Skip to main content
RiverNorth

4Q23 Audio Commentary: RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc. (RIV), RiverNorth Capital and Income Fund, Inc. (RSF), RiverNorth Core Opportunity Fund (RNCIX/RNCOX) and RiverNorth/Oaktree High Income Fund (RNHIX/RNOTX)

Members of RiverNorth’s investment team provide a high-level overview of the positioning, performance and outlook of RiverNorth’s registered funds.


Speakers:

  • Steve O’Neill, CFA
    Portfolio Manager

Moderator:

  • Chris Lakumb, CFA, CAIA
    Investor Relations

Transcript

Note: To jump to sections and specific fund audio, mouseover the progress bar or click the chapters icon in the video player.

Financial Professional Use Only

Opinions and estimates offered constitute our judgment and are subject to change without notice, as are statements of financial market trends, which are based on current market conditions. We believe the information provided here is reliable, but do not warrant its accuracy or completeness. This material is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. The views and strategies described may not be suitable for all investors. This information is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal, or investment advice. References to specific securities, asset classes, and financial markets are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as, recommendations. Opinions referenced are as of the day presented and are subject to change due to changes in the market, economic conditions, or changes in the legal and/or regulatory environment and may not necessarily come to pass.

Standardized Performance as of 12.31.2023


Closed-End Funds
TickerInception Date1 Year5 Year10 YearSince Inception
RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc.XRIVX12.24.201515.74%8.66%– –7.77%
RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc.RIV12.24.20152.50%6.07%– –5.76%
RiverNorth Capital & Income Fund, Inc.XRSFX9.22.20168.48%4.77%– –4.41%
RiverNorth Capital & Income Fund, Inc.RSF9.22.20163.74%4.14%– –3.97%
Mutual Funds
RiverNorth Core Opportunity FundRNCOX12.27.200613.09%8.12%6.00%7.11%
RiverNorth Core Opportunity FundRNCIX8.11.201413.39%8.40%– –6.03%
RiverNorth/Oaktree High Income FundRNHIX12.28.201212.30%4.52%3.77%3.95%
RiverNorth/Oaktree High Income FundRNOTX12.28.201212.03%4.26%3.50%3.69%

Performance data quoted represents past performance, which is not a guarantee of future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted. The principal value and investment return of an investment will fluctuate so that your shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. You can obtain performance data current to the most recent month end by calling 844.569.4750 for RiverNorth Closed-End Funds. Total return measures net investment income and capital gain or loss from portfolio investments. All performance shown assumes reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions.

Definitions

  • Net Asset Value is the net value of an investment fund’s assets less its liabilities, divided by the number of shares outstanding.
  • The price at which a closed-end fund trades often varies from its NAV. Some funds have market prices below their net asset values – referred to as a discount. Conversely, some funds have market prices above their net asset values – referred to as a premium.
  • Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC) is a company with no commercial operations that is formed strictly to raise capital through an initial public offering (IPO) for the purpose of acquiring an existing company.
  • Business Development Company (BDC) is an organization that invests in small- and medium-sized companies as well as distressed companies. A BDC helps the small- and medium-sized firms grow in the initial stages of their development.
  • Alpha is a measure of performance on a risk-adjusted basis. The excess return of a fund relative to the return of the benchmark index is a fund’s alpha.
  • “Yield” refers to the earnings generated and realized on an investment over a particular period of time.
  • Dry powder refers to the cash reserves an individual company proactively maintains so that it can meet its obligations during times of economic stress.
  • A Treasury bill (T-Bill) is a short-term U.S. government debt obligation backed by the Treasury Department with a maturity of one year or less.
  • Municipal bond closed-end funds are defined as funds that invest in a diversified portfolio of investment-grade municipal bonds in a variety of sectors and States.
  • Deleveraging is when a company attempts to decrease its total financial leverage. Deleveraging is the reduction of debt and the opposite of leveraging.
  • A rally is a period of sustained increases in the prices of stocks, bonds, or related indexes.
  • Top-down and bottom-up approaches are methods used to analyze and choose securities. Top-down approach generally focuses on macro-economic factors, and bottom up approach focuses on the fundamentals of a security.
  • A bank loan is a debt financing obligation, issued by a bank or similar financial institution.
  • High-yield bonds are bonds that pay higher interest rates because they have lower credit ratings than investment-grade bonds.
  • Investment Company Debt (ICD) – Investment notes are non-equity securities. Notes typically obligate issuers to repay creditor the principal loan, in addition to any interest payments, at a predetermined date.
  • Short term notes payable are obligations to pay a specified sum, plus interest, within one year.
  • Investment grade refers to the quality of a company’s credit. To be considered an investment grade issue, the company must be rated at ‘BBB’ or higher by Standard and Poor’s or Moody’s.
  • Square Capital (small business loans) is an invitation-only advance on the sales that retailers make through Square’s point of sales system. It’s essentially a merchant cash advance, meaning that you pay a fixed fee rather than interest and repay the funds with a percentage of your daily sales.
  • Duration is a measure of the sensitivity of the price of a bond or other debt instrument to a change in interest rates. Duration is non-linear and accelerates as time to maturity lessens.
  • Leverage results from using borrowed capital as a funding source when investing to expand the firm’s asset base and generate returns on risk capital.
  • Hybrid closed-end funds are funds investing in both equity and fixed-income securities in U.S. and foreign countries, with an emphasis on developed countries.
  • A hedge is a strategy that seeks to limit risk exposures in financial assets. Generally, by taking an offsetting position in an asset or investment that reduces the price risk of an existing position.

Risk Information: Detailed information regarding the risks associated with RiverNorth Closed-End Funds and RiverNorth Mutual Funds can be found in each Fund’s prospectus, respectively.

RiverNorth Closed End Funds:

The price at which a closed-end fund trades often varies from its net asset value (NAV). Some funds have market prices below their NAVs – referred to as a discount. Conversely, some funds have market prices above their NAVs – referred to as a premium. Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Diversification does not ensure a profit or a guarantee against loss.

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 Common Shares, you should consider the risks as well as the other information in the prospectus. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. An investment in the Funds are not appropriate for all investors and is not intended to be a complete investment program. The Funds are designed as long-term investments and not as a trading vehicles. The Funds are closed-end funds and do not continuously issue shares for sale as open-end mutual funds do. Since the initial public offering, the Funds trade in the secondary market. Investors wishing to buy or sell shares need to place orders through an intermediary or broker. The share price of a closed-end fund is based on the market’s value.

RiverNorth Opportunities Fund, Inc. (RIV): By investing in high yield bonds you may be subjected to greater price volatility based on fluctuations in issuer and credit quality. When investing in bonds, you are subject, but not limited to, the same interest rate, inflation and credit risks associated with the underlying bonds owned by the Fund. Investments may include securities that have a rating that below investment grade, including “high yield” securities. High yield bonds are subject to interest rate risk. If rates increase, the value generally declines. Leverage is a speculative technique that exposes a closed-end fund to greater risk and increased costs than if it were not used. The use of leverage may cause greater volatility in the level of a closed-end fund’s NAV, market price and distributions on its common shares. Leverage will also result in higher fees to the closed-end fund manager because the amount of assets under management will be included in the Fund’s managed assets. There can be no assurance that a closed-end fund will use leverage or that its leveraging strategy will be successful during any period in which it is employed.

RiverNorth Credit and Income Fund, Inc. (RSF): The profitability of specialty finance and other financial companies is largely dependent upon the availability and cost of capital funds, and may fluctuate significantly in response to changes in interest rates, as well as changes in general economic conditions If the borrower of Alternative Credit (as defined below) in which the Fund invests is unable to make its payments on a loan, the Fund may be greatly limited in its ability to recover any outstanding principal and interest under such loan, as (among other reasons) the Fund may not have direct recourse against the borrower or may otherwise be limited in its ability to directly enforce its rights under the loan, whether through the borrower or the platform through which such loan was originated, the loan may be unsecured or under collateralized, and/or it may be impracticable to commence a legal proceeding against the defaulting borrower. Substantially all of the Alternative Credit in which the Fund invests will not be guaranteed or insured by a third party. In addition, the Alternative Credit Instruments in which the Fund may invest will not be backed by any governmental authority. Prospective borrowers supply a variety of information regarding the purpose of the loan, income, occupation and employment status (as applicable) to the lending platforms. As a general matter, platforms do not verify the majority of this information, which may be incomplete, inaccurate, false or misleading. Prospective borrowers may misrepresent any of the information they provide to the platforms, including their intentions for the use of the loan proceeds. Alternative Credit Instruments are generally not rated by the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (“NRSROs”). Such unrated instruments, however, are considered to be comparable in quality to securities falling into any of the ratings categories used by such NRSROs to classify “junk” bonds (i.e., below investment grade securities). Accordingly, the Fund’s unrated Alternative Credit Instrument investments constitute highly risky and speculative investments similar to investments in “junk” bonds, notwithstanding that the Fund is not permitted to invest in loans that are of subprime quality at the time of investment. Although the Fund is not permitted to invest in loans that are of subprime quality at the time of investment, an investment in the Fund’s Shares should be considered speculative and involving a high degree of risk, including the risk of loss of investment. There can be no assurance that payments due on underlying loans, including Alternative Credit, will be made.

RiverNorth Mutual Funds:

RiverNorth Core Opportunity Fund (RNCIX/RNCOX): Borrowing Risk – borrowings increase fund expenses and are subject to repayment, possibly at inopportune times. Closed-End Fund Risk – closed-end funds are exchange traded, may trade at a discount to their net asset values and may deploy leverage. Derivatives Risk – derivatives are subject to counterparty risk. Equity Risk – equity securities may experience volatility and the value of equity securities may move in opposite directions from each other and from other equity markets generally. Convertible Security Risk – the market value of convertible securities adjusts with interest rates and the value of the underlying stock. Exchange Traded Note Risk – exchange traded notes represent unsecured debt of the issuer and may be influenced by interest rates, credit ratings of the issuer or changes in value of the reference index. Fixed Income Risk – the market value of fixed income securities adjusts with interest rates and the securities are subject to issuer default. Foreign/Emerging Market Risk – foreign securities may be subject to inefficient or volatile markets, different regulatory regimes or different tax policies. These risks may be enhanced in emerging markets. Investment Style Risk – investment strategies may come in and out of favor with investors and may underperform or outperform at times. Management Risk – there is no guarantee that the adviser’s investment decisions will produce the desired results. Large Shareholder Purchase and Redemption Risk – The Fund may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund. Market Risk – economic conditions, interest rates and political events may affect the securities markets. Preferred Stock Risk – preferred stocks generally pay dividends, but may be less liquid than common stocks, have less priority than debt instruments and may be subject to redemption by the issuer. REIT Risk – the value of REITs changes with the value of the underlying properties and changes in interest rates and are subject to additional fees. Security Risk – The value of the Fund may decrease in response to the activities and financial prospects of individual securities in the Fund’s portfolio. Short Sale Risk – short positions are speculative, are subject to transaction costs and are riskier than long positions in securities. Small-Cap Risk – small-cap companies are more susceptible to failure, are often thinly traded and have more volatile stock prices. Structured Notes Risk – because of the imbedded derivative feature, structured notes are subject to more risk than investing in a simple note or bond. Swap Risk – swap agreements are subject to counterparty default risk and may not perform as intended. Tax Risk – new federal or state governmental action could adversely affect the tax-exempt status of securities held by the Fund, resulting in higher tax liability for shareholders and potentially hurting Fund performance as well. Underlying Fund Risk – underlying funds have additional fees, may utilize leverage, may not correlate to an intended index and may trade at a discount to their net asset values. Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) have no operating history or ongoing business other than to seek a potential acquisition. Certain SPACs may seek acquisitions only in limited industries or regions,which may increase the volatility of their prices. Investments in SPACs may be illiquid and/or be subject to restrictions on resale. To the extent the SPAC is invested in cash or similar securities, this may impact a Fund’s ability to meet its investment objective.

RiverNorth/Oaktree High Income Fund (RNHIX/RNOTX): Borrowing Risk – borrowings increase fund expenses and are subject to repayment, possibly at inopportune times. Closed- End Fund Risk – closed-end funds are exchange traded, may trade at a discount to their net asset values and may deploy leverage. Convertible Security Risk – the market value of convertible securities adjusts with interest rates and the value of the underlying stock. Credit Derivatives Risk – the use of credit derivatives is highly specialized, involves default, counterparty and liquidity risks and may not perfectly correlate to the underlying asset or liability being hedged. Currency Risk – foreign currencies will rise or decline relative to the U.S. dollar. Derivatives Risk – derivatives are subject to counterparty risk. Distressed and Defaulted Securities Risk – defaulted securities carry the risk of uncertainty of repayment. Equity Risk – equity securities may experience volatility and the value of equity securities may move in opposite directions from each other and from other equity markets generally. Exchange Traded Note Risk – exchange traded notes represent unsecured debt of the issuer and may be influenced by interest rates, credit ratings of the issuer or changes in value of the reference index. Fixed Income Risk – the market value of fixed income securities adjusts with interest rates and the securities are subject to issuer default. Foreign/Emerging Market Risk – foreign securities may be subject to inefficient or volatile markets, different regulatory regimes or different tax policies. These risks may be enhanced in emerging markets. Floating Interest Rate Risk – loans pay interest based on the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and a decline in LIBOR could negatively impact the Fund’s return. Investment Style Risk – investment strategies may come in and out of favor with investors and may underperform or outperform at times. Large Shareholder Purchase and Redemption Risk – The Fund may experience adverse effects when certain large shareholders purchase or redeem large amounts of shares of the Fund. Liquidity Risk – illiquid investments may be difficult or impossible to sell. Loans Risk – loans may be unrated or rated below investment grade and the pledged collateral may lose value. Secondary trading in loans is not fully developed and may result in illiquidity. Management Risk – there is no guarantee that the adviser’s or sub-adviser’s investment decisions will produce the desired results. Market Risk – economic conditions, interest rates and political events may affect the securities markets. Preferred Stock Risk – preferred stocks generally pay dividends, but may be less liquid than common stocks, have less priority than debt instruments and may be subject to redemption by the issuer. Security Risk – the value of the Fund may increase or decrease in response to the prospects of the issuers of securities and loans held in the Fund. Swap Risk – swap agreements are subject to counterparty default risk and may not perform as intended. Tax Risk – new federal or state governmental action could adversely affect the tax-exempt status of securities held by the Fund, resulting in higher tax liability for shareholders and potentially hurting Fund performance as well. Underlying Fund Risk – underlying funds have additional fees, may utilize leverage, may not correlate to an intended index and may trade at a discount to their net asset values. Valuation Risk – Loans and fixed-income securities are traded “over the counter” and because there is no centralized information regarding trading, the valuation of loans and fixed-income securities may vary.

Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of RiverNorth’s mutual funds (or Investment Companies) carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus containing this and other important information, please call 888.848.7569 or visit rivernorth.com. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Open-end mutual funds are distributed by ALPS Distributors Inc., FINRA Member firm. RiverNorth is not affiliated with ALPS.

NOT FDIC INSURED – NO BANK GUARANTEE – MAY LOSE VALUE

You are now leaving www.rivernorth.com and will be redirected to an external website. RiverNorth is not responsible for the content of external websites. RiverNorth does not endorse this web site, its sponsor, or any of the policies, activities, products or services offered on the site, or by any advertiser on the site. RiverNorth has no control of the content or data shown on this site, and while RiverNorth has no reason to doubt the reliability of the data shown, its accuracy is not guaranteed. Furthermore, RiverNorth takes no responsibility for the accuracy or factual correctness of any information posted to third party web sites.

RiverNorth partners with Variety Capital Limited to offer non-US institutional investors our CEF arbitrage strategy in a UCITS structure.

You are now leaving www.rivernorth.com and will be redirected to an external website. RiverNorth is not responsible for the content of external websites, and linking to an external website from www.rivernorth.com does not constitute an offer to sell a security. RiverNorth does not endorse this website, its sponsor, or any of the policies, activities, products or services offered on the site, or by any advertisers on the site. RiverNorth has no control of the content or data shown on this site, and while RiverNorth has no reason to doubt the reliability of the data shown, its accuracy is not guaranteed. Furthermore, RiverNorth takes no responsibility for the accuracy or factual correctness of any information posted to third party web sites.