and reduce the value of
the security. This is known as extension risk. Investments in debt securities with long-term maturities may experience significant
price declines if long-term interest rates increase. This is known as maturity risk. The value of the Fund’s common stock
investments may also be influenced by changes in interest rates.
Credit Risk
Credit risk is the risk that an issuer of a preferred or debt
security will become unable to meet its obligation to make dividend, interest and principal payments. In general, lower rated preferred
or debt securities carry a greater degree of credit risk. If rating agencies lower their ratings of preferred or debt securities
in the Fund’s portfolio, the value of those obligations could decline. In addition, the underlying revenue source for a preferred
or debt security may be insufficient to pay dividends, interest or principal in a timely manner. Because a significant source of income for the Fund can be the dividend, interest and principal payments on the preferred or debt securities in which it
invests, any default by an issuer of a preferred or debt security could have a negative impact on the Fund’s ability to pay
dividends on Common Shares. Even if the issuer does not actually default, adverse changes in the issuer’s financial condition
may negatively affect its credit rating or presumed creditworthiness. These developments would adversely affect the market value
of the issuer’s obligations or the value of credit derivatives if the Fund has sold credit protection.
Preferred Securities Risk
In addition to credit risk, investment in preferred securities
carries certain risks including:
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Deferral Risk—Fully taxable or hybrid preferred securities typically contain provisions that allow an issuer, at its discretion, to defer distributions for up to 20 consecutive quarters. Traditional preferreds also contain provisions that allow an issuer, under certain conditions to skip (in the case of “noncumulative preferreds”) or defer (in the case of “cumulative preferreds”), dividend payments. If the Fund owns a preferred security that is deferring its distributions, the Fund may be required to report income for tax purposes while it is not receiving any distributions.
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Redemption Risk—Preferred securities typically contain provisions that allow for redemption in the event of tax or security law changes in addition to call features at the option of the issuer. In the event of a redemption, the Fund may not be able to reinvest the proceeds at comparable rates of return.
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Limited Voting Rights—Preferred securities typically do not provide any voting rights, except in cases when dividends are in arrears beyond a certain time period, which varies by issue.
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Subordination—Preferred securities are subordinated to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income and liquidation payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments.
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Liquidity—Preferred securities may be substantially less liquid than many other securities, such as U.S. government securities, corporate debt or common stocks.
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Non-Investment Grade Securities Risk
The Fund’s investments in preferred stocks and bonds of
below investment grade quality (commonly referred to as “high yield” or “junk bonds”), if any, are predominantly
speculative because of the credit risk of their issuers. While offering a greater potential opportunity for capital appreciation
and higher yields, preferred stocks and bonds of below investment grade quality entail greater potential price volatility and may
be less liquid than higher-rated securities. Issuers of below investment grade quality preferred stocks and bonds are more likely
to default on their payments of dividends/interest and liquidation value/principal owed to the Fund, and such defaults will reduce
the Fund’s net asset value and income distributions. The prices of these lower quality preferred stocks and bonds are more
sensitive to negative developments than higher rated securities. Adverse business conditions, such as a decline in the issuer’s
revenues or an economic downturn, generally lead to a higher non-payment rate. In addition, such a security may lose significant
value before a default occurs as the market adjusts to expected higher non-payment rates. The Fund will not invest more than 20%
of its total assets in securities rated below investment grade. The foregoing credit quality policy applies only at the time a
security is purchased, and the Fund is not required to dispose of securities already owned by the Fund in the event of a change
in assessment of credit quality or the removal of a rating.
Foreign Securities Risk
The Fund’s investments in securities of foreign issuers
are subject to risks not usually associated with owning securities of U.S. issuers. These risks can include fluctuations in foreign
currencies, foreign currency exchange controls, social, political and economic instability, differences in securities regulation
and trading, expropriation or nationalization of assets, and foreign taxation issues. In addition, changes in government administrations
or economic or monetary policies in the United States or abroad could result in appreciation or depreciation of the Fund’s
securities. It may also be more difficult to obtain and enforce a judgment against a foreign issuer. To the extent the Fund focuses
its investments in a particular country or in countries within a particular geographic region, economic, political, regulatory
and other conditions affecting such country or region may have a greater impact on the Fund than on more geographically diversified
funds. Any foreign investments made by the Fund must be made in compliance with U.S. and foreign currency restrictions and tax
laws restricting the amounts and types of foreign investments. The Fund will not invest more than 33% of its assets, at the time
of acquisition, in securities (including equity and fixed income securities) of governments and companies in emerging markets,
but has no other investment restrictions with respect to investing in foreign issuers.
Emerging Markets Risk
Investing in securities of issuers based in underdeveloped emerging
markets entails all of the risks of investing in securities of foreign issuers to a heightened degree. These heightened risks include:
(i) greater risks of expropriation, confiscatory taxation, nationalization, and less social, political and economic stability;
(ii) the smaller size of the market for such securities and a lower volume of trading, resulting in lack of liquidity and in price
volatility; and (iii) certain national policies that may restrict the Fund’s investment opportunities including restrictions
on investing in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests.
Derivatives Risk
Derivative transactions (such as futures contracts and options
thereon, options, swaps and short sales) subject the Fund to increased risk of principal loss due to imperfect correlation or unexpected
price or interest rate movements. The Fund also will be subject to credit risk with respect to the counterparties to the derivatives
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 a bankruptcy or other reorganization proceeding. The Fund may obtain only a limited recovery or may obtain no recovery
in such circumstances. As a general matter, dividends received on hedged stock positions are characterized as ordinary income and
are not eligible for favorable tax treatment. In addition, use of derivatives may give rise to short-term capital gains and other
income that would not qualify for payments by the Fund of tax-advantaged dividends.
The Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) recently adopted Rule 18f-4 under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (1940 Act), which will regulate the use
of derivatives for certain funds registered under the 1940 Act. Unless the Fund qualifies as a “limited derivatives
user” as defined in Rule 18f-4, the rule would, among other things, require the Fund to establish a comprehensive derivatives
risk management program, to comply with certain value-at-risk based leverage limits, to appoint a derivatives risk manager and
to provide additional disclosure both publicly and to the SEC regarding its derivatives positions. If the Fund qualifies
as a limited derivatives user, Rule 18f-4 would require the Fund to have policies and procedures to manage its aggregate derivatives
risk. These requirements could have an impact on the Fund, including a potential increase in cost to enter into derivatives
transactions and may require the Fund to alter, perhaps materially, its use of derivatives.
Counterparty Risk
The Fund runs the risk that the issuer or guarantor of a fixed
income security, the counterparty to an over-the-counter derivatives contract, a borrower of the Fund’s securities or the
obligor of an obligation underlying an asset-backed security will be unable or unwilling to make timely principal, interest, or
settlement payments or otherwise honor its obligations. In addition, to the extent that the Fund uses over-the-counter derivatives,
and/or has significant exposure to a single counterparty, this risk will be particularly pronounced for the Fund.
Hedging Strategy Risk
Certain of the investment techniques that the Fund may employ
for hedging or, under certain circumstances, to increase income or total return will expose the Fund to risks. In addition to the
hedging techniques described elsewhere (i.e., positions in Treasury Bond or Treasury Note futures contracts, use of options
on these positions, positions in interest rate swaps, swaptions and credit derivatives), such investment techniques may include
entering into interest rate and stock index futures contracts and options on interest rate and stock index futures contracts, purchasing
and selling put and call options on securities and stock indices, purchasing and selling securities on a when-issued or delayed
delivery basis, entering into repurchase agreements, lending portfolio securities and making short sales of securities “against
the box.” The Fund intends to comply with regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission involving “covering”
or segregating assets in connection with the Fund’s use of options and futures contracts.
There are economic costs of hedging reflected in the pricing
of futures, swaps, options, and swaption contracts which can be significant, particularly when long-term interest rates are substantially
above short-term interest rates, as is the case at present. The desirability of moderating these hedging costs will be a factor
in Clough’s choice of hedging strategies, although costs will not be the exclusive consideration in selecting hedge instruments.
In addition, the Fund may select individual investments based upon their potential for appreciation without regard to the effect
on current income, in an attempt to mitigate the impact on the Fund’s assets of the expected normal cost of hedging.
There may be an imperfect correlation between changes in the
value of the Fund’s portfolio holdings and hedging positions entered into by the Fund, which may prevent the Fund from achieving
the intended hedge or expose the Fund to risk of loss. In addition, the Fund’s success in using hedge instruments is subject
to Clough’s ability to predict correctly changes in the relationships of such hedge instruments to the Fund’s portfolio
holdings, and there can be no assurance that Clough’s judgment in this respect will be accurate. Consequently, the use of
hedging transactions might result in a poorer overall performance for the Fund, whether or not adjusted for risk, than if the Fund
had not hedged its portfolio holdings.
Small and Medium Cap Company Risk
Compared to investment companies that focus only on large capitalization
companies, the Fund’s share price may be more volatile because it also invests in small and medium capitalization companies.
Compared to large companies, small and medium capitalization companies are more likely to have (i) more limited product lines or
markets and less mature businesses, (ii) fewer capital resources, (iii) more limited management depth and (iv) shorter operating
histories. Further, compared to large cap stocks, the securities of small and medium capitalization companies are more likely to
experience sharper swings in market values, be harder to sell at times and at prices that Clough believes appropriate, and offer
greater potential for gains and losses.
Inflation Risk
Inflation risk is the risk that the purchasing power of assets
or income from investments will be worth less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases,
the real value of the Common Shares and distributions thereon can decline. In addition, during any periods of rising inflation,
dividend rates of preferred shares of the Fund would likely increase, which would tend to further reduce returns to Common Shareholders.
Market Price of Shares
The shares of closed-end management investment companies often
trade at a discount from their net asset value, and the Fund’s Common Shares may likewise trade at a discount from net asset
value. The trading price of the Fund’s Common Shares may be less than the public offering price. The returns earned by Common
Shareholders who sell their Common Shares below net asset value will be reduced.
Management Risk
The Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively
managed portfolio. Clough and the individual portfolio managers 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.
Leverage Risk
Leverage creates risks for the Common Shareholders, including
the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of the Common Shares. There is a risk that fluctuations
in the dividend rates on any preferred shares may adversely affect the return to the Common Shareholders. If the income from the
securities purchased with such funds is not sufficient to cover the cost of leverage, the return on the Fund will be less than
if leverage had not been used, and therefore the amount available for distribution to Common Shareholders as dividends and other
distributions will be reduced and may not satisfy the level dividend rate distribution policy set by the Board of Trustees. Clough
in its best judgment nevertheless may determine to maintain the Fund’s leveraged position if it deems such action to be appropriate
in the circumstances.
Liquidity Risk
Restricted securities and other illiquid investments of the
Fund involve the risk that the securities will not be able to be sold at the time desired by Clough or at prices approximating
the value at which the Fund is carrying the securities. Where registration is required to sell a security, the Fund may be obligated
to pay all or part of the registration expenses, and a considerable period may elapse between the decision to sell and the time
the Fund may be permitted to sell a security under an effective registration statement. If, during such a period, adverse market
conditions were to develop, the Fund might obtain a less favorable price than prevailed when it decided to sell. Restricted securities
for which no market exists and other illiquid investments are valued at fair value as determined in accordance with procedures
approved and periodically reviewed by the Trustees of the Fund.
Market Disruption and Geopolitical Risk
The ongoing U.S. military and related actions in Iraq and Afghanistan
and events in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as the continuing threat of terrorist attacks, could have significant adverse
effects on the U.S. economy, the stock market and world economies and markets. The Fund cannot predict the effects of similar events
in the future on the U.S. economy and securities markets. These military actions and related events, including the conflicts in
the Middle East, have led to increased short-term market volatility and may have long-term effects on U.S. and world economies
and markets. Similar disruptions of the financial markets could impact interest rates, auctions, secondary trading, ratings, credit
risk, inflation and other factors relating to the Common Shares.
Pandemic Risks
An outbreak of Covid-19 respiratory disease caused by a novel
coronavirus was first detected in late 2019 and subsequently spread globally in early 2020. The impact of the outbreak has been
rapidly evolving, and cases of the virus have continued to be identified in most developed and emerging countries throughout the
world. Many local, state, and national governments, as well as businesses, have reacted by instituting quarantines, border closures,
restrictions on travel, and other measures designed to arrest the spread of the virus. The outbreak and public and private sector
responses thereto have led to large portions of the populations of many nations working from home for indefinite periods of time,
temporary or permanent layoffs, disruptions in supply chains, lack of availability of certain goods, and adversely impacted many
industries. These circumstances are evolving, and further developments could result in additional disruptions and uncertainty.
The impact of the coronavirus outbreak may last for an extended period of time and result in a substantial economic downturn. Pandemics,
including the coronavirus outbreak, have resulted in a general decline in the global economy and negative effects on the performance
of individual countries, industries, or sectors. Such negative impacts can be significant in unforeseen ways. Deteriorating economic
fundamentals may in turn increase the risk of default or insolvency of particular companies, negatively impact market value, increase
market volatility, cause credit spreads to widen, and reduce liquidity. All of these risks may have a material adverse effect on
the performance and financial condition of the Fund’s investments, and on the overall performance of the Fund.
Income Risk
The income Common Shareholders receive from the Fund is based
primarily on the dividends and interest it earns from its investments, which can vary widely over the short and long term. If prevailing
market interest rates drop, distribution rates of the Fund’s preferred stock holdings and any bond holdings and Common Shareholder’s
income from the Fund could drop as well. The Fund’s income also would likely be affected adversely when prevailing short-term
interest rates increase and the Fund is utilizing leverage.
Preferred Securities Risk
In addition to credit risk,
investment in preferred securities carries certain risks including:
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Deferral Risk—Fully taxable or hybrid preferred
securities typically contain provisions that allow an issuer, at its discretion, to defer distributions for up to 20 consecutive
quarters. Traditional preferreds also contain provisions that allow an issuer, under certain conditions to skip (in the case of
“noncumulative preferreds”) or defer (in the case of “cumulative preferreds”), dividend payments. If the
Fund owns a preferred security that is deferring its distributions, the Fund may be required to report income for tax purposes
while it is not receiving any distributions.
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Redemption Risk—referred securities typically contain
provisions that allow for redemption in the event of tax or security law changes in addition to call features at the option of
the issuer. In the event of a redemption, the Fund may not be able to reinvest the proceeds at comparable rates of return.
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Limited Voting Rights—referred securities typically
do not provide any voting rights, except in cases when dividends are in arrears beyond a certain time period, which varies by
issue.
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Subordination—referred securities are subordinated
to bonds and other debt instruments in a company’s capital structure in terms of priority to corporate income and liquidation
payments, and therefore will be subject to greater credit risk than those debt instruments.
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Liquidity—referred securities may be substantially
less liquid than many other securities, such as U.S. government securities, corporate debt, or common stocks.
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Debt Securities Risk
In addition to credit risk, investment
in debt securities carries certain risks including:
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Redemption Risk—Debt securities sometimes contain
provisions that allow for redemption in the event of tax or security law changes in addition to call features at the option of
the issuer. In the event of a redemption, the Fund may not be able to reinvest the proceeds at comparable rates of return.
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Limited Voting Rights—Debt securities typically
do not provide any voting rights, except in cases when interest payments have not been made and the issuer is in default.
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Liquidity—Certain debt securities may be substantially
less liquid than many other securities, such as U.S. government securities or common stocks.
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Convertible Securities Risk
The value of a convertible security is a function of its “investment
value” (determined by its yield in comparison with the yields of other securities of comparable maturity and quality that
do not have a conversion privilege) and its “conversion value” (the security’s worth, at market value, if converted
into the underlying common stock). The investment value of a convertible security is influenced by changes in interest rates, with
investment value declining as interest rates increase and increasing as interest rates decline. The credit standing of the issuer
and other factors may also have an effect on the convertible security’s investment value. The conversion value of a convertible
security is determined by the market price of the underlying common stock. If the conversion value is low relative to the investment
value, the price of the convertible security is governed principally by its investment value. Generally, the conversion value decreases
as the convertible security approaches maturity. To the extent the market price of the underlying common stock approaches or exceeds
the conversion price, the price of the convertible security will be increasingly influenced by its conversion value. A convertible
security generally will sell at a premium over its conversion value by the extent to which investors place value on the right to
acquire the underlying common stock while holding a fixed income security.
A convertible security may be subject to redemption at the option
of the issuer at a price established in the convertible security’s governing instrument. If a convertible security held by
the Fund is called for redemption, the Fund will be required to permit the issuer to redeem the security, convert it into the underlying
common stock or sell it to a third party. Any of these actions could have an adverse effect on the Fund’s ability to achieve
its investment objective.
REIT Risk
If the Fund invests in REITs, such investment will subject the
Fund to various risks. The first, real estate industry risk, is the risk that the REIT share prices will decline because of adverse
developments affecting the real estate industry and real property values. In general, real estate values can be affected by a variety
of factors, including supply and demand for properties, the economic health of the country or of different regions, and the strength
of specific industries that rent properties. The second, investment style risk, is the risk that returns from REITs, which typically
are small or medium capitalization stocks, will trail returns from the overall stock market. The third, interest rate risk, is
the risk that changes in interest rates may hurt real estate values or make REIT shares less attractive than other income producing
investments.
Qualification as a REIT in any particular year is a complex
analysis that depends on a number of factors. There can be no assurance that the entities in which the Fund invests with the expectation
that they will be taxed as a REIT will qualify as a REIT. An entity that fails to qualify as a REIT, would be subject to a corporate
level tax, would not be entitled to a deduction for dividends paid to its shareholders and would not pass through to its shareholders
the character of income earned by the entity. If the Fund were to invest in an entity that failed to qualify as a REIT, such failure
could drastically reduce the Fund’s yield on that investment.
The Fund does not expect to invest a significant portion of
its assets in REITs but does not have any investment restrictions with respect to such investments.
Anti-Takeover Provisions
The Fund’s Declaration of Trust includes provisions that
could have the effect of inhibiting the Fund’s possible conversion to open-end status and limiting the ability of other entities
or persons to acquire control of the Fund or the Board of Trustees. In certain circumstances, these provisions might also inhibit
the ability of shareholders to sell their shares at a premium over prevailing market prices. See “Anti-Takeover Provisions
in the Declaration of Trust.”
Portfolio Turnover Risk
The techniques and strategies contemplated by the Fund might
result in a high degree of portfolio turnover. The Fund cannot accurately predict its securities portfolio turnover rate, but anticipates
that its annual portfolio turnover rate will exceed 100% under normal market conditions, although it could be materially higher
under certain conditions. Higher portfolio turnover rates could result in corresponding increases in brokerage commissions and
generate short-term capital gains taxable as ordinary income.
Special Risks to Holders of Common Shares
Dilution Risk. If the Fund determines to conduct
a rights offering to subscribe for common shares, holders of common shares may experience dilution of the aggregate net asset value
of their common shares. Such dilution will depend upon whether (i) such shareholders participate in the rights offering and (ii)
the Fund’s net asset value per common share is above or below the subscription price on the expiration date of the rights
offering.
Shareholders who do not exercise their subscription rights may,
at the completion of such an offering, own a smaller proportional interest in the Fund than if they exercised their subscription
rights. As a result of such an offering, a shareholder may experience dilution in net asset value per share if the subscription
price per share is below the net asset value per share on the expiration date. If the subscription price per share is below the
net asset value per share of the Fund’s shares on the expiration date, a shareholder will experience an immediate dilution
of the aggregate net asset value of such shareholder’s shares if the shareholder does not participate in such an offering
and the shareholder will experience a reduction in the net asset value per share of such shareholder’s shares whether or
not the shareholder participates in such an offering. The Fund cannot state precisely the extent of this dilution (if any) if the
shareholder does not exercise such shareholder’s subscription 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 subscription rights will be exercised.
Leverage Risk. The Fund currently uses financial
leverage for investment purposes by borrowing from a financial institution and is also permitted to use other types of financial
leverage, such as through the issuance of debt securities or additional preferred shares and borrowing from financial institutions.
As provided in the 1940 Act and subject to certain exceptions, the Fund may issue additional senior securities (which may be stock,
such as preferred shares, and/or securities representing debt) only if immediately after such issuance the value of the Fund’s
total assets, less certain ordinary course liabilities, exceeds 300% of the amount of the debt outstanding and exceeds 200% of
the amount of preferred shares and debt outstanding. As of January 31, 2021, the amount of leverage represented approximately
28% of the Fund’s total assets.
The Fund’s leveraged capital structure creates special
risks not associated with unleveraged funds having a similar investment objective and policies. These include the possibility of
greater loss and the likelihood of higher volatility of the net asset value of the Fund and the asset coverage for the preferred
shares. Such volatility may increase the likelihood of the Fund having to sell investments in order to meet its obligations to
make distributions on the preferred shares or principal or interest payments on debt securities, or to redeem preferred shares
or repay debt, when it may be disadvantageous to do so. The Fund’s use of leverage may require it to sell portfolio investments
at inopportune times in order to raise cash to redeem preferred shares or otherwise de-leverage so as to maintain required asset
coverage amounts or comply with the mandatory redemption terms of any outstanding preferred shares. The use of leverage magnifies
both the favorable and unfavorable effects of price movements in the investments made by the Fund. To the extent that the Fund
employs leverage in its investment operations, the Fund is subject to substantial risk of loss. The Fund cannot assure you that
borrowings or the issuance of preferred shares will result in a higher yield or return to the holders of the common shares. Also,
since the Fund utilizes leverage, a decline in net asset value could affect the ability of the Fund to make common share distributions
and such a failure to make distributions could result in the Fund ceasing to qualify as a RIC under the Code. See “ Federal
Income Tax Matters.”
Any decline in the net asset value of the Fund’s investments
would be borne entirely by the holders of common shares. Therefore, if the market value of the Fund’s portfolio declines,
the 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. The
Fund might be in danger of failing to maintain the required asset coverage of its borrowings, notes or preferred shares or of losing
its ratings on its notes or preferred shares or, in an extreme case, the Fund’s current investment income might not be sufficient
to meet the distribution or interest requirements on the borrowings, preferred shares. In order to counteract such an event, the
Fund might need to liquidate investments in order to fund a redemption or repayment of some or all of the borrowings, preferred
shares.
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Preferred Share Risk. The issuance of preferred shares causes the net asset value and market value of the common shares
to become more volatile. If the dividend rate on the preferred shares approaches the net rate of return on the Fund’s investment
portfolio, the benefit of leverage to the holders of the common shares would be reduced. If the dividend rate on the preferred
shares plus the management fee annual rate of 1.00% exceeds the net rate of return on the Fund’s portfolio, the leverage
will result in a lower rate of return to the holders of common shares than if the Fund had not issued preferred shares. If the
Fund has insufficient investment income and gains, all or a portion of the distributions to preferred shareholders would come from
the common shareholders’ capital. Such distributions and interest payments reduce the net assets attributable to common shareholders.
The Prospectus Supplement relating to any sale of preferred shares will set forth dividend rate on such preferred shares.
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In addition, the Fund would pay (and the holders
of common shares 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 the preferred shares.
Holders of preferred shares may have different interests
than holders of common shares and may at times have disproportionate influence over the Fund’s affairs. As provided in the
1940 Act and subject to certain exceptions, the Fund may issue senior securities (which may be stock, such as preferred shares,
and/or securities representing debt) only if immediately after such issuance the value of the Fund’s total assets, less certain
ordinary course liabilities, exceeds 300% of the amount of the debt outstanding and exceeds 200% of the amount of preferred shares
and debt outstanding, which is referred to as the “asset coverage” required by the 1940 Act. In the event the Fund
fails to maintain an asset coverage of 100% for any notes outstanding for certain periods of time, the 1940 Act requires that either
an event of default be declared or that the holders of such notes have the right to elect a majority of the Fund’s Trustees
until asset coverage recovers to 110%. In addition, holders of preferred shares, voting separately as a single class, have the
right (subject to the rights of noteholders) 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 Trustees 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. The Fund’s common shares are structurally
subordinated as to income and residual value to any preferred shares in the Fund’s capital structure, in terms of priority
to income and payment in liquidation. See “Description of the Securities—Preferred Shares”.
Restrictions imposed on the declarations and payment
of dividends or other distributions to the holders of the Fund’s common shares and preferred shares, both by the 1940 Act
and by requirements imposed by rating agencies, might impair the Fund’s ability to maintain its qualification as a RIC for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. While the Fund intends to redeem its preferred shares to the extent necessary to enable the Fund
to distribute its income as required to maintain its qualification as a RIC under the Code, there can be no assurance that such
actions can be effected in time to meet the Code requirements.
|
·
|
Portfolio Guidelines of Rating Agencies for Preferred Shares and/or Credit Facility. In order to obtain and maintain
attractive credit quality ratings for preferred shares, 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. In the event that a rating on the Fund’s preferred shares is lowered or withdrawn by
the relevant rating agency, the Fund may also be required to redeem all or part of its outstanding preferred shares, and the common
shares of the Fund will lose the potential benefits associated with a leveraged capital structure.
|
|
·
|
Impact on Common Shares. Assuming that leverage will (1) be equal in amount to approximately 33% of the Fund’s
total assets, and (2) charge interest or involve dividend payments at a projected blended annual average leverage dividend or interest
rate of 3.07%, then the total return generated by the Fund’s portfolio (net of estimated expenses) must exceed approximately
1.10% of the Fund’s total net assets in order to cover such interest or dividend payments and other expenses specifically
related to leverage. Of course, these numbers are merely estimates, used for illustration. Actual dividend rates, interest or payment
rates may vary frequently and may be significantly higher or lower than the rate estimated above. The following table is furnished
in response to requirements of the SEC. It is designed to illustrate the effect of leverage on common share 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’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, and actual investment portfolio total returns may be greater or less than those appearing in the
table. These assumptions are based on the Fund’s fiscal year period ended October 31, 2020, $190.527 million in common share
offerings and $228.628 million in preferred share offerings.
|
Assumed Return on Portfolio (Net of Expenses)
|
(10)%
|
(5)%
|
0%
|
5%
|
10%
|
Corresponding Return to Common Shareholder
|
(17)%
|
(9)%
|
(2)%
|
6%
|
14%
|
Common share total return is composed of two elements—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.
Market Discount Risk. Common shares of closed-end funds often trade at a discount to their net asset values
and the Fund’s common shares may trade at such a discount. This risk may be greater for investors expecting to sell their
common shares of the Fund soon after completion of a public offering. The common shares of the Fund are designed primarily for
long-term investors and investors in the shares should not view the Fund as a vehicle for trading purposes.
Special Risks to Holders of Preferred Shares
Illiquidity Prior to Exchange Listing. Prior to
an offering, there will be no public market for any series of preferred shares. In the event any series of preferred shares are
issued, the Fund expects to apply to list such shares on a national securities exchange, which will likely be the NYSE American.
However, during an initial period, which is not expected to exceed 30 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.
Market Price Fluctuation. Preferred shares may
trade at a premium to or discount from liquidation value for various reasons, including changes in interest rates, perceived credit
quality and other factors.
Special Risk to Holders of Subscription Rights
There is a risk that changes in market conditions may result
in the underlying common or preferred shares purchasable upon exercise of the subscription rights being less attractive to investors
at the conclusion of the subscription period. This may reduce or eliminate the value of the subscription rights. Investors who
receive subscription rights may find that there is no market to sell rights they do not wish to exercise. If investors exercise
only a portion of the rights, the number of common or preferred shares issued may be reduced, and the common or preferred shares
may trade at less favorable prices than larger offerings for similar securities.
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
Trustees and Officers
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall management
of the Fund, including supervision of the duties performed by Clough. There are eight Trustees of the Fund. One of the trustees
is an “interested person” (as defined in the 1940 Act) of the Fund. The name and business address of the Trustees and
officers of the Fund and their principal occupations and other affiliations during the past five years are set forth under “Management
of the Fund” in the Statement of Additional Information.
Investment Adviser
Clough Capital Partners L.P., located at 53 State Street, 27th
Floor, Boston, MA 02109, serves as investment adviser to the Fund.
Clough is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission
as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Clough began conducting business in 2000 and had
approximately $2.1 billion under management as of January 31, 2021. Clough is a Delaware limited partnership organized on September
27, 1999.
Pursuant to the Investment Advisory Agreement, Clough has agreed
to provide a continuous investment program for the Fund, including investment research and management with respect to the assets
of the Fund. Clough is entitled to receive management fees of 1.00% of the average daily total assets of the Fund. A discussion
regarding the basis for the Board of Trustees approving the Fund’s Investment Advisory Agreement is available in the Fund’s
April 30, 2020 Semi-Annual Report to Shareholders.
Under its arrangements with other funds that it manages, Clough
receives a portion of the appreciation of such funds’ portfolios. This may create an incentive for Clough to allocate attractive
investment opportunities to such funds. However, Clough has procedures designed to allocate investment opportunities in a fair
and equitable manner.
The following individuals are the Fund’s portfolio managers.
Charles I. Clough, Jr.
Charles I. Clough, Jr. has been active in the securities and
investment business for over 55 years. His experience covers most analytical functions from research analysis to portfolio management.
In January 2000, Mr. Clough founded Clough Capital Partners L.P. From 1987 through January 2000, Mr. Clough was Chief Global Investment
Strategist at Merrill Lynch, where he was responsible for directing the global investment strategy research effort for one of the
world’s largest investment firms.
Prior to his tenure at Merrill Lynch, Mr. Clough was Director
of Investment Policy and Chief Strategist at Cowen & Co. Previously, he had been Director of Research and Portfolio Manager
at The Boston Company, Portfolio Manager at Colonial Management Associates and Vice President and Senior Research Analyst for Donaldson,
Lufkin & Jenrette and Alliance Capital Management Company. Mr. Clough serves on the boards and/or investment committees of
a number of educational, hospital and charitable institutions, including the Yawkey Foundation and his alma mater, Boston College,
where he currently serves as a Trustee Associate. He is also an ordained Deacon in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Boston and
serves in that capacity at his local parish in Concord, Massachusetts. Mr. Clough graduated magna cum laude in history from Boston
College and earned an MBA at the University of Chicago.
Robert Zdunczyk
Robert Zdunczyk joined Clough in 2005 and currently serves as
a Portfolio Manager of the firm’s closed-end mutual fund products and the Clough Global Long/Short Fund, an open-end mutual
fund. In addition, Rob is responsible for the trading of all fixed income securities in the Clough portfolios. He has 25 years
of industry experience, including significant expertise in mortgage REITs and other income-generating equity sectors. Prior to
joining Clough, Mr. Zdunczyk worked at Wellington Management Company as an Assistant Vice President on the Core Bond team. Mr.
Zdunczyk earned a B.A. from Boston College and an M.S. in Finance from Northeastern University.
Administrator
ALPS, located at 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado
80203, serves as administrator to the Fund. Under the Administration Agreement, ALPS is responsible for calculating the net asset
value of the Common Shares, and generally managing the business affairs of the Fund. The Administration Agreement between the Fund
and ALPS provides that ALPS will pay all expenses incurred by the Fund, with the exception of advisory fees, trustees’ fees,
portfolio transactions expenses, litigation expenses, taxes, costs of preferred shares, expenses of conducting repurchase offers
for the purpose of repurchasing Fund shares and extraordinary expenses. ALPS is entitled to receive a monthly fee at the annual
rate of 0.32% of the Fund’s average daily total assets.
Estimated Expenses
Clough and ALPS are each obligated to pay expenses associated
with providing the services contemplated by the agreements to which they are parties, including compensation of and office space
for their respective officers and employees connected with investment and economic research, trading and investment management
and administration of the Fund. Clough and ALPS are each obligated to pay the fees of any Trustee of the Fund who is affiliated
with it. ALPS will pay all expenses incurred by the Fund, with the exception of advisory fees, trustees’ fees, interest expenses,
if any, portfolio transactions expenses, litigation expenses, taxes, costs of preferred shares, expenses of conducting repurchase
offers for the purpose of repurchasing Fund shares and extraordinary expenses. The fees and expenses incident to the offering and
issuance of Rights and Common Shares to be issued by the Fund will be recorded as a reduction of capital of the Fund attributable
to the Common Shares.
The Advisory Agreement authorizes Clough to select brokers or
dealers (including affiliates) to arrange for the purchase and sale of Fund securities, including principal transactions. Any commission,
fee or other remuneration paid to an affiliated broker or dealer is paid in compliance with the Fund’s procedures adopted
in accordance with Rule 17e-1 under the 1940 Act.
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per Common Share of the Fund is determined
no less frequently than daily, on each day that the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) is open for trading, as
of the close of regular trading on the exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. New York time). Trading may take place in foreign issues held
by the Fund at times when the Fund is not open for business. As a result, the Fund’s net asset value may change at times
when it is not possible to purchase or sell shares of the Fund. ALPS calculates the Fund’s net asset value per Common Share
by dividing the value of the Fund’s total assets (the value of the securities the Fund holds plus cash or other assets, including
interest accrued but not yet received), less accrued expenses of the Fund, less the Fund’s other liabilities (including dividends
payable, any borrowings and the liquidation preference of any preferred shares issued by the Fund) and less the liquidation value
of any outstanding preferred shares by the total number of Common Shares outstanding. Valuations of certain securities held by
the Fund may be made by a third-party pricing service.
For purposes of determining the net asset value of the Fund,
readily marketable portfolio securities listed on the Exchange are valued, except as indicated below, at the last sale price reflected
on the consolidated tape at the close of the Exchange on the Business Day as of which such value is being determined. If there
has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued at the mean of the closing bid and asked prices on such day. If no bid
or asked prices are quoted on such day or if market prices may be unreliable because of events occurring after the close of trading,
then the security is valued by such method as the Board of Trustees shall determine in good faith to reflect its fair market value.
Readily marketable securities not listed on the Exchange but listed on other domestic or foreign securities exchanges are valued
in a like manner. Portfolio securities traded on more than one securities exchange are valued at the last sale price on the Business
Day as of which such value is being determined as reflected on the consolidated tape at the close of the exchange representing
the principal market for such securities. Securities trading on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations,
Inc. (“NASDAQ”) are valued at the closing price.
Readily marketable securities traded in the over-the-counter
market, including listed securities whose primary market is believed by Clough to be over-the-counter, but excluding securities
admitted to trading on the NASDAQ National List, are valued at the mean of the current bid and asked prices as reported by NASDAQ
or, in the case of securities not quoted by NASDAQ, the National Quotation Bureau or such other comparable source as the Board
of Trustees deem appropriate to reflect their fair market value. However, certain fixed-income securities may be valued on the
basis of prices provided by a pricing service when such prices are believed by the Board of Trustees to reflect the fair market
value of such securities. The prices provided by a pricing service take into account institutional size trading in similar groups
of securities and any developments related to specific securities. Where securities are traded on more than one exchange and also
over-the-counter, the securities will generally be valued using the quotations the Board of Trustees believes reflect most closely
the value of such securities. Instruments with maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates value
unless the Board of Trustees determine that under particular circumstances such method does not result in fair value.
DISTRIBUTIONS
The Fund, acting pursuant to a Securities and Exchange Commission
(“SEC”) exemptive order and with the approval of the Fund’s Board of Trustees (the “Board”), has
adopted a plan, consistent with the Fund’s investment objective and policies to support a level distribution of income, capital
gains and/or return of capital (the “Plan”). In accordance with the Plan, until December 2021, the Fund will pay monthly
distributions in an annualized amount of not less than 10% of the Fund’s average monthly net asset value (“NAV”).
Until July 2021, the Fund will pay monthly distributions in an amount not less than the average distribution rate of a peer group
of closed-end funds selected by the Board.
Under the Plan, the Fund will distribute all available investment
income to its shareholders, consistent with the Fund’s primary investment objectives and as required by the Code. If sufficient
investment income is not available on a monthly basis, the Fund will distribute long-term capital gains and/or return of capital
to shareholders in order to maintain a level distribution. The monthly distribution to shareholders is expected to be at the fixed
amount established by the Board, except for extraordinary distributions and potential distribution rate increases to enable the
Fund to comply with the distribution requirements imposed by the Code.
Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s
investment performance from the amount of these distributions or from the terms of the Plan. The Fund’s total return performance
on net asset value is presented in its financial highlights table in the Annual Report dated October 31, 2020, which is incorporated by reference.
The Board may amend, suspend or terminate the Fund’s Plan
without prior notice if the Board determines in good faith that continuation would constitute a breach of fiduciary duty or would
violate the 1940 Act. The suspension or termination of the Plan could have the effect of creating a trading discount (if the Fund’s
stock is trading at or above net asset value) or widening an existing trading discount. The Fund is subject to risks that could
have an adverse impact on its ability to maintain level distributions. Examples of potential risks include, but are not limited
to, economic downturns impacting the markets, increased market volatility, companies suspending or decreasing corporate dividend
distributions and changes in the Code. Please refer to the Notes to Financial Statements in the Annual Report to Shareholders for
a more complete description of its risks.
The level dividend rate may be modified by the Board of Trustees
from time to time. If, for any monthly distribution, net investment company taxable income, if any (which term includes net short-term
capital gain) and net tax-exempt income, if any, is less than the amount of the distribution, the difference will generally be
a tax-free return of capital distributed from the Fund’s assets. The Fund’s final distribution for each calendar year
will include any remaining net investment company taxable income and net tax-exempt income undistributed during the year, as well
as all net capital gain realized during the year. If the total distributions made in any calendar year exceed net investment company
taxable income, net tax-exempt income and net capital gain, such excess distributed amount would be treated as ordinary dividend
income to the extent of the Fund’s current and accumulated earnings and profits. Distributions in excess of the earnings
and profits would first be a tax-free return of capital to the extent of the adjusted tax basis in the shares. After such adjusted
tax basis is reduced to zero, the distribution would constitute capital gain (assuming the shares are held as capital assets).
This distribution policy may, under certain circumstances, have certain adverse consequences to the Fund and its shareholders because
it may result in a return of capital resulting in less of a shareholder’s assets being invested in the Fund and, over time,
increase the Fund’s expense ratio. The distribution policy also may cause the Fund to sell a security at a time it would
not otherwise do so in order to manage the distribution of income and gain. See “Distributions.”
The level dividend distribution described above would result
in the payment of approximately the same amount or percentage to Common Shareholders each quarter. Section 19(a) of the 1940 Act
and Rule 19a-1 thereunder require the Fund to provide a written statement accompanying any such payment that adequately discloses
its source or sources. Thus, if the source of the dividend or other distribution were the original capital contribution of the
Common Shareholder, and the payment amounted to a return of capital, the Fund would be required to provide written disclosure to
that effect. Nevertheless, persons who periodically receive the payment of a dividend or other distribution may be under the impression
that they are receiving net profits when they are not. Common Shareholders should read any written disclosure provided pursuant
to Section 19(a) and Rule 19a-1 carefully, and should not assume that the source of any distribution from the Fund is net profit.
In addition, in cases where the Fund would return capital to Common Shareholders, such distribution may impact the Fund’s
ability to maintain its asset coverage requirements and to pay the interest on any preferred shares that the Fund may issue, if
ever.
DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
Unless the registered owner of Common Shares elects to receive
cash by contacting DST Systems, Inc. (the “Plan Administrator”), all dividends declared on Common Shares will be automatically
reinvested by the Plan Administrator for shareholders in the Fund’s Plan, in additional Common Shares. Shareholders who elect
not to participate in the Plan will receive all dividends and other distributions in cash paid by check mailed directly to the
shareholder of record (or, if the Common Shares are held in street or other nominee name, then to such nominee) by DST Systems,
Inc. as dividend disbursing agent. You may elect not to participate in the Plan and to receive all dividends in cash by contacting
DST Systems, Inc., as dividend disbursing agent, at the address set forth below. Participation in the Plan is completely voluntary
and may be terminated or resumed at any time without penalty by notice if received and processed by the Plan Administrator prior
to the dividend record date; otherwise such termination or resumption will be effective with respect to any subsequently declared
dividend or other distribution. Some brokers may automatically elect to receive cash on your behalf and may re-invest that cash
in additional Common Shares for you. If you wish for all dividends declared on your Common Shares to be automatically reinvested
pursuant to the Plan, please contact your broker.
The Plan Administrator will open an account for each Common
Shareholder under the Plan in the same name in which such Common Shareholder’s Common Shares are registered. Whenever the
Fund declares a dividend or other distribution (together, a “Dividend”) payable in cash, non-participants in the Plan
will receive cash and participants in the Plan will receive the equivalent in Common Shares. The Common Shares will be acquired
by the Plan Administrator for the participants’ accounts, depending upon the circumstances described below, either (i) through
receipt of additional unissued but authorized Common Shares from the Fund (“Newly Issued Common Shares”) or (ii) by
purchase of outstanding Common Shares on the open market (“Open-Market Purchases”) on the NYSE American or elsewhere.
If, on the payment date for any Dividend, the closing market price plus estimated brokerage commissions per Common Share is equal
to or greater than the net asset value per Common Share, the Plan Administrator will invest the Dividend amount in Newly Issued
Common Shares on behalf of the participants. The number of Newly Issued Common Shares to be credited to each participant’s
account will be determined by dividing the dollar amount of the Dividend by the net asset value per Common Share on the payment
date; provided that, if the net asset value is less than or equal to 95% of the closing market value on the payment date, the dollar
amount of the Dividend will be divided by 95% of the closing market price per Common Share on the payment date. If, on the payment
date for any Dividend, the net asset value per Common Share is greater than the closing market value plus estimated brokerage commissions,
the Plan Administrator will invest the Dividend amount in Common Shares acquired on behalf of the participants in Open-Market Purchases.
In the event of a market discount on the payment date for any Dividend, the Plan Administrator will have until the last Business
Day before the next date on which the Common Shares trade on an “ex-dividend” basis or 30 days after the payment date
for such Dividend, whichever is sooner (the “Last Purchase Date”), to invest the Dividend amount in Common Shares acquired
in Open-Market Purchases. It is contemplated that the Fund will pay monthly income Dividends. Therefore, the period during which
Open-Market Purchases can be made will exist only from the payment date of each Dividend through the date before the next “ex-dividend”
date which typically will be approximately ten days. If, before the Plan Administrator has completed its Open-Market Purchases,
the market price per Common Share exceeds the net asset value per Common Share, the average per Common Share purchase price paid
by the Plan Administrator may exceed the net asset value of the Common Shares, resulting in the acquisition of fewer Common Shares
than if the Dividend had been paid in Newly Issued Common Shares on the Dividend payment date. Because of the foregoing difficulty
with respect to Open-Market Purchases, the Plan provides that if the Plan Administrator is unable to invest the full Dividend amount
in Open-Market Purchases during the purchase period or if the market discount shifts to a market premium during the purchase period,
the Plan Administrator may cease making Open-Market Purchases and may invest the uninvested portion of the Dividend amount in Newly
Issued Common Shares at the net asset value per Common Share at the close of business on the Last Purchase Date provided that,
if the net asset value is less than or equal to 95% of the then current market price per Common Share, the dollar amount of the
Dividend will be divided by 95% of the market price on the payment date.
The Plan Administrator maintains all shareholders’ accounts
in the Plan and furnishes written confirmation of all transactions in the accounts, including information needed by shareholders
for tax records. Common Shares in the account of each Plan participant will be held by the Plan Administrator on behalf of the
Plan participant, and each shareholder proxy will include those shares purchased or received pursuant to the Plan. The Plan Administrator
will forward all proxy solicitation materials to participants and vote proxies for shares held under the Plan in accordance with
the instructions of the participants.
In the case of Common Shareholders such as banks, brokers or
nominees which hold shares for others who are the beneficial owners, the Plan Administrator will administer the Plan on the basis
of the number of Common Shares certified from time to time by the record shareholder’s name and held for the account of beneficial
owners who participate in the Plan.
There will be no brokerage charges with respect to Common Shares
issued directly by the Fund. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred in connection
with Open-Market Purchases. The automatic reinvestment of Dividends will not relieve participants of any federal, state or local
income tax that may be payable (or required to be withheld) on such Dividends. See “Federal Income Tax Matters.” Participants
that request a sale of Common Shares through the Plan Administrator are subject to brokerage commissions.
The Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the Plan.
There is no direct service charge to participants with regard to purchases in the Plan; however, the Fund reserves the right to
amend the Plan to include a service charge payable by the participants.
All correspondence or questions concerning the Plan should be
directed to the Plan Administrator, DST Systems, Inc., 333 West 11th Street, 5th Floor, Kansas City, Missouri 64105.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX MATTERS
The following is a summary discussion of certain U.S. federal
income tax consequences that may be relevant to a Common Shareholder that acquires, holds and/or disposes of Common Shares of the
Fund, and reflects provisions of the Code, existing Treasury regulations, rulings published by the IRS, and other applicable authority,
as of the date of this Prospectus. These authorities are subject to change by legislative or administrative action, possibly with
retroactive effect. The following discussion is only a summary of some of the important tax considerations generally applicable
to investments in the Fund and the discussion set forth herein does not constitute tax advice. For more detailed information regarding
tax considerations, see the Statement of Additional Information. There may be other tax considerations applicable to particular
investors. In addition, income earned through an investment in the Fund may be subject to state, local and foreign taxes.
The Fund intends to elect to be treated and to qualify each
year for taxation as a regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code. In order for the Fund to qualify as a regulated
investment company, it must meet an income and asset diversification test each year. If the Fund so qualifies and satisfies certain
distribution requirements, the Fund will not be subject to federal income tax on income distributed in a timely manner to its shareholders
in the form of dividends or capital gain distributions.
The Fund intends to make monthly distributions of net investment
income after payment of dividends on any outstanding preferred shares or interest on any outstanding borrowings. Unless a shareholder
is ineligible to participate or elects otherwise, all distributions will be automatically reinvested in additional Common Shares
of the Fund pursuant to the Plan. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, all dividends are generally taxable whether a shareholder
takes them in cash or they are reinvested pursuant to the Plan in additional shares of the Fund. Distributions of the Fund’s
net capital gains (“capital gain dividends”), if any, are taxable to Common Shareholders as long-term capital gains,
regardless of the length of time Common Shares have been held by Common Shareholders. Distributions, if any, in excess of the Fund’s
earnings and profits will first reduce the adjusted tax basis of a holder’s Common Shares and, after that basis has been
reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to the Common Shareholder (assuming the Common Shares are held as a capital asset).
See below for a summary of the maximum tax rates applicable to capital gains (including capital gain dividends). A corporation
that owns Fund shares generally will not be entitled to the dividends received deduction with respect to all the dividends it receives
from the Fund. Fund dividend payments that are attributable to qualifying dividends received by the Fund from certain domestic
corporations may be designated by the Fund as being eligible for the dividends received deduction. With respect to the quarterly
distributions of net investment income described above, it may be the case that any “level load” distributions would
result in a return of capital to the Common Shareholders. The determination of the character for U.S. federal income tax purposes
of any distribution from the Fund (i.e. ordinary income dividends, capital gains dividends, qualified dividends, return
of capital distributions) will be made as of the end of the Fund’s taxable year. The Fund will report the tax impact of its
distributions to shareholders annually. See “Distributions” for a more complete description.
Certain income distributions paid by the Fund to individual
taxpayers are taxed at rates equal to those applicable to net long-term capital gains (20%, or 15% or 0% for taxpayers at certain
annual income levels). This tax treatment applies only if certain holding period requirements are satisfied by the Common Shareholder
and the dividends are attributable to qualified dividends received by the Fund itself. For this purpose, “qualified dividends”
means dividends received by the Fund from United States corporations and qualifying foreign corporations, provided that the Fund
satisfies certain holding period and other requirements in respect of the stock of such corporations. In the case of securities
lending transactions, payments in lieu of dividends are not qualified dividends. Dividends received by the Fund from REITs are
qualified dividends eligible for this lower tax rate only in limited circumstances.
A dividend paid by the Fund to a Common Shareholder will not
be treated as qualified dividend income of the Common Shareholder if (1) the dividend is received with respect to any share held
for fewer than 61 days during the 120-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share becomes
ex-dividend with respect to such dividend, (2) to the extent that the recipient is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short
sale or otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property or (3) if the
recipient elects to have the dividend treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment
interest.
The Fund will inform Common Shareholders of the source and tax
status of all distributions promptly after the close of each calendar year.
Selling Common Shareholders will generally recognize gain or
loss in an amount equal to the difference between the Common Shareholder’s adjusted tax basis in the Common Shares sold and
the amount received. If the Common Shares are held as a capital asset, the gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss. The maximum
tax rate applicable to net capital gains recognized by individuals and other non-corporate taxpayers is (i) the same as the maximum
ordinary income tax rate for gains recognized on the sale of capital assets held for one year or less or (ii) 20% for gains recognized
on the sale of capital assets held for more than one year (as well as certain capital gain dividends) (0% or 15% for individuals
at certain annual income levels). Any loss on a disposition of Common Shares held for six months or less will be treated as a long-term
capital loss to the extent of any capital gain dividends received with respect to those Common Shares. For purposes of determining
whether Common Shares have been held for six months or less, the holding period is suspended for any periods during which the Common
Shareholder’s risk of loss is diminished as a result of holding one or more other positions in substantially similar or related
property, or through certain options or short sales. Any loss realized on a sale or exchange of Common Shares will be disallowed
to the extent those Common Shares are replaced by other Common Shares within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before and ending
30 days after the date of disposition of the Common Shares (whether through the reinvestment of distributions, which could occur,
for example, if the Common Shareholder is a participant in the Plan or otherwise). In that event, the basis of the replacement
Common Shares will be adjusted to reflect the disallowed loss.
An investor should be aware that, if Common Shares are purchased
shortly before the record date for any taxable dividend (including a capital gain dividend), the purchase price likely will reflect
the value of the dividend and the investor then would receive a taxable distribution likely to reduce the trading value of such
Common Shares, in effect resulting in a taxable return of some of the purchase price. Taxable distributions to individuals and
certain other non-corporate Common Shareholders, including those who have not provided their correct taxpayer identification number
and other required certifications, may be subject to “backup” federal income tax withholding at the fourth lowest rate
of tax applicable to a single individual (in 2021, 24%).
An investor should also be aware that the benefits of the reduced
tax rate applicable to long-term capital gains and qualified dividend income may be impacted by the application of the alternative
minimum tax to individual shareholders.
The foregoing briefly summarizes some of the important federal
income tax consequences to Common Shareholders of investing in Common Shares, reflects the federal tax law as of the date of this
Prospectus, and does not address special tax rules applicable to certain types of investors, such as corporate and foreign investors.
Investors should consult their tax advisers regarding other federal, state or local tax considerations that may be applicable in
their particular circumstances, as well as any proposed tax law changes.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE
The Fund is an unincorporated statutory trust established under
the laws of the state of Delaware by a Certificate of Trust dated January 12, 2006 and filed with the Secretary of State of Delaware
on that date. The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees of the Fund may authorize separate classes of shares of beneficial
interest. The Trustees have authorized an unlimited number of Common Shares. The Fund intends to hold annual meetings of Common
Shareholders in compliance with the requirements of the NYSE American.
Common Shares
The Declaration of Trust permits the Fund to issue an unlimited
number of full and fractional Common Shares of beneficial interest, no par value. Each Common Share represents an equal proportionate
interest in the assets of the Fund with each other Common Share in the Fund. Holders of Common Shares will be entitled to the payment
of dividends when, as and if declared by the Board of Trustees. The 1940 Act or the terms of any borrowings or preferred shares
may limit the payment of dividends to the holders of Common Shares. Each whole Common Share shall be entitled to one vote as to
matters on which it is entitled to vote pursuant to the terms of the Declaration of Trust on file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Upon liquidation of the Fund, after paying or adequately providing for the payment of all liabilities of the Fund and
the liquidation preference with respect to any outstanding preferred shares, and upon receipt of such releases, indemnities and
refunding agreements as they deem necessary for their protection, the Trustees may distribute the remaining assets of the Fund
among the holders of the Common Shares. The Declaration of Trust provides that Common Shareholders are not liable for any liabilities
of the Fund. Although shareholders of an unincorporated statutory trust established under Delaware law, in certain limited circumstances,
may be held personally liable for the obligations of the Fund as though they were general partners, the provisions of the Declaration
of Trust described in the foregoing sentence make the likelihood of such personal liability remote.
While there are any borrowings or preferred shares outstanding,
the Fund may not be permitted to declare any cash dividend or other distribution on its Common Shares, unless at the time of such
declaration, (i) all accrued dividends on preferred shares or accrued interest on borrowings have been paid and (ii) the value
of the Fund’s total assets (determined after deducting the amount of such dividend or other distribution), less all liabilities
and indebtedness of the Fund not represented by senior securities, is at least 300% of the aggregate amount of such securities
representing indebtedness and at least 200% of the aggregate amount of securities representing indebtedness plus the aggregate
liquidation value of the outstanding preferred shares (expected to equal the aggregate original purchase price of the outstanding
preferred shares plus redemption premium, if any, together with any accrued and unpaid dividends thereon, whether or not earned
or declared and on a cumulative basis). In addition to the requirements of the 1940 Act, the Fund may be required to comply with
other asset coverage requirements as a condition of the Fund obtaining a rating of the preferred shares from a rating agency. These
requirements may include an asset coverage test more stringent than under the 1940 Act. This limitation on the Fund’s ability
to make distributions on its Common Shares could in certain circumstances impair the ability of the Fund to maintain its qualification
for taxation as a regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. The Fund intends, however, to the extent possible
to purchase or redeem preferred shares or reduce borrowings from time to time to maintain compliance with such asset coverage requirements
and may pay special dividends to the holders of the preferred shares in certain circumstances in connection with any such impairment
of the Fund’s status as a regulated investment company. Depending on the timing of any such redemption or repayment, the
Fund may be required to pay a premium in addition to the liquidation preference of the preferred shares to the holders thereof.
The Fund has no present intention of offering additional Common
Shares, except as described herein. Other offerings of its Common Shares, if made, will require approval of the Board. Any additional
offering will not be sold at a price per Common Share below the then current net asset value (exclusive of underwriting discounts
and commissions) except in connection with an offering to existing Common Shareholders or with the consent of a majority of the
Fund’s outstanding Common Shares. The Common Shares have no preemptive rights.
The Fund generally will not issue Common Share certificates.
However, upon written request to the Fund’s transfer agent, a share certificate will be issued for any or all of the full
Common Shares credited to an investor’s account. Common Share certificates that have been issued to an investor may be returned
at any time.
The common shares are listed on the NYSE American under the
symbol “GLO” and began trading on the NYSE American on April 28, 2006. The average daily trading volume of the common
shares on the NYSE American during the period from November 1, 2019 through October 31, 2020 was 152,704.48 common shares. Shares of closed-end
investment companies often trade on an exchange at prices lower than net asset value. The Fund’s common shares have traded
in the market at premiums in 2006 and at discounts from net asset value per share in other years. The following table shows, for
each fiscal quarter since the quarter ended January 31, 2018: (i) the high and low closing sale prices per common share, as reported
on the NYSE American; (ii) the corresponding net asset values per common share; and (iii) the percentage by which the common shares
traded at a premium over, or discount from, the net asset values per common share at those high and low closing prices. The Fund’s
net asset value per common share is determined on a daily basis.
Quarter Ended
|
|
|
Market Price
|
|
|
Net Asset Value at
|
|
|
Market Premium
(Discount) to net Asset Value at
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
High
|
|
|
Low
|
|
|
Market High
|
|
|
Market Low
|
|
|
Market High
|
|
|
Market Low
|
|
|
2020
|
|
|
|
October 31
|
|
|
$
|
9.97
|
|
|
$
|
8.84
|
|
|
$
|
11.78
|
|
|
$
|
10.48
|
|
|
|
|
-15.37
|
|
|
|
-15.65
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 31
|
|
|
$
|
9.40
|
|
|
$
|
7.68
|
|
|
$
|
11.12
|
|
|
$
|
8.97
|
|
|
|
|
-15.47
|
|
|
|
-14.38
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 30
|
|
|
$
|
10.14
|
|
|
$
|
5.64
|
|
|
$
|
11.14
|
|
|
$
|
7.92
|
|
|
|
|
-8.93
|
|
|
|
-28.79
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 31
|
|
|
$
|
10.02
|
|
|
$
|
9.29
|
|
|
$
|
11.24
|
|
|
$
|
10.68
|
|
|
|
|
-10.85
|
|
|
|
-13.01
|
|
|
2019
|
|
|
|
October 31
|
|
|
$
|
9.47
|
|
|
$
|
8.94
|
|
|
$
|
10.55
|
|
|
$
|
10.05
|
|
|
|
|
-10.24
|
|
|
|
-11.04
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 31
|
|
|
$
|
9.89
|
|
|
$
|
9.23
|
|
|
$
|
11.00
|
|
|
$
|
10.58
|
|
|
|
|
-10.09
|
|
|
|
-12.76
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 30
|
|
|
$
|
9.81
|
|
|
$
|
9.26
|
|
|
$
|
10.92
|
|
|
$
|
10.41
|
|
|
|
|
-10.16
|
%
|
|
|
-11.05
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 31
|
|
|
$
|
10.04
|
|
|
$
|
7.65
|
|
|
$
|
10.88
|
|
|
$
|
9.18
|
|
|
|
|
-7.72
|
%
|
|
|
-16.67
|
%
|
|
2018
|
|
|
|
October 31
|
|
|
$
|
11.38
|
|
|
$
|
9.44
|
|
|
$
|
12.25
|
|
|
$
|
10.49
|
|
|
|
|
-7.10
|
%
|
|
|
-10.01
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 31
|
|
|
$
|
11.29
|
|
|
$
|
10.71
|
|
|
$
|
12.24
|
|
|
$
|
11.80
|
|
|
|
|
-7.76
|
%
|
|
|
-9.24
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
April 30
|
|
|
$
|
11.45
|
|
|
$
|
10.48
|
|
|
$
|
12.60
|
|
|
$
|
11.81
|
|
|
|
|
-9.13
|
%
|
|
|
-11.26
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 31
|
|
|
$
|
11.65
|
|
|
$
|
10.67
|
|
|
$
|
12.17
|
|
|
$
|
11.97
|
|
|
|
|
-4.27
|
%
|
|
|
-10.86
|
%
|
On October 31, 2020, the net asset value per common share was $ 13.47, trading prices ranged between $12.09 and $11.59 (representing a
discounts to net asset value of 10.24% and 13.96%, respectively) and the closing price per common share was $11.71 (representing a discount
to net asset value of 13.06%).
Preferred Shares
The Declaration of Trust authorizes the issuance of an unlimited
number of shares of beneficial interest with preference rights, including preferred shares (the “preferred shares”),
having no par value, in one or more series, with rights as determined by the Board of Trustees, by action of the Board of Trustees
without the approval of the Common Shareholders.
Currently an unlimited number of the Fund’s shares have
been classified by the Board as preferred shares, par value $0.001 per share. The terms of such preferred shares may be fixed by
the Board and would materially limit and/or qualify the rights of holders of the Fund’s common shares. The Fund currently
has no Preferred Shares outstanding. If the Fund issues preferred shares, it will pay dividends to the holders of the preferred
shares at a fixed rate, as described in a Prospectus Supplement accompanying each preferred share offering.
Upon a liquidation, each holder of the preferred shares will
be entitled to receive out of the assets of the Fund available for distribution to shareholders (after payment of claims of the
Fund’s creditors but before any distributions with respect to the Fund’s common shares or any other shares of the Fund
ranking junior to the preferred shares as to liquidation payments) an amount per share equal to such share’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 the preferred shares will rank on a parity with any other series of preferred shares of the
Fund as to the payment of distributions and the distribution of assets upon liquidation, and will be junior to the Fund’s
obligations with respect to any outstanding senior securities representing debt. The preferred shares carry 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 non-assessable
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
shares senior to the preferred shares.
Redemption, Purchase and Sale of Preferred Shares By
the Fund. The terms of any preferred shares are expected to provide that (i) they are redeemable by the Fund at any time
(either after the date of initial issuance, or after some period of time following initial issuance) in whole or in part at the
original purchase price per share plus accumulated dividends per share, (ii) the Fund may tender for or purchase preferred
shares and (iii) the Fund may subsequently resell any shares so tendered for or purchased. Any redemption or purchase of preferred
shares by the Fund will reduce the leverage applicable to the common shares, while any resale of preferred shares by the Fund will
increase that leverage.
Rating Agency Guidelines. The Preferred Shares are
rated by Moody’s and/or Fitch. Upon issuance, it is expected that any new series of preferred shares will be rated by Moody’s
or Fitch.
The Fund is, and expects that it will be, required under the
applicable rating agency guidelines to maintain assets having in the aggregate a discounted value at least equal to a Basic Maintenance
Amount (as defined in the applicable Statement of Preferences and summarized below), for its outstanding preferred shares. To the
extent any particular portfolio holding does not satisfy the applicable rating agency’s guidelines, all or a portion of such
holding’s value will not be included in the calculation of discounted value (as defined by such rating agency). The Moody’s
and Fitch guidelines also impose certain diversification requirements and industry concentration limitations on the Fund’s
overall portfolio, and apply specified discounts to securities held by the Fund (except certain money market securities).
The “Basic Maintenance Amount” is generally equal
to (a) the sum of (i) the aggregate liquidation preference of any preferred shares then outstanding plus (to the extent
not included in the liquidation preference of such preferred shares) an amount equal to the aggregate accumulated but unpaid distributions
(whether or not earned or declared) in respect of such preferred shares, (ii) the Fund’s other liabilities (excluding
dividends and other distributions payable on the Fund’s common shares) and (iii) any other current liabilities of the
Fund (including amounts due and payable by the Fund pursuant to reverse repurchase agreements and payables for assets purchased)
less (b) the value of the Fund’s assets if such assets are either cash or evidences of indebtedness which mature prior
to or on the date of redemption or repurchase of preferred shares or payment of another liability and are either U.S. government
securities or evidences of indebtedness rated at least “Aaa,” “P-1”, “VMIG-1” or “MIG-1”
by Moody’s or “AAA”, “SP-1+” or “A-1+” by S&P and are held by the Fund for distributions,
the redemption or repurchase of preferred shares or the Fund’s liabilities.
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 shares at the request of the Fund, the Fund may, and in certain circumstances
will be required to, mandatorily redeem preferred shares.
The Fund may, but is not required to, adopt any modifications
to the rating agency guidelines that may hereafter be established by Moody’s and Fitch (or such other rating agency then
rating the preferred shares at the request of the Fund). Failure to adopt any such modifications, however, may result in a change
in the relevant rating agency’s ratings or a withdrawal of such ratings altogether. In addition, any rating agency providing
a rating for the preferred shares at the request of the Fund may, at any time, change or withdraw any such rating. The Board, without
further action by shareholders, may amend, alter, add to or repeal any provision of the Statement of Preferences adopted pursuant
to rating agency guidelines if the Board determines that such amendments or modifications are necessary to prevent a reduction
in, or the withdrawal of, a rating of the preferred shares and are in the aggregate in the best interests of the holders of the
preferred shares. Additionally, the Board, without further action by the shareholders, may amend, alter, add to or repeal any provision
of the Statement of Preferences adopted pursuant to rating agency guidelines if the Board determines that such amendments or modifications
will not in the aggregate adversely affect the rights and preferences of the holders of any series of the preferred shares, provided
that the Fund has received advice from each applicable rating agency that such amendment or modification is not expected to adversely
affect such rating agency’s then-current rating of such series of the Fund’s preferred shares.
As described by Moody’s and Fitch, the ratings assigned
to preferred shares are assessments of the capacity and willingness of the Fund to pay the obligations of the preferred shares.
The ratings on the preferred shares 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 shares 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’s and Fitch by the Fund and Clough 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.
The rating agency guidelines will apply to any preferred shares,
as the case may be, only so long as such rating agency is rating such shares at the request of the Fund. The Fund will pay fees
to Moody’s and Fitch for rating the preferred shares.
Asset Maintenance Requirements. In addition to the requirements
summarized under, “— Rating Agency Guidelines” above, the Fund must satisfy asset maintenance requirements
under the 1940 Act with respect to any preferred shares. Under the 1940 Act, debt or additional preferred shares may be issued
only if immediately after such issuance the value of the Fund’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 shares and debt outstanding.
The Fund is and likely will be required under the Statement
of Preferences of each series of preferred shares to determine whether it has, as of the last business day of each March, June,
September and December of each year, an “asset coverage” (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 shares. If the Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage required
under the 1940 Act on such dates and such failure is not cured by a specific time (generally within 49 calendar days), the Fund
may, and in certain circumstances will be required to, mandatorily redeem preferred shares sufficient to satisfy such asset coverage.
See “—Redemption Procedures” below.
Distributions. Holders of any preferred shares will be
entitled to receive, when, as and if declared by the Board, out of funds legally available therefor, cumulative cash distributions,
at an annual rate set forth in the applicable Statement of Preferences or Prospectus Supplement, payable with such frequency as
set forth in the applicable Statement of Preferences or Prospectus Supplement. Such distributions will accumulate from the date
on which such shares are issued.
Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions for the
Preferred Shares. So long as any preferred shares are outstanding, the Fund may not pay any dividend or distribution (other
than a dividend or distribution paid in common shares or in options, warrants or rights to subscribe for or purchase common shares)
in respect of the common shares or call for redemption, redeem, purchase or otherwise acquire for consideration any common shares
(except by conversion into or exchange for shares of the Fund ranking junior to the preferred shares as to the payment of dividends
or distributions and the distribution of assets upon liquidation), unless:
|
·
|
the Fund has declared and paid (or provided to the relevant dividend paying agent) all cumulative distributions on the Fund’s
outstanding preferred shares due on or prior to the date of such common share dividend or distribution;
|
|
·
|
the Fund has redeemed the full number of preferred shares to be redeemed pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision in
the Fund’s Governing Documents; and
|
|
·
|
after making the distribution, the Fund meets applicable asset coverage requirements described under “—Asset Maintenance
Requirements” above.
|
No complete distribution due for a particular dividend period
will be declared or made on any series of preferred shares 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 shares 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 shares of the Fund ranking on a parity with such series of preferred shares
as to the payment of distributions, any distributions being paid on the preferred shares 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 shares on the
relevant dividend payment date. The Fund’s obligation to make distributions on the preferred shares will be subordinate to
its obligations to pay interest and principal, when due, on any senior securities representing debt.
Mandatory Redemption Relating to Asset Coverage Requirements.
The Fund may, at its option, consistent with the Governing Documents and the 1940 Act, and in certain circumstances will be required
to, mandatorily redeem preferred shares in the event that:
|
·
|
the Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage requirements specified under the 1940 Act on a quarterly valuation date (generally
the last business day of March, June, September and December) and such failure is not cured on or before a specified period of
time, following such failure; or
|
|
·
|
the Fund fails to maintain the asset coverage requirements as calculated in accordance with any applicable rating agency guidelines
as of any monthly valuation date, and such failure is not cured on or before a specified period of time after such valuation date.
|
The redemption price for preferred shares subject to mandatory
redemption will generally be the liquidation preference, as stated in the Statement of Preferences of each existing series of preferred
shares or the Prospectus Supplement accompanying the issuance of any series of preferred shares, plus an amount equal to any accumulated
but unpaid distributions (whether or not earned or declared) to the date fixed for redemption, plus any applicable redemption premium
determined by the Board and included in the Statement of Preferences.
The number of preferred shares that will be redeemed in the
case of a mandatory redemption will equal the minimum number of outstanding preferred shares, 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 preferred shares.
In the event that preferred shares 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 preferred shares so that the Fund’s assets exceed the asset coverage
requirements under the 1940 Act after the redemption by 10% (that is, 220% asset coverage) or some other amount specified in the
Statement of Preferences. In the event that preferred shares 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 preferred shares so that the Fund’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) or some other amount specified
in the Statement of Preferences.
If the Fund does not have funds legally available for the redemption
of, or is otherwise unable to redeem, all the preferred shares 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.
If fewer than all of the Fund’s outstanding preferred
shares are to be redeemed, the Fund, at its discretion and subject to the limitations of the Governing Documents, the 1940 Act,
and applicable law, will select the one or more series of preferred from which shares will be redeemed and the amount of preferred
to be redeemed from each such series. If fewer than all shares of a series of preferred 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 preferred shares 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.
Optional Redemption. Preferred shares 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’s status as a RIC under the Code. Commencing
on such date and thereafter, the Fund may at any time redeem such preferred shares 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 plus any premium specified in or pursuant to the Statement of Preferences. Such redemptions
are subject to the notice requirements set forth under “—Redemption Procedures” below and the limitations
of the Governing Documents, the 1940 Act and applicable law.
Redemption Procedures. If the Fund determines or is required
to redeem preferred shares, it will mail a notice of redemption to holders of the shares to be redeemed. Each notice of redemption
will state (i) the redemption date, (ii) the number or percentage of preferred shares to be redeemed (which may be expressed
as a percentage of such shares outstanding), (iii) the CUSIP number(s) of such shares, (iv) the redemption price (specifying
the amount of accumulated distributions to be included therein), (v) the place or places where such shares are to be redeemed,
(vi) that dividends or distributions on the shares to be redeemed will cease to accumulate on such redemption date, (vii) the
provision of the Statement of Preferences under which the redemption is being made and (viii) in the case of an optional redemption,
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.
The redemption date with respect to preferred shares will
not be fewer than 15 days nor more than 40 days (subject to NYSE American requirements) after the date of the applicable
notice of redemption. Preferred shareholders may receive shorter notice in the event of a mandatory redemption.
The holders of preferred shares will not have the right to redeem
any of their shares at their option except to the extent specified in the Statement of Preferences.
Liquidation Rights. In the event of any voluntary or
involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Fund, the holders of preferred shares 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
shares. After payment of the full amount of the liquidating distribution to which they are entitled, the holders of preferred shares
will not be entitled to any further participation in any distribution of assets by the Fund.
Voting Rights. Except as otherwise stated in this Prospectus,
specified in the Governing Documents or resolved by the Board or as otherwise required by applicable law, holders of preferred
shares 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 shares and of any other preferred shares then outstanding as a single class.
In connection with the election of the Fund’s Trustees,
holders of the outstanding preferred shares, voting together as a single class, will be entitled at all times to elect two of the
Fund’s Trustees, and the remaining Trustees will be elected by holders of common shares and holders of preferred shares,
voting together as a single class. In addition, if (i) at any time dividends and distributions on outstanding preferred shares
are unpaid in an amount equal to at least two full years’ 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) at any time holders of any other series of preferred shares are entitled to elect a majority of the Trustees of the
Fund under the 1940 Act or the applicable Statement of Preferences creating such shares, then the number of Trustees constituting
the Board automatically will be increased by the smallest number that, when added to the two Trustees elected exclusively by the
holders of preferred shares as described above, would then constitute a simple majority of the Board as so increased by such smallest
number. Such additional Trustees will be elected by the holders of the outstanding preferred shares, 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 Trustees 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 preferred shares for all past dividend periods or the holders
of other series of preferred shares are no longer entitled to elect such additional Trustees, the additional voting rights of the
holders of the preferred shares as described above will cease, and the terms of office of all of the additional Trustees elected
by the holders of the preferred shares (but not of the Trustees with respect to whose election the holders of common shares were
entitled to vote or the two Trustees the holders of preferred shares have the right to elect as a separate class in any event)
will terminate automatically.
The 1940 Act requires that, in addition to any approval by shareholders
that might otherwise be required, the approval of the holders of a majority of any outstanding preferred shares (as defined in
the 1940 Act), voting separately as a class, would be required to (1) adopt any plan of reorganization that would adversely
affect the preferred shares, and (2) take any action requiring a vote of security holders under Section 13(a) of the
1940 Act, including, among other things, changes in the Fund’s classification as a closed-end investment company to an open-end
investment company or changes in its fundamental investment restrictions. As a result of these voting rights, the Fund’s
ability to take any such actions may be impeded to the extent that there are any preferred shares outstanding. Additionally, the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding preferred shares (as defined in the 1940 Act), voting as a separate
class, will be required to amend, alter or repeal any of the provisions of the Statement of Preferences so as to in the aggregate
adversely affect the rights and preferences set forth in the Statement of Preferences. The class votes of holders of preferred
shares described above will in each case be in addition to any other vote required to authorize the action in question.
The foregoing voting provisions will not apply to any series
of preferred shares if, at or prior to the time when the act with respect to which such vote otherwise would be required will be
effected, such shares 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 shares will have no preemptive rights or rights to
cumulative voting.
Limitation on Issuance of Preferred Shares. So long as
the Fund has preferred shares outstanding, subject to receipt of approval from the rating agencies of each series of preferred
shares outstanding, and subject to compliance with the Fund’s investment objectives, policies and restrictions, the Fund
may issue and sell shares of one or more other series of additional preferred shares provided that the Fund will, immediately after
giving effect to the issuance of such additional preferred shares and to its receipt and application of the proceeds thereof (including,
without limitation, to the redemption of preferred shares to be redeemed out of such proceeds), have an “asset coverage”
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 preferred shares of the Fund then outstanding and all indebtedness of the Fund constituting senior securities
and no such additional preferred shares will have any preference or priority over any other preferred shares of the Fund upon the
distribution of the assets of the Fund or in respect of the payment of dividends or distributions.
The Fund will consider from time to time whether to offer additional
preferred shares or securities representing indebtedness and may issue such additional securities if the Board concludes that such
an offering would be consistent with the Fund’s Governing Documents and applicable law, and in the best interest of existing
common shareholders.
Tenders and Repurchases. In addition to the
redemption provisions described herein, the Fund may also tender for or purchase preferred shares (whether in private
transactions or on the NYSE American) and the Fund may subsequently resell any shares so tendered for or purchased, subject to the
provisions of the Fund’s Governing Documents and the 1940 Act.
Book Entry. Preferred shares may be held in the name
of Cede & Co. as nominee for DTC. The Fund will treat Cede & Co. as the holder of record of any preferred shares
issued for all purposes in this circumstance. In accordance with the procedures of DTC, however, purchasers of preferred shares
whose preferred shares are held in the name of Cede & Co. as nominee for the DTC will be deemed the beneficial owners
of stock purchased for purposes of distributions, voting and liquidation rights.
Subscription Rights
General. The Fund may issue subscription rights to holders
of our (i) common shares to purchase common and/or preferred shares or (ii) preferred shares to purchase preferred shares
(subject to applicable law). Subscription rights may be issued independently or together with any other offered security and may
or may not be transferable by the person purchasing or receiving the subscription rights. In connection with a subscription rights
offering to holders of our common and/or preferred shares, the Fund would distribute certificates evidencing the subscription rights
and a Prospectus Supplement to our common or preferred shareholders, as applicable, as of the record date that we set for determining
the shareholders eligible to receive subscription rights in such subscription rights offering.
The applicable Prospectus Supplement would describe the following
terms of subscription rights in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered:
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the period of time the offering would remain open (which will be open a minimum number of days such that all record holders would be eligible to participate in the offering and will not be open longer than 120 days);
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the title of such subscription rights;
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the exercise price for such subscription rights (or method of calculation thereof);
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the number of such subscription rights issued in respect of each common share;
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the number of rights required to purchase a single preferred share;
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the extent to which such subscription rights are transferable and the market on which they may be traded if they are transferable;
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if applicable, a discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations applicable to the issuance or exercise of such subscription rights;
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the date on which the right to exercise such subscription rights will commence, and the date on which such right will expire (subject to any extension);
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the extent to which such subscription rights include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities and the terms of such over-subscription privilege;
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any termination right we may have in connection with such subscription rights offering; and
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any other terms of such subscription rights, including exercise, settlement and other procedures and limitations relating to the transfer and exercise of such subscription rights.
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Exercise of Subscription Rights. Each subscription right
would entitle the holder of the subscription right to purchase for cash such number of shares at such exercise price as in each
case is set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the prospectus supplement relating to the subscription rights offered
thereby, Subscription rights would be exercisable at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for such subscription
rights set forth in the prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised subscription
rights would become void.
Subscription rights would be exercisable as set forth in the
prospectus supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby. Upon expiration of the rights offering and the receipt
of payment and the subscription rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the subscription
rights agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement we would issue, as soon as practicable, the shares purchased
as a result of such exercise. To the extent permissible under applicable law, we may determine to offer any unsubscribed offered
securities directly to persons other than shareholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination
of such methods, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Subscription Rights to Purchase Common and Preferred Shares.
The Fund may issue subscription rights which would entitle holders to purchase both common and preferred shares in a ratio to be
set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. In accordance with the 1940 Act, at least three rights would be required to
subscribe for one common share. It is expected that rights to purchase both common and preferred shares would require holders to
purchase an equal number of common and preferred shares, and would not permit holders to purchase an unequal number of common or
preferred shares, or purchase only common shares or only preferred shares. For example, such an offering might be structured such
that three rights would entitle an investor to purchase one common share and one preferred share, and such investor would not be
able to choose to purchase only a common share or only a preferred share upon the exercise of his, her or its rights.
The common shares and preferred shares issued pursuant to the
exercise of any such rights, however, would at all times be separately tradeable securities. Such common and preferred shares would
not be issued as a “unit” or “combination” and would not be listed or traded as a “unit” or
“combination” on a securities exchange at any time. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will set forth additional
details regarding an offering of subscription rights to purchase common and preferred shares.
Outstanding Securities
The following information regarding the Fund’s authorized
shares is as of March 1, 2021.
Title
of Class
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Amount
Authorized
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Amount Outstanding
Amount Held by Fund or for its Account
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Exclusive of
Amount Held by Fund
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Common Shares
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Unlimited
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—
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32,224,412
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Preferred Shares
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Unlimited
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—
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0
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Credit Facility
The Fund uses leverages through borrowings. The Fund may negotiate
with commercial banks to arrange a credit facility pursuant to which the Fund would expect to be entitled to borrow an amount equal
to approximately one-third of the Fund’s total assets (inclusive of the amount borrowed) as of the closing of the offer and
sale of the Common Shares offered hereby. Such borrowings constitute financial leverage.
A credit facility may contain covenants that, among other things,
will limit the Fund’s ability to pay dividends in certain circumstances, incur additional debt, change its fundamental investment
policies and engage in certain transactions, including mergers and consolidations, and may require asset coverage ratios in addition
to those required by the 1940 Act.
The Fund entered into a financing package that includes a Committed
Facility Agreement (the “Agreement”) dated January 16, 2009, as amended, between the Fund and BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage,
Inc. (“BNP”) that allows the Fund to borrow funds from BNP. The Fund is currently borrowing the maximum commitment
covered by the Agreement. The Fund entered into a Special Custody and Pledge Agreement (the “Pledge Agreement”) dated
December 9, 2013, as amended, between the Fund, the Fund’s custodian, and BNP. As of October 31, 2016, the Pledge Agreement
was assigned from BNP to BNP Paribas Prime Brokerage International, Ltd. Per the Pledge Agreement, borrowings under the Agreement
are secured by assets of the Fund that are held by the Fund’s custodian in a separate account (the “pledged collateral”).
Interest is charged at the three month LIBOR (London Inter-bank Offered Rate) plus 0.70% on the amount borrowed and 0.65% on the
undrawn balance.
As of January 31, 2021, the outstanding borrowings for the Fund
were $197,500,000. The interest rate applicable to the borrowings of the Fund on January 31, 2021 was 0.90%.
The Fund and BNP have also entered into an agreement (the “Lending
Agreement”) pursuant to which BNP may borrow a portion of the pledged collateral (the “Lent Securities”) in an
amount not to exceed the outstanding borrowings owed by the Fund to BNP under the Agreement. The Lending Agreement is intended
to permit the Fund to significantly reduce the cost of its borrowings under the Agreement. The Fund receives income from BNP based
on the value of the Lent Securities. BNP must remit payment to the Fund equal to the amount of all dividends, interest or other
distributions earned or made by the Lent Securities. BNP has the ability to re-register the Lent Securities in its own name or
in another name other than the Fund to pledge, re-pledge, sell, lend or otherwise transfer or use the collateral with all attendant
rights of ownership. However, if the Fund recalls any of the Lent Securities, BNP is required to return those securities or equivalent
security to the Fund’s custodian, to the extent commercially possible, no later than three Business Days after such request.
Repurchase of Shares and Other Discount Measures
Because shares of closed-end management investment companies
frequently trade at a discount to their net asset values, the Board of Trustees has determined that from time to time it may be
in the interest of Common Shareholders for the Fund to take corrective actions. The Board of Trustees, in consultation with Clough
and ALPS, will review at least annually the possibility of open market repurchases and/or tender offers for the Common Shares and
will consider such factors as the market price of the Common Shares, the net asset value of the Common Shares, the liquidity of
the assets of the Fund, effect on the Fund’s expenses, whether such transactions would impair the Fund’s status as
a regulated investment company or result in a failure to comply with applicable asset coverage requirements, general economic conditions
and such other events or conditions, which may have a material effect on the Fund’s ability to consummate such transactions.
There are no assurances that the Board of Trustees will, in fact, decide to undertake either of these actions or, if undertaken,
that such actions will result in the Fund’s Common Shares trading at a price which is equal to or approximates their net
asset value. In recognition of the possibility that the Common Shares might trade at a discount to net asset value and that any
such discount may not be in the interest of Common Shareholders, the Board of Trustees, in consultation with Clough, from time
to time may review possible actions to reduce any such discount.
ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS IN THE DECLARATION
OF TRUST
The Declaration of Trust includes provisions that could have
the effect of limiting the ability of other entities or persons to acquire control of the Fund or to change the composition of
the Board of Trustees, and could have the effect of depriving Common Shareholders of an opportunity to sell their Common Shares
at a premium over prevailing market prices by discouraging a third party from seeking to obtain control of the Fund. These provisions
may have the effect of discouraging attempts to acquire control of the Fund, which attempts could have the effect of increasing
the expenses of the Fund and interfering with the normal operation of the Fund. The Board of Trustees is divided into three classes,
with the term of one class expiring at each annual meeting of Common Shareholders. At each annual meeting, one class of Trustees
is elected to a three-year term. This provision could delay for up to two years the replacement of a majority of the Board of Trustees.
A Trustee may be removed from office without cause only by a written instrument signed or adopted by two-thirds of the remaining
Trustees or by a vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the class of shares of the Fund that elected such Trustee and are
entitled to vote on the matter.
The Fund’s Declaration of Trust provides that the Fund
may not merge with another entity, or sell, lease or exchange all or substantially all of its assets without the approval of at
least two-thirds of the Trustees and 75% of the affected shareholders.
In addition, the Declaration of Trust requires the favorable
vote of the holders of at least 80% of the outstanding shares of each class of the Fund, voting as a class, then entitled to vote
to approve, adopt or authorize certain transactions with 5%-or-greater holders of the Fund’s outstanding shares and their
affiliates or associates, unless two-thirds of the Board of Trustees have approved by resolution a memorandum of understanding
with such holders, in which case normal voting requirements would be in effect. For purposes of these provisions, a 5%-or-greater
holder of outstanding shares (a “Principal Shareholder”) refers to any person who, whether directly or indirectly and
whether alone or together with its affiliates and associates, beneficially owns 5% or more of the outstanding shares of beneficial
interest of the Fund. The transactions subject to these special approval requirements are: (i) the merger or consolidation of the
Fund or any subsidiary of the Fund with or into any Principal Shareholder; (ii) the issuance of any securities of the Fund to any
Principal Shareholder for cash (other than pursuant to any automatic dividend reinvestment plan or pursuant to any offering in
which such Principal Shareholder acquires securities that represent no greater a percentage of any class or series of securities
being offered than the percentage of any class of shares beneficially owned by such Principal Shareholder immediately prior to
such offering or, in the case of securities, offered in respect of another class or series, the percentage of such other class
or series beneficially owned by such Principal Shareholder immediately prior to such offering); (iii) the sale, lease or exchange
of all or any substantial part of the assets of the Fund to any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an aggregate fair market
value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for the purpose of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series
of similar transactions within a twelve-month period); (iv) the sale, lease or exchange to the Fund or any subsidiary thereof,
in exchange for securities of the Fund, of any assets of any Principal Shareholder (except assets having an aggregate fair market
value of less than $1,000,000, aggregating for the purposes of such computation all assets sold, leased or exchanged in any series
of similar transactions within a twelve-month period) or (v) the purchase by the Fund, or any entity controlled by the Fund, of
any Common Shares from any Principal Shareholder or any person to whom any Principal Shareholder transferred Common Shares.
The Board of Trustees has determined that provisions with respect
to the Board of Trustees and the 80% voting requirements described above, which voting requirements are greater than the minimum
requirements under Delaware law or the 1940 Act, are in the best interest of Common Shareholders generally. Reference should be
made to the Declaration of Trust on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the full text of these provisions.
CONVERSION TO OPEN-END FUND
The Fund may be converted to an open-end management investment
company at any time if approved by each of the following: (i) a majority of the Trustees then in office, (ii) the holders of not
less than 75% of the Fund’s outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon and (iii) by such vote or votes of the holders of
any class or classes or series of shares as may be required by the 1940 Act. The composition of the Fund’s portfolio likely
would prohibit the Fund from complying with regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission applicable to open-end management
investment companies, including the limitation that open-end management investment companies invest no more than 15% in illiquid
securities. Accordingly, conversion likely would require significant changes in the Fund’s investment policies and liquidation
of a substantial portion of the relatively illiquid portion of its portfolio. Conversion of the Fund to an open-end management
investment company also would require the redemption of any outstanding preferred shares and could require the repayment of borrowings,
which would eliminate the leveraged capital structure of the Fund with respect to the Common Shares. In the event of conversion,
the Common Shares would cease to be listed on the NYSE American or other national securities exchange or market system. The Board
of Trustees believes, however, that the closed-end structure is desirable, given the Fund’s investment objective and policies.
Investors should assume, therefore, that it is unlikely that the Board of Trustees would vote to convert the Fund to an open-end
management investment company. Shareholders of an open-end management investment company may require the company to redeem their
shares at any time (except in certain circumstances as authorized by or under the 1940 Act) at their net asset value, less such
redemption charge, if any, as might be in effect at the time of a redemption. The Fund expects to pay all such redemption requests
in cash, but intends to reserve the right to pay redemption requests in a combination of cash or securities. If such partial payment
in securities were made, investors may incur brokerage costs in converting such securities to cash. If the Fund were converted
to an open-end fund, it is likely that new Common Shares would be sold at net asset value plus a sales load.
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
State Street Bank & Trust Company is the custodian of the
Fund and maintains custody of the securities and cash of the Fund. ALPS maintains the Fund’s general ledger and computes
net asset value per share daily.
DST serves as the transfer agent of the Fund.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with the Common Shares will
be passed upon for the Fund by K&L Gates LLP.
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
The Fund sends to Common Shareholders unaudited semi-annual
and audited annual reports, including a list of investments held.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING
FIRM
Cohen & Company Ltd., located at 1350 Euclid Ave Suite 800, Cleveland, Ohio 44115, serves as the independent registered public accounting
firm for the current fiscal year. The firm provides services including (i) audit of annual financial statements, (ii) assistance and consultation
in connection with SEC filings, and (iii) other audit related and tax services.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Prospectus and the Statement of Additional Information do
not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement that the Fund has filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The complete Registration Statement may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission upon payment of the
fee prescribed by its rules and regulations. The Statement of Additional Information can be obtained without charge by calling
(877) 256-8445 (toll-free).
Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the contents
of any contract or other documents referred to are not necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy
of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms a part, each
such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
This Prospectus is part of a registration
statement that the Fund has filed with the SEC. The Fund is allowed to “incorporate by reference” the information that
the Fund files with the SEC, which means that the Fund can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents.
The Fund incorporates by reference into this Prospectus the documents listed below and any future filings we make with the SEC
under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, including any filings on or after the date of this Prospectus from
the date of filing (excluding any information furnished, rather than filed), until we have sold all of the offered securities to
which this Prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement relates or the offering is otherwise terminated. The information
incorporated by reference is an important part of this Prospectus. Any statement in a document incorporated by reference into this
Prospectus will be deemed to be automatically modified or superseded to the extent a statement contained in (1) this Prospectus
or (2) any other subsequently filed document that is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus modifies or supersedes
such statement. The documents incorporated by reference herein include:
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The Fund’s annual report on Form N-CSR for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, filed with the SEC on January 5, 2021;
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The Fund’s semi-annual report on Form N-CSRS for the six months ended April 30, 2020 filed with the SEC on July 2, 2020;
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The Financial Highlights in the Fund’s annual report on Form N-CSR for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on January 8, 2016;
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The description of the Fund’s common shares contained in the Fund’s Form 8-A (File No. 001-32861) filed with the SEC on April 20, 2006, including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description prior to the termination of the offering registered hereby.
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We will also provide without charge to
each person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request, a copy of any
and all of the documents that have been or may be incorporated by reference in this Prospectus or the accompanying Prospectus Supplement.
THE FUND’S PRIVACY POLICY
The Fund is committed to ensuring your financial privacy. This
notice is being sent to comply with privacy regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Fund has in effect the following
policy with respect to nonpublic personal information about its customers:
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Only such information received from you, through application forms or otherwise, and information about your Fund transactions will be collected.
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None of such information about you (or former customers) will be disclosed to anyone, except as permitted by law (which includes disclosure to employees necessary to service your account).
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Policies and procedures (including physical, electronic and procedural safeguards) are in place that are designed to protect the confidentiality of such information.
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For more information about the Fund’s privacy policies
call (877) 256-8445 (toll-free).
Clough
Global Opportunities Fund
$419,155,000
Common Shares
Preferred Shares
Subscription Rights to Purchase Common
Shares
Subscription Rights to Purchase Preferred
Shares
Subscription Rights to Purchase Common
and Preferred Shares
PROSPECTUS
[ ],
2021
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.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION; DATED MARCH 8, 2021
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
[ ], 2021
Clough Global
Opportunities Fund
1290 Broadway, Suite 1000
Denver, Colorado 80203
(877) 256-8445
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page
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Additional Investment Information and Restrictions
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1
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Trustees and Officers
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4
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Code of Ethics
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20
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Proxy Voting Policy
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20
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Investment Advisory and Other Services
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20
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Determination of Net Asset Value
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23
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Portfolio Trading
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24
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Principal Shareholders and Control Persons
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26
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Taxes
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27
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Other Information
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31
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Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
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A-1
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Appendix A: Ratings
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A-1
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Appendix B: Proxy Voting Policy
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B-1
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This Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”)
is not a prospectus and is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only if preceded or accompanied by the Prospectus
of the Clough Global Opportunities Fund (the “Fund”), dated [ ], 2021, as supplemented from time to time, which is
incorporated herein by reference. This SAI should be read in conjunction with such Prospectus, a copy of which may be obtained
without charge by contacting your financial intermediary or calling the Fund at (877) 256-8445.
The information in this Statement of Additional Information is
not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission is effective. This Statement of Additional Information, which is not a 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.
Capitalized terms used in this SAI and not otherwise defined have
the meanings given them in the Fund’s Prospectus.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT INFORMATION AND RESTRICTIONS
The Fund was organized as a statutory trust in Delaware on January
12, 2006 and is a diversified, closed-end investment management company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
amended. It invests primarily in a managed mix of U.S. and non-U.S. equity and debt securities. The common shares of the Fund are
listed on the NYSE American LLC (“NYSE American”) under the ticker symbol “GLO”. The Fund’s investment
objective is to provide a high level of total return. The Fund seeks to pursue this objective by applying a fundamental research-driven
investment process and will invest in equity securities of companies of any market capitalization and equity-related securities,
including equity swaps and call options, as well as fixed income securities, including both corporate and sovereign debt in both
U.S. and non-U.S. markets.
Primary investment strategies are described in the Prospectus. The
following is a description of the various investment policies that may be engaged in, whether as a primary or secondary strategy,
and a summary of certain attendant risks. Clough may, but is not required to, buy any of the following instruments or use any of
the following techniques, and would do so only if it believes that doing so will help to achieve the Fund’s investment objectives.
Derivative Instruments
Derivative instruments (which are instruments that derive their
value from another instrument, security, index or currency) may be purchased or sold to enhance return (which may be considered
speculative), to hedge against fluctuations in securities prices, market conditions or currency exchange rates, or as a substitute
for the purchase or sale of securities or currencies. Such transactions may be in the U.S. or abroad and may include the purchase
or sale of futures contracts on indices and options on stock index futures, the purchase of put options and the sale of call options
on securities held, equity swaps and the purchase and sale of currency futures and forward foreign currency exchange contracts.
Transactions in derivative instruments involve a risk of loss or depreciation due to: unanticipated adverse changes in securities
prices, interest rates, indices, the other financial instruments’ prices or currency exchange rates; the inability to close
out a position; default by the counterparty; imperfect correlation between a position and the desired hedge; tax constraints on
closing out positions; and portfolio management constraints on securities subject to such transactions. The loss on derivative
instruments (other than purchased options) may substantially exceed an investment in these instruments. In addition, the entire
premium paid for purchased options may be lost before than can be profitably exercised. Transaction costs are incurred in opening
and closing positions. Derivative instruments may sometimes increase or leverage exposure to a particular market risk, thereby
increasing price volatility. Over-the-counter (“OTC”) derivative instruments, equity swaps and forward sales of stocks
involve an enhanced risk that the issuer or counterparty will fail to perform its contractual obligations.
Some derivative instruments are not readily marketable or may become
illiquid under adverse market conditions. In addition, during periods of market volatility, a commodity exchange may suspend or
limit trading in an exchange-traded derivative instrument, which may make the contract temporarily illiquid and difficult to price.
Commodity exchanges may also establish daily limits on the amount that the price of a futures contract or futures option can vary
from the previous day’s settlement price. Once the daily limit is reached, no trades may be made that day at a price beyond
the limit. This may prevent the closing out of positions to limit losses. The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission takes
the position that certain purchased OTC options, and assets used as cover for written OTC options, are illiquid. The ability to
terminate OTC derivative instruments may depend on the cooperation of the counterparties to such contracts. For thinly traded derivative
instruments, the only source of price quotations may be the selling dealer or counterparty. In addition, certain provisions of
the Code limit the use of derivative instruments. There can be no assurance that the use of derivative instruments will be advantageous.
Foreign exchange traded futures contracts and options thereon may
be used only if Clough determines that trading on such foreign exchange does not entail risks, including credit and liquidity risks,
that are materially greater than the risks associated with trading on CFTC-regulated exchanges.
A put option on a security may be written only if Clough intends
to acquire the security. Call options written on securities will be covered by ownership of the securities subject to the call
option or an offsetting option.
Corporate Bonds and Other Debt Securities
The Fund may invest in corporate bonds, including below investment
grade quality bonds, commonly known as “junk bonds” (“Non-Investment Grade Bonds”). Investments in Non-Investment
Grade Bonds generally provide greater income and increased opportunity for capital appreciation than investments in higher quality
securities, but they also typically entail greater price volatility and principal and income risk, including the possibility of
issuer default and bankruptcy. Non-Investment Grade Bonds are regarded as predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer’s
continuing ability to meet principal and interest payments. Debt securities in the lowest investment grade category also may be
considered to possess some speculative characteristics by certain rating agencies. In addition, analysis of the creditworthiness
of issuers of Non-Investment Grade Bonds may be more complex than for issuers of higher quality securities.
Non-Investment Grade Bonds may be more susceptible to real or perceived
adverse economic and competitive industry conditions than investment grade securities. A projection of an economic downturn or
of a period of rising interest rates, for example, could cause a decline in Non-Investment Grade Bond prices because the advent
of recession could lessen the ability of an issuer to make principal and interest payments on its debt obligations. If an issuer
of Non-Investment Grade Bonds defaults, in addition to risking payment of all or a portion of interest and principal, the Fund
may incur additional expenses to seek recovery. In the case of Non-Investment Grade Bonds structured as zero-coupon, step-up or
payment-in-kind securities, their market prices will normally be affected to a greater extent by interest rate changes, and therefore
tend to be more volatile than securities which pay interest currently and in cash. Clough seeks to reduce these risks through diversification,
credit analysis and attention to current developments in both the economy and financial markets.
The secondary market on which Non-Investment Grade Bonds are traded
may be less liquid than the market for investment grade securities. Less liquidity in the secondary trading market could adversely
affect the net asset value of the Shares. Adverse publicity and investor perceptions, whether or not based on fundamental analysis,
may decrease the values and liquidity of Non-Investment Grade Bonds, especially in a thinly traded market. When secondary markets
for Non-Investment Grade Bonds are less liquid than the market for investment grade securities, it may be more difficult to value
the securities because such valuation may require more research, and elements of judgment may play a greater role in the valuation
because there is no reliable, objective data available. During periods of thin trading in these markets, the spread between bid
and asked prices is likely to increase significantly and the Fund may have greater difficulty selling these securities. The Fund
will be more dependent on Clough’s research and analysis when investing in Non-Investment Grade Bonds. Clough seeks to minimize
the risks of investing in all securities through in-depth credit analysis and attention to current developments in interest rate
and market conditions.
A general description of the ratings of securities by Moody’s,
S&P and Fitch is set forth in Appendix A to this SAI. Such ratings represent these rating organizations’ opinions as
to the quality of the securities they rate. It should be emphasized, however, that ratings are general and are not absolute standards
of quality. Consequently, debt obligations with the same maturity, coupon and rating may have different yields while obligations
with the same maturity and coupon may have the same yield. For these reasons, the use of credit ratings as the sole method of evaluating
Non-Investment Grade Bonds can involve certain risks. For example, credit ratings evaluate the safety or principal and interest
payments, not the market value risk of Non-Investment Grade Bonds. Also, credit rating agencies may fail to change credit ratings
in a timely fashion to reflect events since the security was last rated. Clough does not rely solely on credit ratings when selecting
securities for the Fund, and develops its own independent analysis of issuer credit quality.
In the event that a rating agency or Clough downgrades its assessment
of the credit characteristics of a particular issue, the Fund is not required to dispose of such security. In determining whether
to retain or sell a downgraded security, Clough may consider such factors as Clough’s assessment of the credit quality of
the issuer of such security, the price at which such security could be sold and the rating, if any, assigned to such security by
other rating agencies. However, analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of Non-Investment Grade Bonds may be more complex than
for issuers of high quality debt securities.
Investment Restrictions
Fundamental Restrictions. The following investment restrictions
of the Fund are designated as fundamental policies and as such cannot be changed without the approval of the holders of a majority
of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities, which as used in this SAI means the lesser of (a) 67% of the shares of the Fund
present or represented by proxy at a meeting if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares are present or represented
at the meeting or (b) more than 50% of outstanding shares of the Fund. As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not:
|
(1)
|
Borrow money, except as permitted by the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act currently requires that any indebtedness incurred by a closed-end investment company have an asset coverage of at least 300%;
|
|
(2)
|
Issue senior securities, as defined in the 1940 Act, other than (a) preferred shares which immediately after issuance will have asset coverage of at least 200%, (b) indebtedness which immediately after issuance will have asset coverage of at least 300% or (c) the borrowings permitted by investment restriction (1) above. The 1940 Act currently defines “senior security” as any bond, debenture, note or similar obligation or instrument constituting a security and evidencing indebtedness, and any stock of a class having priority over any other class as to distribution of assets or payment of dividends. Debt and equity securities issued by a closed-end investment company meeting the foregoing asset coverage provisions are excluded from the general 1940 Act prohibition on the issuance of senior securities;
|
|
(3)
|
Purchase securities on margin (but the Fund may obtain such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of securities). The purchase of investment assets with the proceeds of a permitted borrowing or securities offering will not be deemed to be the purchase of securities on margin;
|
|
(4)
|
Underwrite securities issued by other persons, except insofar as it may technically be deemed to be an underwriter under the Securities Act in selling or disposing of a portfolio investment;
|
|
(5)
|
Make loans to other persons, except by (a) the acquisition of loan interests, debt securities and other obligations in which the Fund is authorized to invest in accordance with its investment objectives and policies, (b) entering into repurchase agreements and (c) lending its portfolio securities;
|
|
(6)
|
Purchase or sell real estate, although it may purchase and sell securities which are secured by interests in real estate and securities of issuers which invest or deal in real estate. The Fund reserves the freedom of action to hold and to sell real estate acquired as a result of the ownership of securities;
|
|
(7)
|
Purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts for the purchase or sale of physical commodities. Physical commodities do not include futures contracts with respect to securities, securities indices, currencies, interest or other financial instruments; and
|
|
(8)
|
Invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in the securities (other than U.S. Government Securities) of issuers engaged in any single industry or group of related industries.
|
Non-fundamental Restriction. The Fund has adopted the following
non-fundamental investment policy which may be changed by the Board of Trustees without approval of the Fund’s shareholders.
The Fund may invest in the securities of other investment companies to the extent that such an investment would be consistent with
the requirements of the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder. Investments in the securities of other investment companies may involve
duplication of advisory fees and certain other expenses. By investing in another investment company, the Fund becomes a shareholder
of that investment company. As a result, the Fund’s shareholders indirectly bear the Fund’s proportionate share of
the fees and expenses paid by the shareholders of the other investment company, in addition to the fees and expenses Fund shareholders
directly bear in connection with the Fund’s own operations.
Whenever an investment policy or investment restriction set forth
in the Prospectus or this SAI states a maximum or minimum percentage of assets that may be invested in any security or other assets
or describes a policy regarding quality standards, such percentage limitation or standard shall be determined immediately after
and as a result of the Fund’s acquisition of such security or asset. Accordingly, any later increase or decrease resulting
from a change in values, assets or other circumstances or any subsequent rating change made by a rating service (or as determined
by Clough if the security is not rated by a rating agency) will not compel the Fund to dispose of such security or other asset.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fund must always be in compliance with the borrowing policies set forth above.
Temporary Borrowings
The Fund may borrow money as a temporary measure for extraordinary
or emergency purposes, including the payment of dividends and the settlement of securities transactions which otherwise might require
untimely dispositions of Fund securities. The 1940 Act currently requires that the Fund have 300% asset coverage with respect to
all borrowings other than temporary borrowings.
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
The Trustees of the Fund are responsible for the overall management
and supervision of the affairs of the Fund. The Trustees and officers of the Fund are listed below. “GLV” refers to
Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund, “GLQ” refers to Clough Global Equity Fund and “GLO” refers to Clough
Global Opportunities Fund. Except as indicated, each individual has held the office shown or other offices in the same company
for the last five years. The “non-interested Trustees” consist of those Trustees who are not “interested persons”
of the Fund, as that term is defined under the 1940 Act.
Name, Address1 and Year of Birth
|
Position(s) Held with the Fund
|
Term of office and length of service with the Fund2
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years
|
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee3
|
Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past Five Years
|
Non-Interested Trustees
|
Robert L. Butler Chairman
1941
|
Chairman of the Board and Trustee
|
Trustee since:
GLV: 2004
GLQ: 2005
GLO: 2006
Term expires:
GLV: 2021
GLQ: 2022
GLO: 2023
|
Since 2001, Mr. Butler has been an independent consultant for businesses. Mr. Butler has over 45 years’ experience in the investment business, including 17 years as a senior executive with a global investment management/natural resources company and 20 years with a securities industry regulation organization.
|
3
|
None
|
Adam D. Crescenzi
1942
|
Vice-Chairman of the Board and Trustee
|
Trustee since:
GLV: 2004
GLQ: 2005
GLO: 2006
Term expires:
GLV: 2023
GLQ: 2021
GLO: 2022
|
Mr. Crescenzi has served as the Founding Partner of Simply Tuscan Imports LLC since 2007. He has been a founder and investor of several start-up technology and service firms and has served as a director of both public and private corporations. Currently, he advises businesses and non-profit organizations on issues of strategy, marketing, and governance. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Governors for The Founders Fund, Inc. and is a Trustee and Governor of the Naples Botanical Garden.
|
3
|
None
|
Name, Address1 and Year of Birth
|
Position(s) Held with the Fund
|
Term of office and length of service with the Fund2
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years
|
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee3
|
Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past Five Years
|
Karen DiGravio
1969
|
Trustee
|
Trustee since:
GLV: 2017
GLQ: 2017
GLO: 2017
Term expires:
GLV: 2021
GLQ: 2022
GLO: 2023
|
Ms. DiGravio was a Partner, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of Westfield Capital Management. Thereafter, she served as a member of the Westfield Advisory Board until 2015. Ms. DiGravio is co-chair of Connecticut College’s 1911 Society and is also a member of the college’s President’s Leadership Council.
|
3
|
None
|
Jerry G. Rutledge
1944
|
Trustee
|
Trustee since: GLV: 2004
GLQ: 2005
GLO: 2006
Term expires: GLV: 2023
GLQ: 2021
GLO: 2022
|
Mr. Rutledge is the President and owner of Rutledge’s Inc., a retail clothing business. In addition, Mr. Rutledge served as a Director of the University of Colorado Hospital from 2008-2016.
|
4
|
Mr. Rutledge is currently a Trustee of the Financial Investors Trust and the Principal Real Estate Income Fund.
|
Hon. Vincent W. Versaci
1971
|
Trustee
|
Trustee since: GLV: 2013
GLQ: 2013
GLO: 2013
Term expires: GLV: 2022
GLQ: 2023
GLO: 2021
|
Judge Versaci has served as a Judge in the New York State Courts since January 2003. Currently, Judge Versaci is assigned as an Acting Supreme Court Justice and also presides over the Surrogate’s Court for Schenectady County, New York. Previously, Judge Versaci has served as an Adjunct Professor at Schenectady County Community College and a practicing attorney with an emphasis on civil and criminal litigation primarily in New York State Courts.
|
3
|
None
|
Name, Address1 and Year of Birth
|
Position(s) Held with the Fund
|
Term of office and length of service with the Fund2
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years
|
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee3
|
Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past Five Years
|
Clifford J. Weber
1963
|
Trustee
|
Trustee since: GLV: 2017
GLQ: 2017
GLO: 2017
Term expires: GLV: 2022
GLQ: 2023
GLO: 2021
|
Mr. Weber is the founder of Financial Products Consulting Group, LLC (a consulting firm). Prior to starting Financial Products Consulting Group, he was the Executive Vice President – Global Index and Exchange Traded Products of the NYSE, a subsidiary of Intercontinental Exchange, from 2013 to 2015.
|
4
|
Mr. Weber is currently a Trustee of Clough Funds Trust, Janus Detroit Street Trust, Clayton Street Trust, and Global-X Funds.
|
Interested Trustees4
|
Edmund J. Burke5
1961
|
Trustee
|
Trustee since:
GLV: 2006
GLQ: 2006
GLO: 2006
Term expires:
GLV: 2022
GLQ: 2023
GLO: 2021
|
Retired. Formerly, Chief Executive Officer and President and Director of ALPS Holdings, Inc., and ALPS Advisors, Inc. (2001-2019), and Director of ALPS Distributors, Inc. (2000-2019), ALPS Fund Services, Inc., (2000-2019) and ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. (2013-2019). Mr. Burke also served as a Director of Boston Financial Data Services (2013-2019). Mr. Burke is deemed an affiliate of the Funds as defined under the 1940 Act.
|
5
|
Mr. Burke is also a Trustee of Financial Investors Trust, Clough Funds Trust, Liberty All-Star Equity Fund, and ALPS ETF Trust, and a Director of the Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc.
|
Name, Address1 and Year of Birth
|
Position(s) Held with the Fund
|
Term of office and length of service with the Fund2
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years
|
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee3
|
Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past Five Years
|
Kevin McNally6
1969
Clough Capital
Partners L.P.
53 State Street
27th Floor
Boston, MA 02109
|
Trustee
|
Trustee since:
GLV: 2017
GLQ: 2017
GLO: 2017
Term expires:
GLV: 2021
GLQ: 2022
GLO: 2023
|
Mr. McNally is currently a Managing Director at Clough and serves as the portfolio manager for an investment fund advised by Clough that invests primarily in closed-end funds. Prior to joining Clough Capital Partners L.P. in 2014, he served as the Director of Closed- End Funds at ALPS Fund Services, Inc. from 2003 to 2014. Mr. McNally received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1991 and an MBA in Finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business in 1998.
|
4
|
Mr. McNally is also a Trustee of Clough Funds Trust.
|
Officers
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bradley Swenson
1972
|
President
|
Officer since7
GLV: 2019
GLQ: 2019
GLO: 2019
|
Mr. Swenson joined ALPS in 2004 and has served as its President since June 2019. In this role, he serves as an officer to certain other closed-end and open-end investment companies. He previously served as the Chief Operating Officer of ALPS (2015-2019). Mr. Swenson also previously served as Chief Compliance Officer to ALPS, its affiliated entities, and to certain ETF, closed-end and open-end investment companies (2004-2015).
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Name, Address1 and Year of Birth
|
Position(s) Held with the Fund
|
Term of office and length of service with the Fund2
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years
|
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee3
|
Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past Five Years
|
Lucas Foss
1977
|
Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)
|
Officer since7
GLV: 2018
GLQ: 2018
GLO: 2018
|
Mr. Foss has over 17 years of experience within the fund services industry and currently serves as Vice President and Deputy Chief Compliance Officer at ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”). Prior to rejoining ALPS in November 2017, Mr. Foss served as the Director of Compliance at Transamerica Asset Management (“TAM”) beginning in July 2015. Previous to TAM, Mr. Foss was Deputy Chief Compliance Officer at ALPS. Mr. Foss received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Vermont and holds the Certified Securities Compliance Professional (CSCP) designation.
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Name, Address1 and Year of Birth
|
Position(s) Held with the Fund
|
Term of office and length of service with the Fund2
|
Principal Occupation(s) During Past Five Years
|
Number of Portfolios in Fund Complex Overseen by Trustee3
|
Other Directorships Held by Trustee During Past Five Years
|
Kelly McEwen
1984
|
Treasurer
|
Officer since7
GLV: 2020
GLQ: 2020
GLO: 2020
|
Ms. McEwen joined ALPS in August 2019 and is currently Vice President and Fund Controller at ALPS. Ms. McEwen also serves as Treasurer of Reaves Utility Income Fund, Clough Funds Trust, and Cambria ETF Trust. Ms. McEwen was formerly Assistant Director of Financial Reporting at Invesco Ltd. in 2019 and Assistant Vice President of Fund Treasury at OppenheimerFunds, Inc. from 2015-2018.
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Sareena Khwaja-Dixon
1980
|
Secretary
|
Officer since7
GLV: 2016
GLQ: 2016
GLO: 2016
|
Ms. Khwaja-Dixon joined ALPS in August 2015 and is currently Principal Legal Counsel and Vice President of ALPS. Ms. Khwaja-Dixon is also Secretary of Clough Funds Trust, RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc., Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc., and Liberty All-Star Equity Fund and Assistant Secretary of RiverNorth Funds, RiverNorth Specialty Finance Corp, RiverNorth/DoubleLine Strategic Opportunity Fund, Inc., RiverNorth Flexible Municipal Income Fund, Inc., RiverNorth Managed Duration Municipal Income Fund, Inc., and RiverNorth Opportunistic Municipal Income Fund, Inc.
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Jennifer A. Craig
1973
|
Assistant Secretary
|
Officer since7
GLV: 2016
GLQ: 2016
GLO: 2016
|
Ms. Craig joined ALPS in 2007 and is currently Assistant Vice President and Paralegal Manager of ALPS. Ms. Craig is also Assistant Secretary of Financial Investors Trust, Liberty All-Star Equity Fund, Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc., and Secretary of Principal Real Estate Income Fund and Clerk of Goehring & Rozencwajg Investment Funds.
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
|
1
|
Address: 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203, unless otherwise noted.
|
|
2
|
GLV commenced operations July 28, 2004, GLQ commenced operations April 27, 2005, and GLO commenced operations April 25, 2006.
|
|
3
|
The Fund Complex for all Trustees, except Mr. Rutledge, Mr. Weber, Mr. McNally and Mr. Burke, consists of the Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund, Clough Global Equity Fund and Clough Global Opportunities Fund. The Fund Complex for Mr. Rutledge consists of Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund, Clough Global Equity Fund, Clough Global Opportunities Fund and Clough China Fund, a series of the Financial Investors Trust. The Fund Complex for Mr. Burke consists of Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund, Clough Global Equity Fund, Clough Global Opportunities Fund, Clough China Fund, a series of the Financial Investors Trust, and Clough Global Long-Short Fund, a series of Clough Funds Trust. The Fund Complex for Mr. Weber and Mr. McNally consists of Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund, Clough Global Equity Fund, Clough Global Opportunities Fund, and Clough Global Long-Short Fund, a series of Clough Funds Trust.
|
|
4
|
“Interested Trustees” refers to those Trustees who constitute “interested persons” of the Fund as defined in the 1940 Act.
|
|
5
|
Mr. Burke is considered to be an “Interested Trustee” because of his previous positions with ALPS.
|
|
6
|
Mr. McNally is considered to be an “Interested Trustee” because of his affiliation with Clough, which acts as the Fund’s investment adviser.
|
|
7
|
Officers are elected annually and each officer will hold such office until a successor has been elected by the Board.
|
Beneficial Ownership of GLO Common Shares by each Trustee
Set forth in the table below is the dollar
range of equity securities held in the Fund and on an aggregate basis for the entire Family of Investment Companies overseen by
each Trustee.
Independent Trustees
|
Dollar Range1 of Equity Securities Held in GLO
|
Aggregate Dollar Range of Equity Securities Held in the Family of Investment Companies
|
Robert L. Butler
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
Over $100,000
|
Adam D. Crescenzi
|
$1-$10,000
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
Jerry G. Rutledge
|
$0
|
$0
|
Vincent W. Versaci
|
$0
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
Karen DiGravio
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
$50,0001- $100,000
|
Clifford J. Weber
|
$0
|
$10,001-$50,000
|
Interested Trustees
|
|
|
Edmund J. Burke
|
$0
|
$0
|
Kevin McNally
|
$0
|
Over $100,000
|
|
(1)
|
This information has been furnished by each Trustee of December 31, 2020. “Beneficial Ownership” is determined in accordance with Section 16a-1(a)(2) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
|
|
(2)
|
Ownership amount constitutes less than 1% of the total shares outstanding.
|
|
(3)
|
The Funds in the family of investment companies for all Trustees, consists of the Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund, Clough Global Equity Fund, Clough Global Opportunities Fund and Clough Funds Trust.
|
Trustee Transactions with Fund Affiliates
As of December 31, 2020, none of the independent
trustees, meaning those Trustees who are not “interested persons” as defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act and
are independent under the NYSE American’s Listing Standards (each an “Independent Trustee” and collectively the
“Independent Trustees”), nor members of their immediate families owned securities, beneficially or of record, in Clough
or an affiliate or person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with Clough, other than investments
in the Fund and investments in affiliated investment vehicles that, pursuant to guidance from the SEC Staff, do not affect such
Trustee’s independence. Furthermore, over the past five years, neither the Independent Trustees nor members of their immediate
families have had any direct or indirect interest, the value of which exceeds $120,000, in Clough or any of its affiliates. In
addition, since the beginning of the last two fiscal years, neither the Independent Trustees nor members of their immediate families
have conducted any transactions (or series of transactions) or maintained any direct or indirect relationship in which the amount
involved exceeds $120,000 and to which Clough or any affiliate of Clough was a party.
Trustee Compensation
The following table sets forth certain information
regarding the compensation of the Fund’s Trustees for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020. Trustees and Officers of the
Fund who are employed by ALPS or Clough receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the Fund.
Compensation Table for the Fiscal Year Ended
October 31, 2020.
Name of Trustee
|
Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund
|
Total Compensation Paid From the Fund Complex1
|
Edmund Burke
|
$12,667
|
$38,330
|
Robert L. Butler
|
$24,000
|
$72,000
|
Adam D. Crescenzi
|
$20,000
|
$60,000
|
Jerry G. Rutledge
|
$20,000
|
$60,440
|
Vincent W. Versaci
|
$20,000
|
$60,000
|
Karen DiGravio
|
$22,000
|
$66,000
|
Clifford J. Weber
|
$20,000
|
$86,000
|
|
(1)
|
The Fund Complex for all Trustees, except Mr. Rutledge, Mr. Weber, Mr. McNally and Mr. Burke, consists of the Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund, Clough Global Equity Fund and Clough Global Opportunities Fund. The Fund Complex for Mr. Rutledge consists of Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund, Clough Global Equity Fund, Clough Global Opportunities Fund and Clough China Fund, a series of the Financial Investors Trust. The Fund Complex for Mr. Burke consists of Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund, Clough Global Equity Fund, Clough Global Opportunities Fund, Clough China Fund, a series of the Financial Investors Trust, and Clough Global Long-Short Fund, a series of Clough Funds Trust. The Fund Complex for Mr. Weber and Mr. McNally consists of Clough Global Dividend and Income Fund, Clough Global Equity Fund, Clough Global Opportunities Fund, and Clough Global Long-Short Fund, a series of Clough Funds Trust.
|
The Fund pays compensation to the Chairman
of the Board (the “Chairman”) and each Trustee who is not affiliated with ALPS or Clough or their affiliates. The Trustees
receive from the Fund an annual retainer of $14,000 per year plus $1,500 per Board meeting attended. The Chairman receives from
the Fund an annual retainer of $16,800 per year plus $1,800 per Board meeting attended. The Audit Committee Chairman receives from
the Fund an annual retainer of $15,400 per year plus $1,650 per Board meeting attended. For each telephonic Board meeting attended
to the following: (i) $500 for each Independent Trustee; (ii) $600 for the Chairman; and (iii) $550 for the Chairman of the Audit
Committee. The Independent Trustees do not receive any additional fees for in-person or telephonic committee meetings. The Chairman,
Audit Committee Chairman and each Independent Trustee’s actual out-of-pocket expenses relating to their attendance at such
meetings are also paid for by the Fund.
During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020,
the Board of the Fund met four times. Each Trustee then serving in such capacity attended at least 75% of the meetings of Trustees
and of any committee of which he/she is a member.
Provided below is a brief summary of the specific experience, qualifications,
attributes or skills for each Trustee that warranted his/her consideration as a Trustee to the Board of Trustees of the Fund, which
is registered as an individual investment company under the 1940 Act. In addition, since being appointed to the Board, each Trustee
has further enhanced his or her experience and skills, in conjunction with the other Trustees, through the Board’s oversight
of the Fund’s officers in dealing with a diverse range of topics, to include but not limited to, portfolio management, legal
and regulatory matters, compliance oversight, preparation of financial statements and oversight of the Fund’s multiple service
providers.
Robert L. Butler – Mr. Butler is currently an
independent consultant for businesses. Mr. Butler was President of Pioneer Funds Distributor, Inc. from 1989 to 1998. He was Senior
Vice-President from 1985 to 1988 and Executive Vice-President and Director from 1988 to 1999 of the Pioneer Group, Inc. While at
the Pioneer Group, Inc. until his retirement in 1999, Mr. Butler was a Director or Supervisory Board member of a number of subsidiary
and affiliated companies, including: Pioneer First Polish Investment Fund, JSC, Pioneer Czech Investment Company and Pioneer Global
Equity Fund PLC. From 1975 to 1984, Mr. Butler was a Vice-President of the National Association of Securities Dealers (currently
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority). Mr. Butler has served as Trustee since the Fund’s inception and as Chairman of
the Board for the Fund since 2006. Mr. Butler has also served as a member of the Audit Committee and Governance and Nominating
Committee during his tenure as a Trustee for the Fund. The Board of Trustees, in its judgment of Mr. Butler’s professional
experience in the financial services industry, including extensive involvement with international investing and as a trustee of
closed-end investment companies, believes Mr. Butler contributes a diverse perspective to the Board.
Adam D. Crescenzi – Mr. Crescenzi is currently
founding partner of Simply Tuscan Imports LLC and he advises businesses and non-profit organizations on issues of strategy, marketing,
and governance. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Governors for The Founders Fund Inc., and is a Trustee and Governor of the
Naples Botanical Garden. Mr. Crescenzi graduated from the Greater Naples Leadership program in 2014. He previously served as a
Trustee of Dean College from 2003 to 2015. He has been a founding partner and investor of several start-up technology and service
firms, such as Telos Partners, a strategic business advisory firm, Creative Realties, Inc. a creative arts technology firm, and
ICEX, Inc., whose principal business is web-based corporate exchange forums. Prior to being involved in multiple corporate start-ups,
Mr. Crescenzi retired from CSC Index as Executive Vice-President of Management Consulting Services. During his career, Mr. Crescenzi
has also served with various philanthropic organizations such as the Boston College McMullen Museum of Arts. Mr. Crescenzi has
served as Trustee since the Fund’s inception. Mr. Crescenzi has also served as a member of the Audit Committee and Governance
and Nominating Committee during his tenure as a Trustee for the Fund. Mr. Crescenzi has served as Chairman of the Governance and
Nominating Committee for the Fund since 2006. The Board of Trustees, in its judgement of Mr. Crescenzi’s professional business
and consulting experience, including his experience serving as a trustee of closed-end investment companies, believes Mr. Crescenzi
contributes a diverse perspective to the Board.
Jerry G. Rutledge – Mr. Rutledge is the President
and owner of Rutledge’s Inc., a retail clothing business that has operated for over 40 years. As a recognized community leader
in the state of Colorado, Mr. Rutledge was elected as a Regent at the University of Colorado in 1994 and retired in 2007. In addition,
Mr. Rutledge is currently serving as a Director of the University of Colorado Hospital and is a Trustee of Financial Investors
Trust, an open-end investment company, and the Principal Real Estate Income Fund, a closed-end investment company. Mr. Rutledge
also served as a Director of the American National Bank until 2009. Mr. Rutledge has served as Trustee since the Fund’s inception.
Mr. Rutledge has also served as a member of the Audit Committee and Governance and Nominating Committee during his tenure as a
Trustee for the Fund. The Board of Trustees, in its judgment of Mr. Rutledge’s leadership, long-term professional success
in operating a business in a competitive industry and as a trustee of closed-end investment companies, believes Mr. Rutledge contributes
a diverse perspective to the Board.
Hon. Vincent W. Versaci – Judge Versaci has served
as a Judge and Supreme Court Justice in the State of New York since January 2003. Currently, Judge Versaci is assigned as an Acting
Supreme Court Justice and also presides over the Surrogate’s Court for Schenectady County, New York. Previously, Judge Versaci
has served as an Adjunct Professor at Schenectady County Community College and a practicing attorney with an emphasis on civil
and criminal litigation primarily in New York State Courts. Judge Versaci has served as a member of the Fund’s Audit Committee,
Governance and Nominating Committee and as a Trustee since March 2013. The Board of Trustees, in its judgment of Judge Versaci’s
professional experience as a reputable attorney and judge and as a trustee of closed-end investment companies, believes Judge Versaci
contributes a diverse perspective to the Board.
Karen DiGravio – Ms. DiGravio has over 21 years
of industry experience focused on finance, accounting, compliance and risk management in the asset management industry. Most recently,
she was a Partner, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer of Westfield Capital Management, a Boston based asset manager
with over $12 Billion in assets under management. She was also a member of the Westfield Advisory Board. While at Westfield, Ms.
DiGravio led the finance, accounting and compliance functions and chaired the firm’s Operating and Risk Management Committee.
A 1991 graduate of Connecticut College, Ms. DiGravio is co-chair of Connecticut College’s 1911 Society and is also a member
of the college’s President’s Leadership Council. She received her MBA in General Management from the Boston University
School of Management in 1997. Ms. DiGravio has served as a member of the Fund’s Audit Committee and Governing and Nominating
Committee and as a Trustee since August 2017. In addition, Ms. DiGravio has served as the Audit Committee Financial Expert and
Chair of the Fund’s Audit Committee during her tenure as a Trustee of the Fund. The Board of Trustees, in its judgement of
Ms. DiGravio’s professional business experience, including her experience serving as chief financial officer and chief compliance
officer of an asset management firm and experience serving as a trustee of closed-end investment companies, believes Ms. DiGravio
contributes a diverse perspective to the Board.
Clifford J. Weber – Mr. Weber has more than 25
years of experience in the financial markets where he has successfully led businesses and created products in exchange-traded funds
(ETFs) and listed derivatives. His areas of expertise include trading markets and derivatives regulation. He currently provides
consulting services to the financial industry and serves as an independent trustee of certain mutual funds, ETFs and variable annuity
trusts. From 2013 to 2015 he was Executive Vice President of Global Index and Exchange Traded Products at the NYSE, and Executive
Vice President, Head of Strategy and Product Development at NYSE Liffe from 2008 to 2013. Prior to that, Mr. Weber spent 18 years
at the American Stock Exchange U.S. where he was instrumental in the development of the Amex’s dominant ETF business, running
that business from 2000-2008, and the Amex’s Closed-End Fund business. He received a B.A. degree in Biochemistry from Dartmouth
College, and an M.S.E. degree in Systems, with a concentration in Operations Research, from the University of Pennsylvania. He
has been featured in numerous media publications and financial shows, has been published in various financial publications, and
is co-author of “Equity Flex Options: The Financial Engineer’s Most Versatile Tool.” He is a named inventor on
twenty-one issued patents, all in the field of financial innovation. Mr. Weber has served as a member of the Fund’s Audit
Committee and Governance and Nominating Committee and as a Trustee since August 2017. The Board of Trustees, in its judgment of
Mr. Weber’s professional business experience, including his positions with national securities exchanges and serving on the
boards of registered investment companies, believes Mr. Weber contributes a diverse perspective to the Board.
Edmund J. Burke – Mr. Burke retired from ALPS
Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”) in 2019. He previously served as Director of ALPS, Director and President of ALPS Holdings,
Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of SS&C) and ALPS Advisors, Inc., and a Director of ALPS Distributors, Inc. and ALPS Portfolio
Solutions Distributor, Inc. These organizations specialize in the day-to-day operations associated with both open- and closed-end
investment companies, exchange traded funds and hedge funds. In addition, Mr. Burke is also currently Trustee of the Financial
Investors Trust, an open-end investment company, Trustee of Clough Funds Trust, an open-end investment company, and Trustee of
the Liberty All-Star Equity Fund and Director of the Liberty All-Star Growth Fund, Inc., each a closed-end investment company.
Mr. Burke has served as Trustee for the Fund since 2006 and as an interested trustee he does not serve as a member of the Audit
and Governance and Nominating Committees. The Board of Trustees, in its judgment of Mr. Burke’s long-term professional experience
with operational requirements and obligations in operating closed-end investment companies and as a trustee of closed-end investment
companies, believes Mr. Burke contributes a diverse perspective to the Board.
Kevin McNally – Mr. McNally
is currently a Managing Director at Clough Capital Partners L.P. and serves as the portfolio manager for an investment fund advised
by Clough that invests primarily in closed-end funds, and a separately managed account that invests in substantially the same strategy.
He has over 25 years of industry experience focusing almost exclusively on closed-end funds. Prior to joining Clough in 2014, he
served as the Director of Closed-End Funds at ALPS Fund Services, Inc. from 2003 to 2014, where he was instrumental in launching
approximately $13 billion in total assets of CEFs, including the three Clough CEFs. Prior to that, Mr. McNally was Director of
Closed-End Fund and ETF Research at Smith Barney, a division of Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. from 1998 to 2003, and Director
of Closed-End Fund and ETF Marketing at Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Discover & Co. from 1997 to 1998. Previously, he was an
analyst covering closed-end funds in the Mutual Fund Research Department at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner, & Smith, Inc. from
1994 to 1997, and also was Manager of the Closed-End Fund Marketing Department at Prudential Securities from 1992 to 1994. He has
been quoted in The Wall Street Journal, Barrons, and several other publications and has also appeared on TV as a closed-end
fund and ETF expert. Mr. McNally received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1991 and
an MBA in Finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business in 1998. Mr. McNally has served as Trustee for the
Fund since 2017 and as an interested trustee he does not serve as a member of the Audit and Governance and Nominating Committees.
The Board of Trustees, in its judgment of Mr. Weber’s professional business experience, including his positions with national
securities exchanges and serving on the boards of registered investment companies, believes Mr. Weber contributes a diverse perspective
to the Board.
Leadership Structure of the Board of Trustees
The Board, which has overall responsibility
for the oversight of the Fund’s investment programs and business affairs, has appointed an Independent Trustee as Chairman
of the Board whose role is to preside at all meetings of the Board. The Board has also appointed an Independent Trustee as Vice-Chairman
of the Fund. The Chairman is involved, at his discretion, in the preparation of the agendas for the Board meetings. In between
meetings of the Board, the Chairman may act as liaison between the Board and the Fund’s officers, attorneys and various other
service providers, including but not limited to, the Fund’s investment adviser, administrator and other such third parties
servicing the Fund. The Chairman may also perform other functions as may be delegated by the Board from time to time. The Board
believes that the use of an Independent Trustee as Chairman is the appropriate leadership structure for mitigating potential conflicts
of interest associated with appointing an Interested Trustee as chairman and facilitates the ability to maintain a robust culture
of compliance. The Board has three standing committees, each of which enhances the leadership structure of the Board: the Audit
Committee; the Governance and Nominating Committee; and the Executive Committee. The Audit Committee and Governance and Nominating
Committee are each chaired by, and composed of, members who are Independent Trustees. The Executive Committee consists of two Interested
Trustees and one Independent Trustee.
Oversight of Risk Management
The Fund, by the nature of its business, is
confronted with various risks such as investment risk, counterparty risk, valuation risk, political risk, risk of operational failures,
business continuity risk, regulatory risk, legal risk and other risks not listed here. The Board recognizes that not all risks
that may affect the Fund can be known, eliminated or mitigated. In addition, there are some risks that may not be cost effective
or an efficient use of the Fund’s limited resources to moderate. As a result of these realities, the Board, through its oversight
and leadership, has and will continue to deem it necessary for shareholders of the Fund to bear certain and undeniable risks, such
as investment risk, in order for the Fund to operate in accordance with its investment strategies.
However, as required under the 1940 Act, the
Board has adopted on the Fund’s behalf a risk program that mandates the Fund various service providers, including the investment
adviser, to adopt a variety of processes, procedures and controls to identify various risks, mitigate the likelihood of such adverse
events from occurring and/or attempt to limit the effects of such adverse events on the Fund. The Board implements its oversight
role by receiving a variety of quarterly written reports prepared by the Fund’s Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”)
that: (i) evaluate the operation of the Fund service providers; (ii) make known any material changes to the policies and procedures
adopted by the Fund or its service providers since the CCO’s last report and; (iii) disclose any material compliance matter
that occurred since the date of the last CCO report. In addition, the Chairman and the Independent Trustees meet quarterly in executive
sessions without the presence of any Interested Trustees, the investment adviser, the administrator, or any of their affiliates.
This configuration permits the Chairman and the Independent Trustees to effectively receive the information and have private discussions
necessary to perform its risk oversight role, exercise independent judgment, and allocate areas or responsibility between the full
Board, its various committees and certain officers of the Fund. Furthermore the Independent Trustees have engaged independent legal
counsel and auditors to assist the Independent Trustees in performing their responsibilities. As discussed above and in consideration
of other factors not referenced herein, the function of the Board with respect to its leadership role concerning risk management
is one of oversight and not active management or coordination of the Fund day-to-day risk management activities.
The role of the Fund’s Audit Committee
is to assist the Board in its oversight of: (i) the quality and integrity of Fund financial statements, reporting process and the
independent registered public accounting firm (the “independent accountant”) and reviews thereof; (ii) the Fund accounting
and financial reporting policies and practices, its internal controls and, as appropriate, the internal controls of certain service
providers; (iii) the Fund’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; and (iv) the independent accountant’s
qualifications, independence and performance. The Audit Committee is also required to prepare an audit committee report pursuant
to the rules of the SEC for inclusion in the Fund’s annual proxy statement. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to an Audit
Committee Charter (the “Audit Charter”) that was most recently reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee on December
22, 2020. As set forth in the Audit Charter, management is responsible for maintaining appropriate systems for accounting and internal
control and the Fund’s independent accountant is responsible for planning and carrying out proper audits and reviews. The
independent accountant is ultimately accountable to the Fund’s Board and Audit Committee, as representatives of the Fund
shareholders. The independent accountant for the Fund reports directly to the Audit Committee.
In performing its oversight function, at
a meeting held on December 22, 2020, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management of the Fund and the
independent registered public accounting firm, Cohen & Company, Ltd. (“Cohen” or “independent accountant”), the
audited financial statements of the Fund as of and for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020.
In addition, the Audit Committee discussed with the independent
accountant the accounting principles applied by the Fund and such other matters brought to the attention of the Audit Committee
by the independent accountant required by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) and the SEC. The
Audit Committee also received from the independent accountant the written disclosures and letters required by applicable requirements
of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountant’s communications with the audit committee concerning independence, and
has discussed with the independent accountant the independent accountant’s independence.
As set forth above, and as more fully set forth
in the Audit Charter, the Audit Committee has significant duties and powers in its oversight role with respect to Fund’s
financial reporting procedures, internal control systems and the independent audit process.
The members of the Audit Committees are not,
and do not represent themselves to be, professionally engaged in the practice of auditing or accounting and are not employed by
the Fund for accounting, financial management or internal control purposes. Moreover, the Audit Committee relies on and makes no
independent verification of the facts presented to it or representations made by management or the Fund’s independent accountant.
Accordingly, the Audit Committee’s oversight does not provide an independent basis to determine that management has maintained
appropriate accounting and/or financial reporting principles and policies, or internal controls and procedures designed to assure
compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. Furthermore, the Audit Committee’s considerations
and discussions referred to above do not provide assurance that the audit of the Fund’s financial statements has been carried
out in accordance with generally accepted accounting standards or that the financial statements are presented in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee met two times during the
fiscal year ended October 31, 2020 .The Audit Committee is composed of six Independent Trustees, namely Ms. DiGravio and Messrs.
Butler, Crescenzi, Rutledge, Weber and Judge Versaci. None of the members of the Audit Committee are “interested persons”
of the Funds.
Based on the findings of the Audit Committee,
the Audit Committee has determined that Ms. Karen DiGravio is the Fund’s “audit committee financial expert,”
as defined in the rules promulgated by the SEC, and as required by NYSE American listing standards. Ms. DiGravio serves as the
Chairman of the Audit Committee for the Fund.
Governance and Nominating Committee
The Fund’s Board has a Governance and
Nominating Committee composed of six Independent Trustees as the term is defined by the NYSE American listing standards, namely
Ms. DiGravio and Messrs. Butler, Crescenzi, Rutledge, Weber and Judge Versaci. None of the members of the Governance and Nominating
Committee are “interested persons” of the Funds. The Governance and Nominating Committee operates pursuant to a Governance
and Nominating Committee Charter that was most recently reviewed and approved by the Governance and Nominating Committee on October
20, 2020. The Governance and Nominating Committee Charter is available at the Fund website. The Governance and Nominating Committee
met three times during the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020. The Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for identifying
and recommending to the Board individuals believed to be qualified to become Board members and officers of the Funds in the event
that a position is vacated or created. Mr. Crescenzi serves as Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committee of the Fund.
When such vacancies or creations occur, the
Governance and Nominating Committee will consider Trustee candidates recommended by a variety of sources to include the Fund’s
respective shareholders. The Governance and Nominating Committee has a diversity policy. In considering Trustee candidates, the
Governance and Nominating Committee will take into consideration the interest of shareholders, the needs of the Board and the Trustee
candidate’s qualifications, which include but are not limited to, the diversity of the individual’s professional experience,
education, individual qualification or skills.
Shareholders may submit for the Governance
and Nominating Committee’s consideration recommendations regarding potential independent Board member nominees. The Governance
and Nominating Committee Charter (which is available at www.cloughglobal.com) includes Independent Trustee qualifications and criteria
that the Governance and Nominating Committee will assess in determining whether it will consider a shareholder’s submission.
In addition, the By-Laws of the Fund contain detailed requirements regarding qualifications for Independent Trustees and information
that must be included with any nomination for Independent Trustee or shareholder proposal.
Charter and By-Laws:
The following are some of the requirements
and criteria in the Governance and Nominating Committee Charter and By-Laws:
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(a)
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The nominee must satisfy all qualifications provided under the Governance and Nominating Committee Charter and in the Fund’s organizational documents, including qualification as a possible independent Board member.
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(b)
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The nominee may not be the nominating shareholder, a member of the nominating shareholder group or a member of the immediate family of the nominating shareholder or any member of the nominating shareholder group.
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(c)
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Neither the nominee nor any member of the nominee’s immediate family may be currently employed or employed within the last year by any nominating shareholder entity or entity in a nominating shareholder group.
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(d)
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Neither the nominee nor any immediate family member of the nominee is permitted to have accepted directly or indirectly, during the year of the election for which the nominee’s name was submitted, during the immediately preceding calendar year, or during the year when the nominee’s name was submitted, any consulting, advisory, or other compensatory fee from the nominating shareholder or any member of a nominating shareholder group.
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(e)
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The nominee may not be an executive officer, Trustee (or person fulfilling similar functions) of the nominating shareholder or any member of the nominating shareholder group, or of an affiliate of the nominating shareholder or any such member of the nominating shareholder group.
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(f)
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The nominee may not control (as that term is defined under the 1940 Act) the nominating shareholder or any member of the nominating shareholder group (or, in the case of a holder or member that is a fund, an interested person of such holder or member as defined by Section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act).
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(g)
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A shareholder or shareholder group may not submit for consideration a nominee who has previously been considered by the Governance and Nominating Committee.
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The following is a summary of requirements
in the Funds’ By-Laws that must be provided to a Fund regarding the shareholder or shareholder group submitting a proposed
nominee and that will be considered by the Governance and Nominating Committee:
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(a)
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Information on the proposed nominee, including name, address, age and occupation.
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(b)
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Information on shares owned beneficially and of record.
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(c)
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Descriptions of any agreements, arrangements, or understandings (including profit interest or options) involving the Proposed Nominee and any other shareholder of record or beneficially.
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(d)
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A description of all commercial and business relationships and all transactions the Proposed Nominee has had with any other shareholder of record or beneficially.
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(e)
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A representation that the Proposed Nominee will qualify as a non-interested Trustee under Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and rules thereunder.
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(f)
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A representation that the Proposed Nominee meets the Trustee Qualifications set forth on Article III of the Fund’s By-laws.
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(g)
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Such other information requested by the Governance and Nominating Committee required to be disclosed in a proxy statement.
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(h)
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Written consent of the Proposed Nominee to being named a nominee and to serving as a Trustee.
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(i)
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A certificate that the Proposed Nominee will not become a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding not disclosed to the Trust.
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The nominee must provide to the Governance
and Nominating Committee all information requested by the Governance and Nominating Committee that is related to the requirements
and criteria in the Governance and Nominating Charter and By- Laws.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee meets periodically
to take action, as authorized by the Board, if the Board cannot meet. Members of the Executive Committee are currently Messrs.
Burke, Butler and McNally. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2020, the Fund’s Executive Committee did not meet.
Compensation Committee
The Fund does not have a compensation committee.
Other Board Related Matters
The Fund does not require Trustees to attend
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders. No Trustees attended the Funds’ Annual Meeting of Shareholders held on July 9, 2020.
CODE OF ETHICS
Clough and the Fund have each adopted a code of ethics governing
personal securities transactions under Rule 17j-1 of the 1940 Act. Under Clough’s code of ethics, Clough employees may purchase
and sell securities (including securities held or eligible for purchase by the Fund), subject to certain pre-clearance and reporting
requirements and other procedures. The Fund’s code of ethics permits personnel subject thereto to invest in securities, including
securities that may be purchased or held by the Fund. However, the Fund’s code of ethics generally prohibits, among other
things, persons subject thereto from purchasing or selling securities if they know at the time of such purchase or sale that the
security is being considered for purchase or sale by the Fund or is being purchased or sold by the Fund.
The codes of ethics can be reviewed on the EDGAR Database on the
SEC’s internet site at http://www.sec.gov, and copies of the codes of ethics may be obtained, after paying a duplicating
fee, by electronic request at the following email address: publicinfo@sec.gov, or by writing the SEC’s Public Reference
Section, Washington, D.C. 20549-0102.
PROXY VOTING POLICY
The Fund has delegated to Clough the responsibility to vote proxies
relating to portfolio securities held by the Fund. In deciding to delegate this responsibility, the Board of Trustees reviewed
and approved the policies and procedures adopted by Clough. These include the procedures that Clough follows when a vote presents
a conflict between the interests of the Fund and its shareholders and Clough, its affiliates, its other clients, or other persons.
Clough’s proxy voting guidelines and procedures applicable to the Fund are included in this Statement of Additional Information
as Appendix A-1. Information regarding vote proxies relating to the portfolio securities during the most recent 12-month period
ended June 30 is available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.
INVESTMENT ADVISORY AND OTHER SERVICES
Clough has been managing assets of private investment vehicles since
2000. Clough maintains a staff of experienced investment professionals to service the needs of its clients.
Except as provided in the Administration Agreement, the Fund will
be responsible for all of its costs and expenses not expressly stated to be payable by Clough under the Advisory Agreement or ALPS
under the Administration Agreement. Such costs and expenses to be borne by the Fund include, without limitation: advisory fees,
administration fees, trustees’ fees, interest expenses, if any, expenses related to custody of international securities,
portfolio transaction expenses, litigation expenses, taxes, costs of preferred shares, expenses of conducting repurchase offers
for the purpose of repurchasing Fund shares and extraordinary expenses.
The Advisory Agreement with Clough became effective on April 25,
2006 for an initial period of two years and continues in effect from year to year thereafter so long as such continuance is approved
at least annually: (i) by the vote of a majority of the non-interested Trustees of the Fund or of Clough cast in person at a meeting
specifically called for the purpose of voting on such approval; and (ii) by the Board of Trustees or by vote of a majority of the
outstanding Shares of the Fund. The agreement may be terminated at any time without penalty on sixty (60) days’ written notice
by the Trustees of the Fund or Clough, as applicable, or by vote of the majority of the outstanding shares of the Fund. The Advisory
Agreement was most recently approved by a majority of the Board, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested persons
as that term is defined in the 1940 Act, at a meeting of the Board held on April 29, 2020 pursuant to the exemptive order issued
by the SEC for conditional relief from the in-person voting requirements. A discussion regarding the basis for the most recent
approval of the Investment Advisory Agreement by the Board is available in the Fund’s semi-annual report to shareholders
for the fiscal year ending April 30, 2020. The agreement will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment. The agreement
provides that, in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations or duties
to the Fund under such agreements on the part of Clough, or a loss resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty by Clough with respect
to the receipt of compensation for services (in which case damages shall be limited by the 1940 Act), Clough shall not be liable
to the Fund or any shareholder for any loss incurred, to the extent not covered by insurance.
Pursuant to the Advisory Agreement, for the fiscal years ended October
31, 2018, October 31, 2019 and October 31, 2020, Clough earned $6,617,936, $5,798,998 and $5,866,687 respectively. Clough is a
limited partnership organized under the laws of Delaware. It is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an investment
adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. As of January 31, 2021, Clough had approximately $2.1 billion in
assets under management.
Portfolio Managers
Set forth below is certain additional information with respect Charles
I. Clough, and Robert Zdunczyk, the Fund’s portfolio managers (collectively, the “Portfolio Managers”), who together
are the principal investment professionals of Clough. Unless noted otherwise, all information is provided as of January 31, 2021.
Other Accounts Managed by Portfolio Managers
In addition to his responsibilities with regard to the Fund, Mr.
Clough, either as the principal investment professional of Clough, or as a member of Clough’s affiliate, Clough Associates,
LLC, also has day-to-day management responsibilities for the assets of (i) four other registered investment companies with approximately
$1,162.9 million in assets under management; (ii) three other pooled investment vehicles with a total of approximately $329.5 million
in assets under management, with respect to which a portion of the investment advisory fees are based on the performance of the
assets thereof; and (iii) one other account with a total of approximately $337.8 million in assets under management, with respect
to which a portion of the investment advisory fees are based on the performance of the assets thereof. In addition to his responsibilities
with regard to the Fund, Mr. Zdunczyk has day-to-day management responsibilities for the assets of (i) three other registered investment
companies with approximately $1,114 million in assets under management; and (ii) one other account with a total of approximately
$337.8 million in assets under management, with respect to which a portion of the investment advisory fees are based on the performance
of the assets thereof.
Compensation of Portfolio Managers
The Portfolio Managers each receive a fixed base salary from Clough.
The base salary for each Portfolio Manager is typically determined based on market factors and the skill and experience of each
Portfolio Manager. Additionally, Clough distributes its annual net profits to the two Portfolio Managers and other partners of
Clough, with Mr. Clough receiving a majority share and Mr. Zdunczyk receiving a portion of the remainder.
Material Conflicts of Interest
Material conflicts of interest may arise as a result of the fact
that the Portfolio Managers also have day-to-day management responsibilities with respect to both the Fund and the various accounts
listed above (collectively with the Fund, the “Accounts”). These potential conflicts include:
Limited Resources. The Portfolio Managers cannot devote
their full time and attention to the management of each of the Accounts. Accordingly, the Portfolio Managers may be limited in
their ability to identify investment opportunities for each of the Accounts that are as attractive as might be the case if the
Portfolio Managers were to devote substantially more attention to the management of a single Account. The effects of this potential
conflict may be more pronounced where the Accounts have different investment strategies.
Limited Investment Opportunities. If the Portfolio Managers
identify a limited investment opportunity that may be appropriate for more than one Account, the investment opportunity may be
allocated among several Accounts. This could limit any single Account’s ability to take full advantage of an investment opportunity
that might not be limited if the Portfolio Managers did not provide investment advice to other Accounts.
Different Investment Strategies. The Accounts managed
by the Portfolio Managers have differing investment strategies. If the Portfolio Managers determine that an investment opportunity
may be appropriate for only some of the Accounts or decide that certain of the Accounts should take different positions with respect
to a particular security, the Portfolio Managers may effect transactions for one or more Accounts which may affect the market price
of the security or the execution of the transaction, or both, to the detriment or benefit of one or more other Accounts.
Variation in Compensation. A conflict of interest may arise
where Clough is compensated differently by the Accounts that are managed by the Portfolio Managers. If certain Accounts pay higher
management fees or performance-based incentive fees, the Portfolio Managers might be motivated to prefer certain Accounts over
others. The Portfolio Managers might also be motivated to favor Accounts in which they have a greater ownership interest or Accounts
that are more likely to enhance the Portfolio Managers’ performance record or to otherwise benefit the Portfolio Managers.
Selection of Brokers. The Portfolio Managers select
the brokers that execute securities transactions for the Accounts that they supervise. In addition to executing trades, some brokers
provide the Portfolio Managers with research and other services which may require the payment of higher brokerage fees than might
otherwise be available. The Portfolio Managers’ decision as to the selection of brokers could yield disproportionate costs
and benefits among the Accounts that they manage, since the research and other services provided by brokers may be more beneficial
to some Accounts than to others.
Investment Advisory Services
Under the general supervision of the Board of Trustees, Clough carries
out the investment and reinvestment of the assets of the Fund, furnishes continuously an investment program with respect to the
Fund, determines which securities should be purchased, sold or exchanged, and implements such determinations. Clough furnishes
to the Fund investment advice and provide related office facilities and personnel for servicing the investments of the Fund. Clough
compensates all Trustees and officers of the Fund who are members of the Clough organization and who render investment services
to the Fund, and also compensates all other Clough personnel who provide research and investment services to the Fund.
Administrative Services
Under the Administration Agreement, ALPS is responsible for calculating
the net asset value of the Common Shares, and generally managing the business affairs of the Fund, subject to the supervision of
the Board of Trustees. ALPS furnishes to the Fund all office facilities, equipment and personnel for administering the affairs
of the Fund. ALPS compensates all Trustees and officers of the Fund who are members of the ALPS organization and who render executive
and administrative services to the Fund, and compensates all other ALPS personnel who perform management and administrative services
for the Fund. ALPS’ administrative services include, preparation and filing of documents required to comply with federal
and state securities laws, supervising the activities of the Fund’s custodian and transfer agent, providing assistance in
connection with the Trustees and shareholders’ meetings, providing services in connection with repurchase offers, if any,
and other administrative services necessary to conduct the Fund’s business. Under the Administration Agreement, ALPS is also
obligated to pay all expenses incurred by the Fund, with the exception of advisory fees, portfolio transaction expenses, trustees’
fees, litigation expenses, taxes, costs of preferred shares, expenses of conducting repurchase offers for the purpose of repurchasing
Fund shares and extraordinary expenses.
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value per Share of the Fund is determined no less
frequently than daily, on each day that the New York Stock Exchange (the “Exchange”) is open for trading, as of the
close of regular trading on the exchange (normally 4:00 p.m. New York time). The Fund’s net asset value per Share is determined
by ALPS, in the manner authorized by the Trustees of the Fund. Net asset value is computed by dividing the value of the Fund’s
total assets, less its liabilities by the number of shares outstanding.
The Trustees of the Fund have established the following procedures
for fair valuation of the Fund’s assets under normal market conditions. Marketable securities listed on foreign or U.S. securities
exchanges generally are valued at closing sale prices or, if there were no sales, at the mean between the closing bid and asked
prices therefor on the exchange where such securities are principally traded (such prices may not be used, however, where an active
over-the-counter market in an exchange listed security better reflects current market value). Marketable securities listed in the
NASDAQ National Market System are valued at the NASDAQ closing price. Unlisted or listed securities for which closing sale prices
are not available are valued at the mean between the latest bid and asked prices. An option is valued at the last sale price as
quoted on the principal exchange or board of trade on which such option or contract is traded, or in the absence of a sale, at
the mean between the last bid and asked prices.
The Fair Valuation Committee may implement new pricing methodologies
or expand mark-to-market valuation of debt securities whose market prices are not readily available in the future, which may result
in a change in the Fund’s net asset value per share. The Fund’s net asset value per share will also be affected by
fair value pricing decisions and by changes in the market for such debt securities. The Fund has adopted Fair Valuation Procedures
to determine the fair value of a debt security. These Fair Valuation Procedures consider relevant factors, data, and information,
including: (i) the characteristics of and fundamental analytical data relating to the debt security, including the cost, size,
current interest rate, period until next interest rate reset, maturity and base lending rate of the debt security, the terms and
conditions of the debt security and any related agreements, and the position of the debt security in the borrower’s debt
structure; (ii) the nature, adequacy and value of the collateral, including the Fund’s rights, remedies and interests with
respect to the collateral; (iii) the creditworthiness of the borrower, based on an evaluation of its financial condition, financial
statements and information about the borrower’s business, cash flows, capital structure and future prospects; (iv) information
relating to the market for the debt security, including price quotations for and trading in the debt security and interests in
similar debt security and the market environment and investor attitudes towards the debt security and interests in similar debt
securities; (v) the experience, reputation, stability and financial condition of the Agent and any intermediate participants in
the debt security and (vi) general economic and market conditions affecting the fair value of the debt security. The fair value
of each debt security is reviewed and approved by the Fair Valuation Committee and the Fund’s Trustees.
Debt securities for which the over-the-counter market is the primary
market are normally valued on the basis of prices furnished by one or more pricing services at the mean between the latest available
bid and asked prices. OTC options are valued at the mean between the bid and asked prices provided by dealers. Financial futures
contracts listed on commodity exchanges and exchange-traded options are valued at closing settlement prices. Short-term obligations
having remaining maturities of less than 60 days are valued at amortized cost, which approximates value, unless the Trustees determine
that under particular circumstances such method does not result in fair value. As authorized by the Trustees, debt securities (other
than short-term obligations) may be valued on the basis of valuations furnished by a pricing service which determines valuations
based upon market transactions for normal, institutional-size trading units of such securities. Securities for which there is no
such quotation or valuation and all other assets are valued at fair value as determined in good faith by or at the direction of
the Fund’s Trustees.
All other securities are valued at fair value as determined in good
faith by or at the direction of the Trustees.
Generally, trading in the foreign securities owned by the Fund is
substantially completed each day at various times prior to the close of the Exchange. The values of these securities used in determining
the net asset value of the Fund generally are computed as of such times. Occasionally, events affecting the value of foreign securities
may occur between such times and the close of the Exchange which will not be reflected in the computation of the Fund’s net
asset value (unless the Fund deems that such events would materially affect its net asset value, in which case an adjustment would
be made and reflected in such computation). Foreign securities and currency held by the Fund will be valued in U.S. dollars; such
values will be computed by the custodian based on foreign currency exchange rate quotations supplied by an independent quotation
service.
PORTFOLIO TRADING
Decisions concerning the execution of portfolio security transactions,
including the selection of the market and the executing firm, are made by Clough. Clough is also responsible for the execution
of transactions for all other accounts managed by it. Clough generally aggregates the portfolio security transactions of the Fund
and of all other accounts managed by it for execution with many firms and allocates the orders across all participating accounts
on a pro rata basis (based on factors such as client objectives and asset size) prior to execution. Clough uses its best efforts
to obtain execution of portfolio security transactions at prices which are advantageous to the Fund and at reasonably competitive
spreads or (when a disclosed commission is being charged) at reasonably competitive commission rates. In seeking such execution,
Clough will use its best judgment in evaluating the terms of a transaction, and will give consideration to various relevant factors,
including without limitation the full range and quality of the executing firm’s services, the value of the brokerage and
research services provided, the responsiveness of the firm to Clough, the actual price of the security, the commission rates charged,
the nature and character of the market for the security, the confidentiality, speed and certainty of effective execution required
for the transaction, the general execution and operational capabilities of the executing firm, the reputation, reliability, integrity,
experience and financial condition of the firm, the value and quality of the services rendered by the firm in this and other transactions,
and the reasonableness of the spread or commission, if any.
Transactions on stock exchanges and other agency transactions involve
the payment of negotiated brokerage commissions. Such commissions vary among different broker-dealer firms, and a particular broker-dealer
may charge different commissions according to such factors as the difficulty and size of the transaction and the volume of business
done with such broker-dealer. Transactions in foreign securities often involve the payment of brokerage commissions, which may
be higher than those in the United States. There is generally no stated commission in the case of securities traded in the over-the-counter
markets, but the price paid or received usually includes an undisclosed dealer markup or markdown. In an underwritten offering
the price paid often includes a disclosed fixed commission or discount retained by the underwriter or dealer.
Fixed income obligations which may be purchased and sold by the
Fund are generally traded in the over-the-counter market on a net basis (i.e., without commission) through broker-dealers
or banks acting for their own account rather than as brokers, or otherwise involve transactions directly with the issuers of such
obligations. The Fund may also purchase fixed income and other securities from underwriters, the cost of which may include undisclosed
fees and concessions to the underwriters.
Although spreads or commissions paid on portfolio security transactions
will, in the judgment of Clough, be reasonable in relation to the value of the services provided, commissions exceeding those which
another firm might charge may be paid to broker-dealers who were selected to execute transactions on behalf of Clough’s clients
in part for providing brokerage and research services to Clough.
As authorized in Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, a broker or dealer who executes a portfolio transaction on behalf of the Fund may receive a commission which
is in excess of the amount of commission another broker or dealer would have charged for effecting that transaction. Clough may
use brokers or dealers who provide additional brokerage or research services and charge commissions in excess of other brokers
or dealers (soft dollar arrangements) if it determines in good faith that such compensation was reasonable in relation to the value
of the brokerage and research services provided. This determination may be made on the basis of that particular transaction or
on the basis of overall responsibilities which Clough and its affiliates have for accounts over which they exercise investment
discretion. In making any such determination, Clough will not attempt to place a specific dollar value on the brokerage and research
services provided or to determine what portion of the commission should be related to such services. Brokerage and research services
may include advice as to the value of securities, the advisability of investing in, purchasing, or selling securities, and the
availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of securities; furnishing analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries,
securities, economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts; effecting securities transactions
and performing functions incidental thereto (such as clearance and settlement); and the “Research Services” referred
to in the next paragraph.
It is a common practice of the investment advisory industry and
of the advisers of investment companies, institutions and other investors to receive research, analytical, statistical and quotation
services, data, information and other services, products and materials which assist such advisers in the performance of their investment
responsibilities (“Research Services”) from broker-dealer firms which execute portfolio transactions for the clients
of such advisers and from third parties with which such broker-dealers have arrangements. Consistent with this practice, Clough
receives Research Services from many broker-dealer firms with which Clough places the Fund’s transactions and from third
parties with which these broker-dealers have arrangements. These Research Services may include such matters as general economic,
political, business and market information, industry and company reviews, evaluations of securities and portfolio strategies and
transactions, proxy voting data and analysis services, technical analysis of various aspects of the securities market, recommendations
as to the purchase and sale of securities and other portfolio transactions, financial, industry and trade publications, news and
information services, pricing and quotation equipment and services, and research oriented computer hardware, software, data bases
and services. Any particular Research Service obtained through a broker-dealer may be used by Clough in connection with client
accounts other than those accounts which pay commissions to such broker-dealer. Any such Research Service may be broadly useful
and of value to Clough in rendering investment advisory services to all or a significant portion of its clients, or may be relevant
and useful for the management of only one client’s account or of a few clients’ accounts, or may be useful for the
management of merely a segment of certain clients’ accounts, regardless of whether any such account or accounts paid commissions
to the broker-dealer through which such Research Service was obtained. The advisory fee paid by the Fund is not reduced because
Clough receives such Research Services. Clough evaluates the nature and quality of the various Research Services obtained through
broker-dealer firms and attempts to allocate sufficient portfolio security transactions to such firms to ensure the continued receipt
of Research Services which Clough believes are useful or of value to it in rendering investment advisory services to its clients.
If only part of the Research Services provided are used to assist in the investment decision-making process, the percentage of
permitted use must be determined and the remainder paid for with hard dollars.
The Fund and Clough may also receive Research Services from underwriters
and dealers in fixed-price offerings, which Research Services are reviewed and evaluated by Clough in connection with its investment
responsibilities.
Securities considered as investments for the Fund may also be appropriate
for other investment accounts managed by Clough or its affiliates. Whenever decisions are made to buy or sell securities by the
Fund and one or more of such other accounts simultaneously, Clough will allocate the security transactions (including initial public
offerings and other new issues) in a manner which it believes to be fair and equitable under the circumstances and in accordance
with applicable laws and regulations. As a result of such allocations, there may be instances where the Fund will not participate
in a transaction that is allocated among other accounts. Generally, participating accounts will receive the weighted average execution
price per broker for the day and will pay the commissions, fees and other charges on a pro rata basis. However there may be instances
where a smaller account receives its entire allocation before a larger account in order to minimize transaction costs, an account
that specializes or concentrates holdings in a particular industry is given priority in allocation over other accounts, or allocations
are not exactly pro rata due to Clough’s practice of trading in 100 share lots. While these aggregation and allocation policies
could have a detrimental effect on the price or amount of the securities available to the Fund from time to time, it is the opinion
of the Trustees of the Fund that the benefits received from Clough’s organization outweigh any disadvantage that may arise
from exposure to simultaneous transactions.
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS AND CONTROL PERSONS
As of February 22, 2021, the following person(s) beneficially owned
5% or more of the Fund’s outstanding common shares.
GLO Common Shares(a)
|
Bank of America Corporation
Bank of America Corporate Center
100 N Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28255
|
6.8%
|
2,182,686
|
|
(a)
|
The table above shows 5% or greater shareholders’ ownership of Shares as of February 22, 2021. The information contained
in this table is based on Schedule 13G filings made on or before February 22, 2021.
|
As of February 22, 2021, the officers and Trustees of the Fund,
as a group, owned less than 1% of the Fund’s outstanding voting securities.
TAXES
The Fund intends to elect to be treated and to qualify each year
as a regulated investment company (a “RIC”) under the Code. Accordingly, the Fund must, among other things, (i) derive
in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income (including tax-exempt interest) from dividends, 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 net income from interest in qualified publicly traded partnerships; (ii)
diversify its holdings so that, at the end of each quarter of each taxable year (a) at least 50% of the market value of the Fund’s
total assets 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’s total assets and not more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of such issuer and (b) not more
than 25% of the market value of the Fund’s total assets is invested in the securities of any issuer (other than U.S. government
securities and the securities of other regulated investment companies) or of any two or more issuers that the Fund controls and
that are determined to be engaged in the same business or similar or related trades or businesses or the securities of one or more
qualified publicly traded partnerships and (iii) distribute substantially all of its net income and net short-term and long-term
capital gains (after reduction by any available capital loss carryforwards) in accordance with the timing requirements imposed
by the Code, so as to maintain its RIC status and to avoid paying any U.S. federal income or excise tax. To the extent it qualifies
for treatment as a RIC and satisfies the above-mentioned distribution requirements, the Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal
income tax on income paid to its shareholders in the form of dividends or capital gain distributions.
In order to avoid incurring a U.S. federal excise tax obligation,
the Code requires that the Fund distribute (or be deemed to have distributed) by December 31 of each calendar year an amount at
least equal to the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary income for such year and (ii) 98.2% of its capital gain net income (which is
the excess of its realized net long-term capital gain over its realized net short-term capital loss), generally computed on the
basis of the one-year period ending on October 31 of such year, after reduction by any available capital loss carryforwards, plus
(iii) 100% of any ordinary income and capital gain net income from the prior year (as previously computed) that were not paid out
during such year and on which the Fund paid no U.S. federal income tax. Under current law, provided that the Fund qualifies as
a RIC for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Fund should not be liable for any income, corporate excise or franchise tax in
the state of Delaware.
If the Fund fails to meet the annual gross income test described
above, the Fund will nevertheless be considered to have satisfied the test if: (i) (a) such failure is due to reasonable cause
and not due to willful neglect; and (b) the Fund reports the failure; and (ii) the Fund pays an excise tax equal to the excess
non-qualifying income. If the Fund fails to meet the asset diversification test described above with respect to any quarter, the
Fund will nevertheless be considered to have satisfied the requirements for such quarter if the Fund cures such failure within
six months and either: (i) such failure is de minimis; or (ii) (a) such failure is due to reasonable cause and not due to willful
neglect; and (b) the Fund reports the failure and pays an excise tax.
If the Fund does not qualify as a RIC for any taxable year, the
Fund’s taxable income will be subject to corporate income taxes, and all distributions from earnings and profits, including
distributions of net capital gain (if any), will be taxable to the shareholder as ordinary income. Such distributions generally
will be eligible (i) for the dividends received deduction in the case of corporate shareholders and (ii) for treatment as “qualified
dividends” in the case of individual shareholders provided certain holding period and other requirements are met, as described
below. In addition, in order to requalify for taxation as a RIC, the Fund may be required to recognize unrealized gains, pay substantial
taxes and interest, and make certain distributions.
Distributions from the Fund generally will be taxable to Common
Shareholders as dividend income to the extent derived from investment income and net short-term capital gains, as described below.
Distributions of net capital gains (that is, the excess of net gains from the sale of capital assets held more than one year over
net losses from the sale of capital assets held for not more than one year) properly designated as capital gain dividends will
be taxable to Common Shareholders as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long a Common Shareholder has held the shares in
the Fund.
If a Common Shareholder’s distributions are automatically
reinvested pursuant to the Plan and the Plan Administrator invests the distribution in shares acquired on behalf of the shareholder
in open-market purchases, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Common Shareholder will generally be treated as having received
a taxable distribution in the amount of the cash dividend that the Common Shareholder would have received if the shareholder had
elected to receive cash. If a Common Shareholder’s distributions are automatically reinvested pursuant to the Plan and the
Plan Administrator invests the distribution in newly issued shares of the Fund, the Common Shareholder will generally be treated
as receiving a taxable distribution equal to the fair market value of the stock the Common Shareholder receives.
Certain income distributions paid by the Fund to individual taxpayers
are taxed at rates equal to those applicable to net long-term capital gains (20%, or 0% or 15% for individuals at certain annual
income levels). This tax treatment applies only if certain holding period requirements and other requirements are satisfied by
the Common Shareholder and the dividends are attributable to qualified dividends received by the Fund itself. For this purpose,
“qualified dividends” means dividends received by the Fund from United States corporations and qualifying foreign corporations,
provided that the Fund satisfies certain holding period and other requirements in respect of the stock of such corporations. In
the case of securities lending transactions, payments in lieu of dividends are not qualified dividends. Dividends received by the
Fund from REITs are qualified dividends eligible for this lower tax rate only in limited circumstances.
A dividend will not be treated as qualified dividend income (whether
received by the Fund or paid by the Fund to a shareholder) if (1) the dividend is received with respect to any share held for fewer
than 61 days during the 120-day period beginning on the date which is 60 days before the date on which such share becomes ex-dividend
with respect to such dividend, (2) to the extent that the recipient is under an obligation (whether pursuant to a short sale or
otherwise) to make related payments with respect to positions in substantially similar or related property or (3) if the recipient
elects to have the dividend treated as investment income for purposes of the limitation on deductibility of investment interest.
Distributions of income by the Fund other than qualified dividend income and distributions of net realized short-term gains (on
stocks held for one year or less) are taxed as ordinary income, at rates currently up to 37%.
The benefits of the reduced tax rates applicable to long-term capital
gains and qualified dividend income may be impacted by the application of the alternative minimum tax to individual shareholders.
The Fund’s investment in zero coupon and certain other securities
will cause it to realize income prior to the receipt of cash payments with respect to these securities. Such income will be accrued
daily by the Fund and, in order to avoid a tax payable by the Fund, the Fund may be required to liquidate securities that it might
otherwise have continued to hold in order to generate cash so that the Fund may make required distributions to its shareholders.
Investments in lower rated or unrated securities may present special
tax issues for the Fund to the extent that the issuers of these securities default on their obligations pertaining thereto. The
Code is not entirely clear regarding the federal income tax consequences of the Fund’s taking certain positions in connection
with ownership of such distressed securities.
Any recognized gain or income attributable to market discount on
long-term debt obligations (i.e., obligations with a term of more than one year except to the extent of a portion of the
discount attributable to original issue discount) purchased by the Fund is taxable as ordinary income. A long-term debt obligation
is generally treated as acquired at a market discount if purchased after its original issue at a price less than (i) the stated
principal amount payable at maturity, in the case of an obligation that does not have original issue discount or (ii) in the case
of an obligation that does have original issue discount, the sum of the issue price and any original issue discount that accrued
before the obligation was purchased, subject to a de minimis exclusion.
The Fund’s investments in options, futures contracts, hedging
transactions, forward contracts (to the extent permitted) and certain other transactions will be subject to special tax rules (including
mark-to-market, constructive sale, straddle, wash sale, short sale and other rules), the effect of which may be to accelerate income
to the Fund, defer Fund losses, cause adjustments in the holding periods of securities held by the Fund, convert capital gain into
ordinary income and convert short-term capital losses into long-term capital losses. These rules could therefore affect the amount,
timing and character of distributions to shareholders. The Fund may be required to limit its activities in options and futures
contracts in order to enable it to maintain its RIC status.
Effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and
before January 1, 2026, the Code generally allows individuals and certain non-corporate entities a deduction for 20% of qualified
REIT dividends. Proposed regulations (which are currently effective) permit a RIC to pass the character of its qualified REIT dividends
through to its shareholders provided certain holding period requirements are met. As a result, Fund shareholders will be eligible
to receive the benefit of such deductions with respect to Fund dividends that distribute such qualified REIT dividend income.
The Fund’s transactions in foreign currencies, foreign currency-denominated
debt obligations and certain foreign currency options, futures contracts and forward contracts (and similar instruments) may give
rise to ordinary income or loss to the extent such income or loss results from fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency
concerned.
Income received by the Fund from sources within foreign countries
may be subject to withholding and other taxes imposed by such countries. Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S.
may reduce or eliminate such taxes. Common Shareholders generally will not be entitled to claim a credit or deduction with respect
to foreign taxes.
If the Fund acquires any equity interest in certain foreign corporations
that receive at least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest, dividends, certain rents and royalties,
or capital gains) or that hold at least 50% of their assets in investments producing such passive income (“passive foreign
investment companies”), the Fund could be subject to U.S. federal income tax and additional interest charges on “excess
distributions” received from such companies or on gain from the sale of stock in such companies, even if all income or gain
actually received by the Fund is timely distributed to its shareholders. The Fund would not be able to pass through to its shareholders
any credit or deduction for such a tax. An election may generally be available that would ameliorate these adverse tax consequences,
but any such election could require the Fund to recognize taxable income or gain (subject to tax distribution requirements) without
the concurrent receipt of cash. These investments could also result in the treatment of associated capital gains as ordinary income.
The Fund may limit and/or manage its holdings in passive foreign investment companies to limit its tax liability or maximize its
return from these investments. Dividends paid by passive foreign investment companies will not qualify for the reduced tax rates
for qualified dividend income.
The sale, exchange or redemption of Fund shares may give rise to
a gain or loss. In general, any gain or loss realized upon a taxable disposition of shares will be treated as long-term capital
gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than 12 months. Otherwise, the gain or loss on the taxable disposition of Fund
shares will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. Long-term capital gain rates applicable to individuals have been reduced,
in general, to 20% (or 5% or 0% or 15% for individuals at certain annual income levels). Any loss realized upon the sale or exchange
of Fund shares with a holding period of 6 months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of any capital
gain distributions received with respect to such shares. In addition, all or a portion of a loss realized on a redemption or other
disposition of Fund shares may be disallowed under “wash sale” rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced
with other substantially identical shares (whether through the reinvestment of distributions or otherwise) within a 61-day period
beginning 30 days before the redemption of the loss shares and ending 30 days after such date. Any disallowed loss will result
in an adjustment to the shareholder’s tax basis in some or all of the other shares acquired.
Sales charges paid upon a purchase of shares cannot be taken into
account for purposes of determining gain or loss on a sale of the shares before the 91st day after their purchase to the extent
a sales charge is reduced or eliminated in a subsequent acquisition of shares of the Fund (or of another fund), during the period
beginning on the date of such sale and ending on January 31 of the following calendar year, pursuant to the reinvestment or exchange
privilege. Any disregarded amounts will result in an adjustment to the shareholder’s tax basis in some or all of any other
shares acquired.
Certain net investment income received by an individual having adjusted
gross income in excess of $200,000 (or $250,000 for married individuals filing jointly) will be subject to a tax of 3.8%. Undistributed
net investment income of trusts and estates in excess of a specified amount also will be subject to this tax. Dividends and capital
gains distributed by the Fund, and gain realized on the sale of Fund shares, will constituted investment income of the type subject
to this tax.
Special tax rules apply to investments through defined contribution
plans and other tax-qualified plans. Shareholders should consult their tax advisor to determine the suitability of shares of the
Fund as an investment through such plans.
Dividends and distributions on the Fund’s shares are generally
subject to federal income tax as described herein to the extent they do not exceed the Fund’s realized income and gains,
even though such dividends and distributions may economically represent a return of a particular shareholder’s investment.
Such distributions are likely to occur in respect of shares purchased at a time when the Fund’s net asset value reflects
gains that are either unrealized, or realized but not distributed. Such realized gains may be required to be distributed even when
the Fund’s net asset value also reflects unrealized losses. Certain distributions declared in October, November or December
and paid in the following January will be taxed to shareholders as if received on December 31 of the year in which they were declared.
In addition, certain other distributions made after the close of a taxable year of the Fund may be “spilled back” and
treated as paid by the Fund (except for purposes of the 4% excise tax) during such taxable year. In such case, Shareholders will
be treated as having received such dividends in the taxable year in which the distributions were actually made.
Amounts paid by the Fund to individuals and certain other shareholders
who have not provided the Fund with their correct taxpayer identification number (“TIN”) and certain certifications
required by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) as well as shareholders with respect to whom the Fund has received
certain information from the IRS or a broker may be subject to “backup” withholding of federal income tax arising from
the Fund’s taxable dividends and other distributions as well as the gross proceeds of sales of shares, at a rate equal to
the fourth highest rate of tax applicable to a single individual (in 2021, 24%). An individual’s TIN is generally his or
her social security number. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules
from payments made to a Shareholder may be refunded or credited against such Shareholder’s U.S. federal income tax liability,
if any, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS.
If a shareholder recognizes a loss on disposition of the Fund’s
shares of $2 million or more for an individual shareholder or $10 million or more for a corporate shareholder, the shareholder
must file with the IRS a disclosure statement on Form 8886. Direct shareholders of portfolio securities are in many cases excepted
from this reporting requirement, but under current guidance, shareholders of a regulated investment company are not excepted. The
fact that a loss is reportable under these regulations does not affect the legal determination of whether the taxpayer’s
treatment of the loss is proper. Shareholders should consult their tax advisers to determine the applicability of these regulations
in light of their individual circumstances.
The foregoing discussion does not address the special tax rules
applicable to certain classes of investors, such as tax-exempt entities, foreign investors, insurance companies and financial institutions.
Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers with respect to special tax rules that may apply in their particular situations,
as well as the state, local, and, where applicable, foreign tax consequences of investing in the Fund.
The Fund will inform Shareholders of the source and tax status of
all distributions promptly after the close of each calendar year. The IRS has taken the position that if a RIC has more than one
class of shares, it may designate distributions made to each class in any year as consisting of no more than that class’s
proportionate share of particular types of income for that year, including ordinary income and net capital gain. A class’s
proportionate share of a particular type of income for a year is determined according to the percentage of total dividends paid
by the RIC during that year to the class. Accordingly, the Fund intends to designate a portion of its distributions in capital
gain dividends in accordance with the IRS position.
State and Local Taxes
Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers as to the state
or local tax consequences of investing in the Fund.
OTHER INFORMATION
The Fund is an organization of the type commonly known as a “Delaware
statutory trust.” Under Delaware law, shareholders of such a trust may, in certain circumstances, be held personally liable
as partners for the obligations of the trust. The Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability
in connection with the Fund property or the acts, obligations or affairs of the Fund. The Declaration of Trust also provides for
indemnification out of the Fund property of any shareholder held personally liable for the claims and liabilities to which a shareholder
may become subject by reason of being or having been a shareholder. Thus, the risk of a shareholder incurring financial loss on
account of shareholder liability is limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself is unable to meet its obligations. The Fund
has been advised by its counsel that the risk of any shareholder incurring any liability for the obligations of the Fund is remote.
The Declaration of Trust provides that the Trustees will not be
liable for actions taken in good faith in the reasonable belief that such actions were in the best interests of the Fund or, in
the case of any criminal proceeding, as to which a Trustee did not have reasonable cause to believe that such actions were unlawful;
but nothing in the Declaration of Trust protects a Trustee against any liability to the Fund or its shareholders to which he 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. Voting rights are not cumulative, which means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting
for the election of Trustees can elect 100% of the Trustees and, in such event, the holders of the remaining less than 50% of the
shares voting on the matter will not be able to elect any Trustees.
The Declaration of Trust provides that no person shall serve as
a Trustee if shareholders holding two-thirds of the outstanding shares have removed him from that office either by a written declaration
filed with the Fund’s custodian or by votes cast at a meeting called for that purpose.
The Fund’s Prospectus and this SAI do not contain all of the
information set forth in the Registration Statement that the Fund has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The complete
Registration Statement may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission upon payment of the fee prescribed by its Rules
and Regulations.
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING
FIRM
Cohen & Company Ltd., located at 1350 Euclid Ave Suite 800,
Cleveland, Ohio 44115, serves as the independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal year. The firm provides
services including (i) audit of annual financial statements, (ii) assistance and consultation in connection with SEC filings,
and (iii) other audit related and tax services.
APPENDIX A
RATINGS
MOODY’S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Long-Term Debt Securities and Preferred Stock Ratings
AAA: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Aaa are judged to
be of the best quality. They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as “gilt edged.”
Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective
elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position
of such issues.
AA: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Aa are judged to be
of high quality by all standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as high grade bonds. They
are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present which make the long-term risk appear somewhat larger
than the Aaa securities.
A: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated A possess many favorable
investment attributes and are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving security to principal and interest
are considered adequate, but elements may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.
BAA: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Baa are considered
as medium-grade obligations (i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured). Interest payments and principal
security appear adequate for the present but certain protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable
over any great length of time. Such bonds and preferred stock lack outstanding investment characteristics and in fact have speculative
characteristics as well.
BA: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Ba are judged to have
speculative elements; their future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest and principal payments
may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded during other good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated B generally lack characteristics
of the desirable investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of other terms of the contract over
any long period of time may be small.
CAA: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Caa are of poor standing.
Such issues may be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal or interest.
CA: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated Ca represent obligations
which are speculative in a high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked shortcomings.
C: Bonds and preferred stock which are rated C are the lowest rated
class of bonds, and issues so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any real investment standing.
The ratings indicated herein are believed to be the most recent
ratings available at the date of this SAI for the securities listed. Ratings are generally given to securities at the time of issuance.
While the rating agencies may from time to time revise such ratings, they undertake no obligation to do so, and the ratings indicated
do not necessarily represent ratings which would be given to these securities on the date of the Fund’s fiscal year end.
Absence of Rating: Where no rating has been assigned or where a
rating has been suspended or withdrawn, it may be for reasons unrelated to the quality of the issue.
Should no rating be assigned, the reason may be one of the following:
|
1.
|
An application for rating was not received or accepted.
|
|
2.
|
The issue or issuer belongs to a group of securities or companies that are not rated as a matter of policy.
|
|
3.
|
There is a lack of essential data pertaining to the issue or issuer.
|
|
4.
|
The issue was privately placed, in which case the rating is not published in Moody’s publications.
|
Suspension or withdrawal may occur if new and material circumstances
arise, the effects of which preclude satisfactory analysis; if there is no longer available reasonable up-to-date data to permit
a judgment to be formed; if a bond is called for redemption; or for other reasons.
Note: Moody’s applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each
generic rating classification from Aa through B in its bond rating system. The modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in
the higher end of its generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that
the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating category.
Short-Term Debt Securities Ratings
Moody’s short-term debt ratings are opinions of the ability
of issuers to repay punctually senior debt obligations. These obligations have an original maturity not exceeding one year, unless
explicitly noted.
Moody’s employs the following three designations, all judged
to be investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment ability of rated issuers:
PRIME-1: Issuers rated Prime-1 (or supporting institutions) have
a superior ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. Prime-1 repayment ability will often be evidenced by many
of the following characteristics: leading market positions in well-established industries; high rates of return on funds employed;
conservative capitalization structure with moderate reliance on debt and ample asset protection; broad margins in earnings coverage
of fixed financial charges and high internal cash generation; and well-established access to a range of financial markets and assured
sources of alternate liquidity.
PRIME-2: Issuers rated Prime-2 (or supporting institutions) have
a strong ability for repayment of senior short-term debt obligations. This will normally be evidenced by many of the characteristics
cited above but to a lesser degree. Earnings trends and coverage ratios, while sound, may be more subject to variation. Capitalization
characteristics, while still appropriate, may be more affected by external conditions. Ample alternate liquidity is maintained.
PRIME-3: Issuers rated Prime-3 (or supporting institutions) have
an acceptable ability for repayment of senior short-term obligations. The effect of industry characteristics and market compositions
may be more pronounced. Variability in earnings and profitability may result in changes in the level of debt protection measurements
and may require relatively high financial leverage. Adequate alternate liquidity is maintained.
NOT PRIME: Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the
Prime rating categories.
STANDARD & POOR’S RATINGS GROUP
Investment Grade
AAA: Debt and preferred stock rated AAA have the highest rating
assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA: Debt rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and
repay principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
A: Debt and preferred stock rated A have a strong capacity to pay
interest and repay principal although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic
conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB: Debt and preferred stock rated BBB are regarded as having an
adequate capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibit adequate protection parameters, adverse economic
conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt
in this category than in higher rated categories.
Speculative Grade
Debt and preferred stock rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded
as having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. BB indicates
the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics,
these are outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB: Debt and preferred stock rated BB have less near-term vulnerability
to default than other speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial,
or economic conditions which could lead to inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The BB rating category
is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied BBB-rating.
B: Debt and preferred stock rated B have a greater vulnerability
to default but currently has the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse business, financial, or economic
conditions will likely impair capacity or willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The B rating category is also used for
debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied BB or BB- rating.
CCC: Debt and preferred stock rated CCC have a currently identifiable
vulnerability to default, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to meet timely payment of
interest and repayment of principal. In the event of adverse business, financial, or economic conditions, it is not likely to have
the capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The CCC rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that
is assigned an actual or implied B or B- rating.
CC: The rating CC is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior
debt and preferred stock which is assigned an actual or implied CCC debt rating.
C: The rating C is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior
debt and preferred stock which is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating may be used to cover a situation
where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but debt service payments are continued.
C1: The Rating C1 is reserved for income bonds on which no interest
is being paid.
D: Debt and preferred stock rated D is in payment default. The D
rating category is used when interest payments or principal payments are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace
period has not expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made during such grace period.
The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition
if debt service payments are jeopardized.
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified
by the addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major rating categories.
P: The letter “p” indicates that the rating is provisional.
A provisional rating assumes the successful completion of the project being financed by the debt being rated and indicates that
payment of debt service requirements is largely or entirely dependent upon the successful and timely completion of the project.
This rating, however, while addressing credit quality subsequent to completion of the project, makes no comment on the likelihood
of, or the risk of default upon failure of such completion. The investor should exercise his own judgment with respect to such
likelihood and risk.
L: The letter “L” indicates that the rating pertains
to the principal amount of those bonds to the extent that the underlying deposit collateral is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corp. and interest is adequately collateralized. In the case of certificates of deposit, the letter “L” indicates that
the deposit, combined with other deposits being held in the same right and capacity, will be honored for principal and accrued
pre-default interest up to the federal insurance limits within 30 days after closing of the insured institution or, in the event
that the deposit is assumed by a successor insured institution, upon maturity.
NR: NR indicates no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient
information on which to base a rating, or that S&P does not rate a particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
Commercial Paper Rating Definitions
A S&P’s commercial paper rating is a current assessment
of the likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more than 365 days. Ratings are graded into several
categories, ranging from A for the highest quality obligations to D for the lowest. These categories are as follows:
A-1: A short-term obligation rated A-1 is rated in the highest category
by S&P. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is strong. Within this category, certain
obligations are designated with a plus sign (+). This indicates that the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment
on these obligations is extremely strong.
A-2: A short-term obligation rated A-2 is somewhat more susceptible
to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations in higher rating categories. However,
the obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation is satisfactory.
A-3: A short-term obligation rated A-3 exhibits adequate protection
parameters. However, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the
obligor to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.
B: A short-term obligation rated B is regarded as having significant
speculative characteristics. The obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation; however,
it faces major ongoing uncertainties which could lead to the obligor’s inadequate capacity to meet its financial commitment
on the obligation.
C: A short-term obligation rated C is currently vulnerable to nonpayment
and is dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to meet its financial commitment on
the obligation.
D: A short-term obligation rated D is in payment default. The D
rating category is used when payments on an obligation are not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not
expired, unless S&P believes that such payments will be made during such grace period. The D rating also will be used upon
the filing of a bankruptcy petition or the taking of a similar action if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.
A commercial paper rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell
or hold a security inasmuch as it does not comment as to market price or suitability for a particular investor. The ratings are
based on current information furnished to S&P by the issuer or obtained from other sources it considers reliable. S&P does
not perform an audit in connection with any rating and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may
be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of changes in or unavailability of such information.
FITCH RATINGS
Investment Grade Ratings
AAA: Bonds and preferred stocks are considered to be investment
grade and of the highest credit quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and repay principal, which
is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable events.
AA: Bonds and preferred stocks are considered to be investment grade
and of very high credit quality. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong, although not quite
as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds rated in the AAA and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable
future developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally rated F-1+.
A: Bonds and preferred stocks are considered to be investment grade
and of high credit quality. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be strong, but may
be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB: Bonds and preferred stocks are considered to be investment
grade and of satisfactory credit quality. The obligor’s ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be adequate.
Adverse changes in economic conditions and circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds, and therefore,
impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds
with higher ratings.
Below Investment Grade Ratings
BB: Bonds and preferred stocks are considered speculative. The obligor’s
ability to pay interest and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes. However, business and financial
alternatives can be identified that could assist the obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.
B: Bonds and preferred stocks are considered highly speculative.
While bonds in this class are currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued timely payment of principal
and interest reflects the obligor’s limited margin of safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity throughout
the life of the issue.
CCC: Bonds and preferred stocks have certain identifiable characteristics
which, if not remedied, may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous business and economic environment.
CC: Bonds and preferred stocks are minimally protected. Default
in payment of interest and/or principal seems probable over time.
C: Bonds and preferred stocks are in imminent default in payment
of interest or principal.
DDD, DD AND D: Bonds and preferred stocks are in default on interest
and/or principal payments. Such bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their ultimate recovery value
in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor. DDD represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and D represents
the lowest potential for recovery.
PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-): The ratings from AA to C may be modified
by the addition of a plus or minus sign to indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category.
NR: Indicates that Fitch does not rate the specific issue.
CONDITIONAL: A conditional rating is premised on the successful
completion of a project or the occurrence of a specific event.
Investment Grade Short-Term Ratings
Fitch’s short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that
are payable on demand or have original maturities of generally up to three years, including commercial paper, certificates of deposit,
medium-term notes, and municipal and investment notes.
F-1+: Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this
rating are regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance for timely payment.
F-1: Very Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating reflect
an assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than issues rated F-1+.
F-2: Good Credit Quality. Issues carrying this rating have a satisfactory
degree of assurance for timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as great as the F-1+ and F-1 categories.
F-3: Fair Credit Quality. Issues carrying this rating have characteristics
suggesting that the degree of assurance for timely payment is adequate, however, near-term adverse change could cause these securities
to be rated below investment grade.
* * * * * * * *
Notes: Bonds which are unrated expose the investor to risks with
respect to capacity to pay interest or repay principal which are similar to the risks of lower-rated speculative bonds. The Fund
is dependent on Clough’s judgment, analysis and experience in the evaluation of such bonds.
Investors should note that the assignment of a rating to a bond
by a rating service may not reflect the effect of recent developments on the issuer’s ability to make interest and principal
payments.
APPENDIX B
PROXY VOTING POLICY
CLOUGH
|
|
CAPITAL PARTNERS, LP
|
PROCEDURES
|
Procedure Name:
|
Proxy Voting Procedures & Proxy Voting Guidelines
|
Related Policy:
|
Proxy Voting
|
Effective Date
|
June 15, 2004, revised October 12, 2020
|
Responsible Person:
|
Proxy Voting Administrator
|
Detailed Procedures:
|
1.0 Proxy Voting in General
Proxy votes for client accounts of Clough Capital will be handled
by the Proxy Voting Administrator (typically an intern or Co-op), who will coordinate all required proxy votes through ProxyEdge,
a Broadridge Financial Solutions product (“Broadridge”), which will be used to vote proxies according to the attached
guidelines (Appendix A), prepare the information required in order for [ALPS Fund Services, Inc. (“ALPS”)] to make
the required filings for the mutual fund, and then store them in ProxyEdge for the required period of time. For issues not addressed
by the Proxy Voting Guidelines, or for those issues where a determination is made by one of the persons listed in section 4.0 that
a vote according to the established Guidelines would not be in the economic interest of a client account, the Proxy Voting Administrator
will refer the matter to the Compliance Committee for resolution.
1.1 Use of Proxy Edge for Voting
ProxyEdge is an electronic voting service that helps simplify the
management of proxies. The system manages the process of meeting notifications, voting, tracking, reporting, and record maintenance.
ProxyEdge allows Clough Capital to manage, track, reconcile and report proxy voting through electronic delivery of ballots, online
voting, and integrated reporting and recordkeeping to help satisfy SEC requirements. ProxyEdge provides proxy information through
an automated electronic interface based on share positions provided directly to Broadridge by the client’s custodian, bank
or broker-dealer.
2.0 Proxy Voting Administrator
The duties of the Administrator will include the following:
· For
new client accounts, confirm that Clough Capital will be voting proxies on the client’s behalf, then contact Broadridge to
coordinate an electronic feed of securities holdings from the client’s custodian to ProxyEdge
· Gather
any physical proxies sent to Clough Capital for each of the securities held by a client account or fund and double check that they
have been voted in ProxyEdge
· Log
on to the Proxy Edge system (www.proxyedge.com) to vote the proxies if they have not been voted
· Submit
proxies that are not addressed in the Guidelines to PM’s/Analysts for their opinion
· Run
a proxy voting record for votes cast for the Clough Capital mutual funds on a quarterly basis to send to ALPS Fund Compliance
· Run
a full year report for the mutual funds at end of each proxy year (July 1st to June 30th) and send to ALPS to complete the Form
N-PX for filing with SEC by August 31st (this may also be done by the Director of Compliance and Risk)
|
|
3.0 Proxy Voting Record Required
The following information must be recorded and saved by ProxyEdge
for each proxy vote of each security:
· Name
of the issuer of the portfolio security
· Exchange
ticker symbol of the portfolio security
· CUSIP
for the portfolio security (if available)
· Shareholder
meeting date
· Brief
identification of matter voted on
· Whether
the matter is proposed by issuer or a security holder
· Whether
fund cast its vote on the matter
· How
the fund cast its vote (for/against/abstain)
· Whether
fund cast its vote for or against the management position on the issue
This information is required to be filed with the SEC electronically
via Form N-PX for all registered investment companies (mutual funds) no later than August 31 for the most recent 12 month period
ended June 30. This will be done by the fund’s administrator, ALPS, for the mutual funds sponsored by Clough Capital, but
ALPS will need this information from Clough. The information also needs to be sent to ALPS so it is available upon request by shareholders.
4.0 Contradiction to Proxy Voting Guidelines
For the proxy issues outlined in the attached Proxy Voting Guidelines,
the Clough Capital voting position will generally be as listed, and these will be the default votes in ProxyEdge, unless an analyst,
trader, or portfolio manager of the firm believes that voting a particular proxy in accordance with the stated guideline would
not be in the best economic interests of a client account, in which case that person should bring the matter to the attention of
the Proxy Voting Administrator. The Administrator will then refer the matter to the Compliance Committee for resolution, at which
time the Administrator can log on to ProxyEdge and over-ride the default voting option, if necessary. Votes in contradiction to
the established Proxy Voting Guidelines will be documented in an appropriate memo to file.
4.1 Votes on Issues not listed in the Proxy Voting Guidelines
If a proxy vote is received and the Proxy Voting Administrator cannot
find the particular issue to be voted on the Proxy Voting Guidelines, then the Administrator must summarize the issue and then
bring it to the attention of the analyst covering that industry and the relevant portfolio manager for consideration. Once there
has been a determination made as to how to vote the issue, the analyst should update the Proxy Voting Guidelines for guidance on
future, similar issues.
5.0 Record Keeping Requirements
Clough Capital must keep accurate books and records, including
those relating to proxy voting. The records that must be maintained in accordance with the Record Keeping Policy are listed under
Records Produced below. The Proxy Voting Administrator will be responsible for ensuring that the records listed are maintained.
|
Records Produced:
|
· Proxy
statements received regarding client securities
· Records
of votes cast on behalf of clients (Reports from ProxyEdge)
· Information
gathered for the filing of Form N-PX
· Form
N-PX filed by August 31st of each year for preceding year ended June 30th
· Records
of client requests for proxy voting information, if any are sent to Clough Capital
· Any
documents prepared by Clough Capital that were material to making a decision how to vote or that memorialized the basis for the
decision
|
Evidence of Supervision:
|
On a quarterly basis, the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) will examine the proxy voting records in ProxyEdge and ensure that all proxies were voted in accordance with the Policy and documented accordingly, including any votes that presented a potential or actual conflict of interest. This information will be supplied to the Fund CCO as part of the Quarterly Compliance Certification.
|
Record Keeping:
|
Records will be maintained for 2 years on site and 3 years offsite, except for records for registered mutual funds, which will be maintained for 2 years on site and 4 years offsite.
|
CLOUGH
|
|
CAPITAL PARTNERS, LP
|
PROCEDURES
|
Appendix A
Proxy Voting Guidelines
For the following proxy issues, the Clough Capital voting
position will generally be as listed, unless an analyst, trader, or Partner of the firm believes that voting a particular proxy
in accordance with the stated guideline would not be in the best economic interests of a client account, in which case that person
should bring the matter to the attention of the Proxy Voting Administrator. The Administrator will then refer the matter to the
Compliance Committee for resolution as outlined in the Proxy Voting Procedures.
Category
of Issue
|
Issue
|
Clough
Position
|
Rationale/Reasoning
|
Board of Directors
|
Election of Directors
|
Support Management Recommendations
|
Where no corporate governance
issues are implicated
|
|
Changes
in Board of Directors (removals of directors; filling of vacancies; fixing size of board)
|
Support
Management Recommendations
|
Management
in best position to know if best for company
|
|
Other Issues (e.g. Classified Board; Liability of Board; Qualification
of Directors)
|
Generally Support Management Recommendations
|
So long as in best economic
interests of clients
|
Capital
Structure
|
Increase
in common stock
|
Support
Management Recommendations
|
Management
in best position to know if best for company
|
|
Reclassification of common
stock
|
Support Management Recommendations
|
Management
in best position to know if best for company
|
|
Other Issues (e.g. Additional
Shares; Stock Splits; Repurchases, etc.)
|
Generally Support Management
Recommendations
|
So
long as in best economic interests of clients
|
Corporate
Governance
|
Addition or amendment
of indemnification provisions in company’s charter or by-laws
|
Support Management Recommendations
|
Management
in best position to know if best for company
|
|
Other issues (e.g. Confidential
Voting; Cumulative Voting; Supermajority Requirements)
|
Generally Support Management
Recommendations
|
So
long as in best economic interests of clients
|
Compensation
|
Compensation of Outside
Directors
|
Support Management Recommendations
|
Management
in best position to know if best for company
|
CLOUGH
|
|
CAPITAL PARTNERS, LP
|
PROCEDURES
|
|
Other Issues (e.g. Executive/Director stock option plans; Employee Stock Option Plans; Option Expensing)
|
Generally Support Management Recommendations
|
So long as in best economic interests of clients
|
Anti-Takeover Provisions
|
Shareholder rights plans (“Poison Pills”) (shareholder approval of or ratification of these types of plans)
|
Generally Support Management Recommendations
|
So long as in best economic interests of clients
|
|
Other Issues (e.g. Reincorporation plans; Fair- Price Proposals, etc.)
|
Generally Support Management Recommendations
|
So long as in best economic interests of clients
|
Mergers & Acquisitions
|
Special corporate transactions (takeovers; spin-offs; sales of assets; reorganizations; restructurings; recapitalizations)
|
Generally Support Management Recommendations
|
So long as in best economic interests of clients
|
Social & Political Issues
|
Labor & human rights (global codes of conduct; workplace standards)
|
Generally Support Management Recommendations
|
Generally best not to impose these issues from the outside
|
|
Other Issues (e.g. Environmental issues; Diversity & Equality; Health & Safety; Government/Military)
|
Support Management Recommendation
|
Generally best not to impose these issues from the outside
|
Miscellaneous Items
|
Selection of Independent Auditors
|
Support Management recommendation
|
Management in best position to know if best for company
|
|
Other Issues (e.g. Limitation of non-audit services provided by independent auditors; Audit Firm Rotation; Bundled Proposals, etc.)
|
Generally Support Management Recommendations
|
So long as in best economic interests of clients
|
PART C - Other
Information
|
Item 25.
|
Financial Statements and
Exhibits
|
(1)
|
|
Financial Statements:
|
Included in Part A:
Financial Highlights for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2011 through October 31, 2020 (audited) are incorporated by reference.
Included in Part B:
None.
|
(a)(2)
|
Statement of
Preferences for [ ] Cumulative Preferred Shares**
|
|
(d)(2)
|
Form
of Subscription Certificate for Common Shares**
|
|
(d)(3)
|
Form
of Subscription Certificate for [ ] Cumulative Preferred Shares**
|
|
(d)(5)
|
Form
of Indenture*
|
|
(d)(6)
|
Form
T-1 Statement of Eligibility of Trustee with respect to the Form of Indenture**
|
|
(h)(1)
|
Form of Underwriting
Agreement**
|
|
(h)(2)
|
Form of Dealer
Management Agreement**
|
|
(h)(3)
|
Form of Marketing
Agreement**
|
|
(k)(6)
|
Form of Subscription Agent Agreement**
|
|
(k)(7)
|
Form of Information Agent Agreement**
|
|
(l)
|
Opinion and Consent of Counsel**
|
|
1)
|
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(ii) of the Registration
Statement filed with the Commission via EDGAR on February 2, 2006.
|
|
(2)
|
Incorporated by reference to N-CEN filed with the Commission
via EDGAR on January 11, 2019.
|
|
(3)
|
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d) of the Registration
Statement filed with the Commission via EDGAR on March 23, 2006.
|
|
(4)
|
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g) of the Registration
Statement filed with the Commission via EDGAR on June 11, 2019.
|
|
(5)
|
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (j) of the Registration
Statement filed with the Commission via EDGAR on June 11, 2019.
|
|
(6)
|
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(1) of the Registration
Statement filed with the Commission via EDGAR on June 11, 2019.
|
|
(7)
|
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(2) of the Registration
Statement filed with the Commission via EDGAR on June 11, 2019.
|
|
(8)
|
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(3) of the Registration
Statement filed with the Commission via EDGAR on June 11, 2019.
|
|
(9)
|
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(4) of the Registration
Statement filed with the Commission via EDGAR on June 11, 2019.
|
|
(10)
|
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (k)(5) of the Registration
Statement filed with the Commission via EDGAR on June 11, 2019.
|
|
(11)
|
Incorporated by Reference to Exhibit (p) of the Registration
Statement filed with the Commission via EDGAR on April 21, 2006.
|
|
(12)
|
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (r)(1) of the Registration
Statement filed with the Commission via EDGAR on June 11, 2019.
|
|
(13)
|
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (r)(3) of the Registration
Statement filed with the Commission via EDGAR on June 11, 2019.
|
|
(14)
|
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (s) of the Registration
Statement filed with the Commission via EDGAR on June 11, 2019.
|
|
(15)
|
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e) of the Registration Statement filed with the Commission via EDGAR on July 3, 2019.
|
|
**
|
To be filed by subsequent amendment.
|
|
Item 26.
|
Marketing Arrangements
|
The Marketing Agreement will be filed by subsequent amendment.
|
Item 27.
|
Other Expenses of Issuance
and Distribution
|
The following table sets forth the expenses to be incurred in
connection with the offering described in this Registration Statement:
Registration Fee
|
$[ ]
|
NYSE American listing fee
|
$[ ]
|
Printing
|
$[ ]
|
Accounting fees and expenses
|
$[ ]
|
Legal fees and expenses
|
$[ ]
|
Information Agent fees and expenses
|
$[ ]
|
Subscription Agent fees and expenses
|
$[ ]
|
Miscellaneous
|
$[ ]
|
Total
|
$[ ]
|
|
Item 28.
|
Persons Controlled By
or Under Common Control with Registrant
|
None.
|
Item 29.
|
Number of Holders of Securities
|
(1)
Title of Class
|
(2)
Number of Record Holders as of [ ]
|
Shares of common stock
|
[ ]
|
Article IV of the Registrant's Agreement and Declaration of
Trust provides as follows:
Limitations of Liability and Indemnification
4.1
No Personal Liability of Shareholders, Trustees, etc. No Shareholder
of the Trust shall be subject in such capacity to any personal liability whatsoever to any Person in connection with Trust Property
or the acts, obligations or affairs of the Trust. Shareholders shall have the same limitation of personal liability as is extended
to stockholders of a private corporation for profit incorporated under the general corporation law of the State of Delaware. No
Trustee or officer of the Trust shall be subject in such capacity to any personal liability whatsoever to any Person, other than
the Trust or its Shareholders, in connection with Trust Property or the affairs of the Trust, save only liability to the Trust
or its Shareholders arising from bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or reckless disregard for his duty to such Person;
and, subject to the foregoing exception, all such Persons shall look solely to the Trust Property for satisfaction of claims of
any nature arising in connection with the affairs of the Trust. If any Shareholder, Trustee or officer, as such, of the Trust,
is made a party to any suit or proceeding to enforce any such liability, subject to the foregoing exception, he shall not, on account
thereof, be held to any personal liability.
4.2
Mandatory Indemnification. (a) The Trust shall indemnify the
Trustees and officers of the Trust (each such person being an "indemnitee") against any liabilities and expenses, including
amounts paid in satisfaction of judgments, in compromise or as fines and penalties, and reasonable counsel fees reasonably incurred
by such indemnitee in connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other proceeding, whether civil or criminal,
before any court or administrative or investigative body in which he may be or may have been involved as a party or otherwise (other
than, except as authorized by the Trustees, as the plaintiff or complainant) or with which he may be or may have been threatened,
while acting in any capacity set forth above in this Section 4.2 by reason of his having acted in any such capacity, except with
respect to any matter as to which he shall not have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best
interest of the Trust or, in the case of any criminal proceeding, as to which he shall have had reasonable cause to believe that
the conduct was unlawful, provided, however, that no indemnitee shall be indemnified hereunder against any liability to any person
or any expense of such indemnitee arising by reason of (i) willful misfeasance, (ii) bad faith, (iii) gross negligence (negligence
in the case of Affiliated Indemnitees), or (iv) reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his position (the conduct
referred to in such clauses (i) through (iv) being sometimes referred to herein as "disabling conduct"). Notwithstanding
the foregoing, with respect to any action, suit or other proceeding voluntarily prosecuted by any indemnitee as plaintiff, indemnification
shall be mandatory only if the prosecution of such action, suit or other proceeding by such indemnitee was authorized by a majority
of the Trustees.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, no indemnification shall
be made hereunder unless there has been a determination (1) by a final decision on the merits by a court or other body of competent
jurisdiction before whom the issue of entitlement to indemnification hereunder was brought that such indemnitee is entitled to
indemnification hereunder or, (2) in the absence of such a decision, by (i) a majority vote of a quorum of those Trustees who are
neither Interested Persons of the Trust nor parties to the proceeding ("Disinterested Non-Party Trustees"), that the
indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder, or (ii) if such quorum is not obtainable or even if obtainable, if such majority
so directs, independent legal counsel in a written opinion conclude that the indemnitee should be entitled to indemnification hereunder.
All determinations to make advance payments in connection with the expense of defending any proceeding shall be authorized and
made in accordance with the immediately succeeding paragraph (c) below.
(c) The Trust shall make advance payments in connection with
the expenses of defending any action with respect to which indemnification might be sought hereunder if the Trust receives a written
affirmation by the indemnitee of the indemnitee's good faith belief that the standards of conduct necessary for indemnification
have been met and a written undertaking to reimburse the Trust unless it is subsequently determined that he is entitled to such
indemnification and if a majority of the Trustees determine that the applicable standards of conduct necessary for indemnification
appear to have been met. In addition, at least one of the following conditions must be met: (1) the indemnitee shall provide adequate
security for his undertaking, (2) the Trust shall be insured against losses arising by reason of any lawful advances, or (3) a
majority of a quorum of the Disinterested Non-Party Trustees, or if a majority vote of such quorum so direct, independent legal
counsel in a written opinion, shall conclude, based on a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry),
that there is substantial reason to believe that the indemnitee ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.
(d) The rights accruing to any indemnitee under these provisions
shall not exclude any other right to which he may be lawfully entitled.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, subject to any limitations
provided by the 1940 Act and this Declaration, the Trust shall have the power and authority to indemnify Persons providing services
to the Trust to the full extent provided by law provided that such indemnification has been approved by a majority of the Trustees.
4.3
No Duty of Investigation; Notice in Trust Instruments, etc.
No purchaser, lender, transfer agent or other person dealing with the Trustees or with any officer, employee or agent of the Trust
shall be bound to make any inquiry concerning the validity of any transaction purporting to be made by the Trustees or by said
officer, employee or agent or be liable for the application of money or property paid, loaned, or delivered to or on the order
of the Trustees or of said officer, employee or agent.
Every obligation, contract, undertaking, instrument, certificate, Share,
other security of the Trust, and every other act or thing whatsoever executed in connection with the Trust shall be conclusively
taken to have been executed or done by the executors thereof only in their capacity as Trustees under this Declaration or in their
capacity as officers, employees or agents of the Trust. The Trustees may maintain insurance for the protection of the Trust Property,
its Shareholders, Trustees, officers, employees and agents in such amount as the Trustees shall deem adequate to cover possible
liability, and such other insurance as the Trustees in their sole judgment shall deem advisable or is required by the 1940 Act.
4.4
Reliance on Experts, etc. Each Trustee and officer or employee
of the Trust shall, in the performance of its duties, be fully and completely justified and protected with regard to any act or
any failure to act resulting from reliance in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Trust, upon an opinion
of counsel, or upon reports made to the Trust by any of the Trust's officers or employees or by any adviser, administrator, manager,
distributor, selected dealer, accountant, appraiser or other expert or consultant selected with reasonable care by the Trustees,
officers or employees of the Trust, regardless of whether such counsel or other person may also be a Trustee.
|
Item 31.
|
Business and Other Connections
of Investment Adviser
|
Clough Capital Partners LP.. serves as investment adviser to the
fund and also serves as adviser to unregistered funds, institutions and high net worth individuals. A description of any other
business, profession, vocation, or employment of a substantial nature in which the investment adviser, and each partner or executive
officer of the investment adviser, is or has been during the past two fiscal years, engaged in for his or her own account or in
the capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee, is set forth in the prospectus contained in this Registration
Statement in the section entitled "Management of the Fund - Investment Adviser."
|
Item 32.
|
Location of Accounts and
Records
|
All applicable accounts, books and documents required to be
maintained by the Registrant by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the Rules promulgated thereunder are in the possession and custody
of the Registrant, c/o ALPS Fund Services, Inc., 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, Colorado 80203.
|
Item 33.
|
Management Services
|
None
(1) The 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.
(2) Not applicable.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) Not applicable.
(5) The Registrant undertakes that:
(a) for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed
as part of the Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in the form of prospectus filed by the Registrant
pursuant to Rule 497(h) under the 1933 Act will be deemed to be a part of the Registration Statement as of the time it was declared
effective; and (b) for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act, each post-effective amendment that contains
a form of prospectus will be deemed to be a new Registration Statement relating to such securities offered therein, and the offering
of the securities at that time will be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(6) 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 B of this Registration Statement.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933
and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement on Form N-2 to be signed
on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Boston, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the
8th day of March, 2021.
|
Clough Global Opportunities Fund
|
|
|
|
|
|
By:
|
/s/Bradley J. Swenson
|
|
|
|
Name: Bradley J. Swenson
|
|
|
|
Title: President
|
|
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
this Registration Statement on Form N-2 has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
/s/ Bradley J. Swenson
|
|
President
|
|
March 8, 2021
|
Bradley J. Swenson
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Edmund J. Burke
|
|
Trustee
|
|
March 8, 2021
|
Edmund J. Burke*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Robert L. Butler
|
|
Trustee
|
|
March 8, 2021
|
Robert L. Butler*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Adam D. Crescenzi
|
|
Trustee
|
|
March 8, 2021
|
Adam D. Crescenzi*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Karen DiGravio
|
|
Trustee
|
|
March 8, 2021
|
Karen DiGravio*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Kevin McNally
|
|
Trustee
|
|
March 8, 2021
|
Kevin McNally*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Jerry G. Rutledge
|
|
Trustee
|
|
March 8, 2021
|
Jerry G. Rutledge*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Vincent W. Versaci
|
|
Trustee
|
|
March 8, 2021
|
Vincent W. Versaci*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Clifford J. Weber
|
|
Trustee
|
|
March 8, 2021
|
Clifford J. Weber*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Kelly McEwen
|
|
Treasurer
|
|
March 8, 2021
|
Kelly McEwen
|
|
|
|
|
* By:
|
/s/ Bradley J. Swenson
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bradley J. Swenson (Attorney-in-Fact)
|
|
|
|
|
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