

Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund is rated a Buy for income-focused investors seeking capital appreciation and steady distributions. NIE offers an 8.7% yield at a -10.5% discount to NAV, with a recently increased quarterly distribution and potential for additional special dividends. The fund employs a 60/40 equity-to-convertible mix, covered call strategies, and no leverage, supporting strong risk-adjusted returns and downside protection.

The Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund offers an 8.68% yield, blending equities and convertibles to provide income and inflation protection. NIE's portfolio is heavily weighted toward technology, with 34.51% sector exposure and high turnover, which could pose risks to investors if AI doesn't deliver the promised gains. Recent distribution was raised 16% to $0.58/share quarterly, fully covered by net realized gains, indicating solid financial health.

The article presents a rigorously screened list of 10 top closed-end funds, or CEFs, for income investors, offering an average 9.8% plus yield and nearly 7.5% NAV discount. Selections emphasize sector diversification, long-term outperformance, sustainable distributions, and attractive valuations, with a focus on both equity and credit-oriented CEFs. CEFs are generally characterized by higher volatility and deeper drawdowns than the broader market. For these reasons, they are not suited for everyone.

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund (NYSE: NIE) today announced it will increase its quarterly distribution from $0.50 per share to $0.58 per share, an increase of 16% or $0.08 per share, effective with the June distribution: Ticker Amount of Distribution Ex-Date/Record Date Payable Date NIE $0.58 June 15, 2026 June 29, 2026 This increase is part of the Fund's ongoing efforts to enhance shareholder value by both seeking to provide a more attractive dist.

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Virtus Artificial Intelligence & Technology Opportunities Fund (NYSE: AIO), Virtus Convertible & Income Fund (NYSE: NCV), Virtus Convertible & Income Fund II (NYSE: NCZ), Virtus Diversified Income & Convertible Fund (NYSE: ACV), Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund (NYSE: NFJ), Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund (NYSE: NIE), Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund (NYSE: VGI), Virtus Stone Harbor Emerging Markets Income.

Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund (NIE) remains a buy, trading at a 10.64% NAV discount and offering a 7.7% yield. NIE's strategy blends equities and convertibles, with a heavy technology allocation and option writing to amplify income but limit NAV growth. The fund's distributions are well-covered by earnings, but rely heavily on net realized gains, exposing NAV to market downturns.

Virtus Equity and Convertible Income Fund (NYSE: NIE - Get Free Report) was the target of a significant increase in short interest in March. As of March 31st, there was short interest totaling 31,338 shares, an increase of 59.4% from the March 15th total of 19,663 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 77,822 shares,

HARTFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Virtus Equity & Convertible Income Fund (NYSE: NIE) today announced the following quarterly distribution: Ticker Amount of Distribution Ex-Date/Record Date Payable Date NIE $0.50 March 16, 2026 March 30, 2026 Under the terms of its Managed Distribution Plan, the Fund will seek to maintain a consistent distribution level that may be paid in part or in full, from net investment income and realized capital gains, or a combination thereof. Shareholders should n.