High-Yield Income Closed-End Portfolio, Series 93
One thing that has not changed over the years is the need for some investors to earn high current income. Investors willing to assume certain credit and market risks have the potential to earn a high level of current monthly income by investing in high-yield bonds. The High-Yield Income Closed-End Portfolio is comprised of a well-diversified pool of closed-end funds that invest in U.S. and foreign high-yield bonds.
Although subject to greater risks, high-yield bond investors have historically
received greater returns from their high-yield investments than investment grade
bond investors. Of course, there can be no assurance that high-yield securities
will outperform investment grade bonds in the future or that the default rate
on high-yield securities will not rise.
Closed-End Features
Income Distributions
Closed-end funds are structured to generally provide a more stable income stream
than other managed fixed-income investment products because they are not subjected
to cash inflows and outflows, which can dilute dividends over time. However,
as a result of bond calls, redemptions and advanced refundings, which can dilute
a fund's income, the portfolio cannot guarantee consistent income. Although
one of the portfolio's objectives is to seek a high rate of current monthly
income, there is no assurance the objective will be met.
Portfolio Control
Since closed-end funds maintain a relatively fixed pool of investment capital,
portfolio managers are better able to adhere to their investment philosophies
through greater flexibility and control. In addition, closed-end funds don't
have to manage fund liquidity to meet potentially large redemptions.
Portfolio Objectives
This unit investment trust seeks a high rate of current monthly income, with capital appreciation as a secondary objective. There is, however, no assurance that the objectives will be achieved.
Not FDIC Insured Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value |
You should consider the portfolio's investment objectives, risks, and
charges and expenses carefully before investing. Contact your financial professional
or call First Trust Portfolios, L.P. at 1.800.621.1675 to request a prospectus,
which contains this and other information about the portfolio. Read it carefully
before you invest.
Risk Considerations
An investment in this unmanaged unit investment trust should be made with
an understanding of the risks associated with an investment in a portfolio of high-yield closed-end funds.
Closed-end funds are subject to various risks, including management’s ability to meet the fund’s investment objective, and to manage the fund’s portfolio when the underlying securities are redeemed or sold, during periods of
market turmoil and as investors’ perceptions regarding the funds or their underlying investments change. Unlike open-end funds, which trade at prices based on a current determination of the fund’s net asset value, closed-end
funds frequently trade at a discount to their net asset value in the secondary market. Certain closed-end funds employ the use of leverage, which increases the volatility of such funds.
All of the closed-end funds invest in floating-rate securities. A floating-rate security is an instrument in which the interest rate payable on the obligation fluctuates on a periodic basis based upon changes in an interest rate
benchmark. As a result, the yield on such a security will generally decline in a falling interest rate environment, causing the trust to experience a reduction in the income it receives from such securities. All of the floating-rate
securities pay interest based on LIBOR. Due to the uncertainty regarding the future utilization of LIBOR and the nature of any replacement rate, the potential effect of a transition away from LIBOR on a fund or the financial
instruments in which the fund invests cannot yet be determined.
All of the closed-end funds invest in high-yield securities or “junk” bonds. Investing in high-yield securities should be viewed as speculative and you should review your ability to assume the risks associated with investments
that utilize such bonds. High-yield securities are subject to numerous risks including higher interest rates, economic recession, deterioration of the junk bond market, possible downgrades and defaults of interest and/or
principal. High-yield security prices tend to fluctuate more than higher rated bonds and are affected by short-term credit developments to a greater degree.
Certain of the closed-end funds invest in limited duration bonds. Limited duration bonds are subject to interest rate risk, which is the risk that the value of a security will fall if interest rates increase. While limited duration
bonds are generally subject to less interest rate sensitivity than longer duration bonds, there can be no assurance that interest rates will not rise during the life of the trust.
All of the closed-end funds invest in senior loans. The yield on closed-end funds which invest in senior loans
will generally decline in a falling interest rate environment and increase in a rising interest rate environment.
Senior loans are generally below investment grade quality (“junk” bonds). An investment in senior loans
involves the risk that the borrowers may default on their obligations to pay principal or interest when due.
All of the closed end funds invest in covenant-lite loans which contain fewer or no maintenance covenants
and may hinder the closed end funds’ ability to reprice credit risk and mitigate potential loss especially during
a downturn in the credit cycle.
An investment which includes securities issued by foreign issuers should be made with an understanding of
the additional risks involved such as currency and interest rate fluctuations, nationalization or other adverse
political or economic developments, lack of liquidity of certain foreign markets, withholding, the lack of adequate
financial information, and exchange control restrictions impacting foreign issuers.
About one year after the United Kingdom officially departed the European Union (commonly referred to as
“Brexit”), the United Kingdom and the European Union reached a trade agreement that became effective
on December 31, 2020. It is not currently possible to determine the extent of the impact the Brexit trade
agreement may have on the portfolio’s investments and this certainly could negatively impact current and
future economic conditions in the United Kingdom and other countries, which could negatively impact the
value of the portfolio’s investments.
This UIT is a buy and hold strategy and investors should consider their ability to hold the trust until
maturity. There may be tax consequences unless units are purchased in an IRA or other qualified plan.
The value of the securities held by the trust may be subject to steep declines or increased volatility
due to changes in performance or perception of the issuers.
As the use of Internet technology has become more prevalent in the course of business, the trust
has become more susceptible to potential operational risks through breaches in cybersecurity.
The COVID-19 global pandemic has resulted in major disruptions to economies and markets around the world. Financial markets have experienced extreme volatility and severe losses, negatively impacting global economic
growth prospects. The duration of the COVID-19 outbreak and its effects cannot be determined with certainty and may exacerbate other political, social and economic risks.
It is important to note that an investment can be made in the underlying funds directly rather than
through the trust. These direct investments can be made without paying the trust’s sales charge,
operating expenses and organizational costs.
For a discussion of additional risks of investing in the trust see the “Risk Factors” section of the prospectus.