In spite of interest rates that appear to be pretty sticky in the 4.48% area the last few days we have seen preferreds and baby bonds move a bit higher. Of course optimally interest rates drifting lower would have been helpful for a bigger push up.
I did make 1 modest buy on Monday–I bought the RiverNorth Doubleline Strategic Opportunity Fund 4.75% preferred (OPP-B) at $19.20/share–a current yield of around 6.24% at the time of purchase. Strongly investment grade this CEF preferred allows a safe investment with decent capital gain potential if interest rates move lower. On the other hand if rates move higher and shares get whacked somewhat my dividend is safe.
I am forced to continue to make modest buys multiple times each week as CDs mature and I want to move my current portfolio yield higher I need to invest a portion of my CD proceeds in something above 6% or so—although a 4.30% CD feels very comfortable.
May is turning out to be a decent month thus far–April was green, but most of the month it was red. The last time I had a monthly loss was in April, 2024, but 2025 has been a slow grind higher–no months gaining 1% like last year. Here is a chart from 1 of 5 accounts I am working with–
–pretty typical of our accounts. I am hopeful to move the monthly gains up into the .6-.7% area–but who knows. I am certain that many folks have exceeded my gains because I am so conservative and my perpetual holdings were minimal through these months.
Well let’s see what these markets bring us next!!
Hi Tim…..what’s preventing you from pulling the trigger on the new Wintrust issue 7.875% WFTPV to help boost your overall yield a smidgen…Inquiring minds want to know?….lol….I have wtfcp wtfcm and the otc ticker wtfpv…..overweighted….expecting all of the (p) & at least half or all of the (m) with the 17million soon to be (n) issue