What's your favorite income/fixed income sources?

[dobig]

Trying to build out a fixed income basket and wanted to see what are the favorite stock, bonds, preferreds, cefs, etc,. that others like. Not inluding covered call income funds but feel free to add if you wish.

For myself here are some I like.


HTD - 7.3% yield. No nav erosion and history of dividend increases minus the GFC.

UTG - 5.6% yield. Utility Cef. History of asset and dividend appreciation. I buy when price is at a discount to Nav.

WFCPRL - 6.3% yield. Busted preferred. WFC common would need to reach $203/share for 20 days out of 30 for shares to be converted to common (around $1,300 conversion).

PFFA - 10.1% yield. Actively managed preferred etf. Uses leverage. Risk of nav erosion.

HOSIX/HOSAX - 6.7% yield. Active management income fund. 85% investment grade.

PIMIX - 5.99% yield. Steady Eddy PIMCO income fund. Stable nav.

 

[YellowSubmarine]

My income producing equities, less ETF and Mutual Funds:

Quote data as of 05/05/2026.
Symbol	Description		Ex-Date	yield
ADAMH	Adamas 9 875 Senior Notes Due 2030	3/13/2026​	4/1/2026​	9.64%​
ADX	Adams Diversified Equity Fund,	4/27/2026​	5/29/2026​	7.83%​
ARCC	Ares Capital		6/30/2026​	10.01%​	​
ASGI	Abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund	4/22/2026​	4/30/2026​	10.68%​
ATLCZ	Atlanticus Holding 9 25 Senior Notes Due 2029	4/1/2026​	4/15/2026​	9.12%​
BGH	Barings Global Short Duration High Yield Fund	5/19/2026​	6/1/2026​	11.95%​
CHY	Calamos Convertible and High Income Closed Fund	5/14/2026​	5/21/2026​	9.60%​
EMO	Clearbridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Closed End Fund	5/21/2026​	5/29/2026​	8.40%​
ETV	Eaton Vance Tax Managed Buy Write Opportunities Closed Fund	5/15/2026​	5/29/2026​	8.17%​
FDUS	Fidus Investment		3/30/2026​	11.01%​	​
FSCO	Fs Credit Opportunities	4/23/2026​	4/30/2026​	14.00%​
GOF	Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Mutual Fund	5/15/2026​	5/29/2026​	19.15%​
NEA	Nuveen Amt-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund	5/15/2026​	6/1/2026​	7.48%​
NLY/PJ	Annaly Cap Mgmt Cum Red Fixed Pref Shs Ser J	3/2/2026​	3/31/2026​	8.51%​
NMCO	Nuveen Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund	5/15/2026​	6/1/2026​	7.70%​
NML	Neuberger Energy Infra and Income Fund	5/15/2026​	5/29/2026​	6.84%​
NZF	Nuveen Municipal Credit Income Fund	5/15/2026​	6/1/2026​	7.69%​
PCN	Pimco Corporate & Income Strategy Fund	5/11/2026​	6/1/2026​	11.23%​
PDI	Pimco Dynamic Income Fund	5/11/2026​	6/1/2026​	15.11%​
PHK	Pimco High Income Fund	5/11/2026​	6/1/2026​	12.33%​
PTY	Pimco Corporate & Income Opportunity Fund	5/11/2026​	6/1/2026​	11.63%​
RITM	Rithm Capital		4/30/2026​	10.37%​	​
RLTY	Cohen & Steers Real Estate Opps and Income Fund	5/12/2026​	5/29/2026​	8.39%​
STK	Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund	2/17/2026​	2/24/2026​	5.50%​
THQ	Abrdn Healthcare Opportunities Fund	4/22/2026​	4/30/2026​	11.86%​
UTF	Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund	5/12/2026​	5/29/2026​	6.93%​
UTG	Reaves Utility Income Closed Fund	5/18/2026​	5/29/2026​	5.52%​
WRB/PE	Wr Berkley 5.70 Subordinated Debentures Due 2058	3/13/2026​	3/30/2026​	6.58%​
				x=9.76%

 

[big-papa]

TIPS, in ladder form. One maturity per year. I don't care about the yield because it only mattered when I made the purchase and I have no plans to sell any before maturity.
Coupons and maturing TIPS buffered for spending over the course of a year using ultra-short TIPS funds (ICPI & RBIL): ICPI current 30 day nominal yield 5.88% with RBIL at 4.03% - I use these because I want the possibility of some immunity to shorter term inflation spikes between maturities/coupon payments.

ICSH which holds a chunk of money for home improvements: 30 day yield: 4.06% A "good enough" place to hold money for which I only know the need is vaguely "soon".

Cheers.

 

[Montecfo]

Trying to build out a fixed income basket and wanted to see what are the favorite stock, bonds, preferreds, cefs, etc,. that others like. Not inluding covered call income funds but feel free to add if you wish.

Hi Dobig,

I tend to not invest in ultra high yield type vehicles for a couple of reasons: I view the higher yield as a marker for higher risk and 2) I generally prefer bond type investments for my safe money.

Having said that, here we go.

For myself here are some I like.


HTD - 7.3% yield. No nav erosion and history of dividend increases minus the GFC.

I think the performance is pretty uneven here. Feast or famine.

UTG - 5.6% yield. Utility Cef. History of asset and dividend appreciation. I buy when price is at a discount to Nav.

I like this fund and your strategy is spot on. I have followed but never owned as I did not one to over focus on a single sector. But I am rethinking that as I think there is good growth in utilities going forward.

WFCPRL - 6.3% yield. Busted preferred. WFC common would need to reach $203/share for 20 days out of 30 for shares to be converted to common (around $1,300 conversion).

It's an interesting holding. Not sure why you would hold this compared fo PFFA.

PFFA - 10.1% yield. Actively managed preferred etf. Uses leverage. Risk of nav erosion.

This one will be highly sensitive fo higher rates.It also has credit risk, with 50% of holdings unrated. It would be good in a declining rate environment but I would prefer more safety.

HOSIX/HOSAX - 6.7% yield. Active management income fund. 85% investment grade.

I like this one a good bit. Low effective duration, high sharpe. But YTD total return is .49% which is unimpressive but at least positive. Might not be a bad entry point. Very short track record.

PIMIX - 5.99% yield. Steady Eddy PIMCO income fund. Stable nav.

I like and own it.

Also EGRAX, to get some international and currencies exposure. It is higher risk than typical but has a great track record (though a bit of a black box).

Most of my income portfolio is laddered bonds. A.bit.boring but good. Have also owned some bank loan (variable) CEF and OE funds which did really well in the rising rate environment. Not holding currently.

In my low beta portfolio, I look for growth and income. So while I spend the dividends I am mainly looking for total return. And these can really hit. Examples ABBV and AVGO were much higher yielding when I bought them but have outgrown their low yields.. Similar with MS whereas VZ has been primarily income but has generated surprising growth.

So different approaches but we have some commonality.

 

[COcheesehead]

What’s your goal? Current income, diversification, a balancing asset? Tell me what your goal is.

 

[target2019]

Cisco CSCO stock is a favorite. Then Abbvie ABBV, and Blackstone BX.

 

[Flyfish1]

Trying to build out a fixed income basket and wanted to see what are the favorite stock, bonds, preferreds, cefs, etc,. that others like. Not inluding covered call income funds but feel free to add if you wish.

For myself here are some I like.


HTD - 7.3% yield. No nav erosion and history of dividend increases minus the GFC.

UTG - 5.6% yield. Utility Cef. History of asset and dividend appreciation. I buy when price is at a discount to Nav.

WFCPRL - 6.3% yield. Busted preferred. WFC common would need to reach $203/share for 20 days out of 30 for shares to be converted to common (around $1,300 conversion).

PFFA - 10.1% yield. Actively managed preferred etf. Uses leverage. Risk of nav erosion.

HOSIX/HOSAX - 6.7% yield. Active management income fund. 85% investment grade.

PIMIX - 5.99% yield. Steady Eddy PIMCO income fund. Stable nav.

I have quite a few. Listed below - one point you mentioned you wanted to build a fixed income basket. UTG does not fall in that camp - I own it and it's been great but it's portfolio is 99.4% stock.
The list below is only my "fixed income " component of the portfolio.

AVK

BHK

BKT

CCD

CHMI-A

CIM-C

DFP

DLY

DMO

DSL

ETG

FAX

GHI

GHY

HIO

HYT

IGD

ISD

JPC

LTSAP

NEA

NFJ

NVG

PAXS

PDI

PDO

PFFA

PHK

PTA

PTY

RMM

SACH-A

 

[connor77]

My income producing equities, less ETF and Mutual Funds:

Quote data as of 05/05/2026.
Symbol	Description		Ex-Date	yield
ADAMH	Adamas 9 875 Senior Notes Due 2030	3/13/2026​	4/1/2026​	9.64%​
ADX	Adams Diversified Equity Fund,	4/27/2026​	5/29/2026​	7.83%​
ARCC	Ares Capital		6/30/2026​	10.01%​	​
ASGI	Abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund	4/22/2026​	4/30/2026​	10.68%​
ATLCZ	Atlanticus Holding 9 25 Senior Notes Due 2029	4/1/2026​	4/15/2026​	9.12%​
BGH	Barings Global Short Duration High Yield Fund	5/19/2026​	6/1/2026​	11.95%​
CHY	Calamos Convertible and High Income Closed Fund	5/14/2026​	5/21/2026​	9.60%​
EMO	Clearbridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Closed End Fund	5/21/2026​	5/29/2026​	8.40%​
ETV	Eaton Vance Tax Managed Buy Write Opportunities Closed Fund	5/15/2026​	5/29/2026​	8.17%​
FDUS	Fidus Investment		3/30/2026​	11.01%​	​
FSCO	Fs Credit Opportunities	4/23/2026​	4/30/2026​	14.00%​
GOF	Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Mutual Fund	5/15/2026​	5/29/2026​	19.15%​
NEA	Nuveen Amt-Free Quality Municipal Income Fund	5/15/2026​	6/1/2026​	7.48%​
NLY/PJ	Annaly Cap Mgmt Cum Red Fixed Pref Shs Ser J	3/2/2026​	3/31/2026​	8.51%​
NMCO	Nuveen Municipal Credit Opportunities Fund	5/15/2026​	6/1/2026​	7.70%​
NML	Neuberger Energy Infra and Income Fund	5/15/2026​	5/29/2026​	6.84%​
NZF	Nuveen Municipal Credit Income Fund	5/15/2026​	6/1/2026​	7.69%​
PCN	Pimco Corporate & Income Strategy Fund	5/11/2026​	6/1/2026​	11.23%​
PDI	Pimco Dynamic Income Fund	5/11/2026​	6/1/2026​	15.11%​
PHK	Pimco High Income Fund	5/11/2026​	6/1/2026​	12.33%​
PTY	Pimco Corporate & Income Opportunity Fund	5/11/2026​	6/1/2026​	11.63%​
RITM	Rithm Capital		4/30/2026​	10.37%​	​
RLTY	Cohen & Steers Real Estate Opps and Income Fund	5/12/2026​	5/29/2026​	8.39%​
STK	Columbia Seligman Premium Technology Growth Fund	2/17/2026​	2/24/2026​	5.50%​
THQ	Abrdn Healthcare Opportunities Fund	4/22/2026​	4/30/2026​	11.86%​
UTF	Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund	5/12/2026​	5/29/2026​	6.93%​
UTG	Reaves Utility Income Closed Fund	5/18/2026​	5/29/2026​	5.52%​
WRB/PE	Wr Berkley 5.70 Subordinated Debentures Due 2058	3/13/2026​	3/30/2026​	6.58%​
				x=9.76%

Yellowsubmarine - if you had to pick 5 of what you listed, which ones would you consider the 5 safest? I realize safe is relative. I have more in CD's right now than I'd like so I'm looking for something that will pay me a bit more without considerably more risk.

 

[target2019]

Thread title covers the world of income.

"What's your favorite income/fixed income sources?"

Somehow the discussion turns to fixed income only?

 

[razztazz]

Thread title covers the world of income.

"What's your favorite income/fixed income sources?"

Somehow the discussion turns to fixed income only?

Because annuities are generally poo-poo'd on most/all investment/retiree forums
If you mention w.o.r.k. it's: Out on the street for you, as it should be.
I can't think of a third option

 

[dobig]

What’s your goal? Current income, diversification, a balancing asset? Tell me what your goal is.

Same reason I'm moving back into some of the alternatives you like. Risk management and diversification. We were allocated just way too top heavy in the market and need a more balanced retirement appropriate allocation.

This is for our retirement accounts we can't touch for another 4+ years when we're 59 1/2. Trying to find the sweet spot between the safety of treasuries/cds and higher yielding instruments that will keep up with inflation.

 

[COcheesehead]

Hi Dobig,

I tend to not invest in ultra high yield type vehicles for a couple of reasons: I view the higher yield as a marker for higher risk and 2) I generally prefer bond type investments for my safe money.

Having said that, here we go.


I think the performance is pretty uneven here. Feast or famine.

I like this fund and your strategy is spot on. I have followed but never owned as I did not one to over focus on a single sector. But I am rethinking that as I think there is good growth in utilities going forward.

It's an interesting holding. Not sure why you would hold this compared fo PFFA.


This one will be highly sensitive fo higher rates.It also has credit risk, with 50% of holdings unrated. It would be good in a declining rate environment but I would prefer more safety.


I like this one a good bit. Low effective duration, high sharpe. But YTD total return is .49% which is unimpressive but at least positive. Might not be a bad entry point. Very short track record.


I like and own it.

Also EGRAX, to get some international and currencies exposure. It is higher risk than typical but has a great track record (though a bit of a black box).

Most of my income portfolio is laddered bonds. A.bit.boring but good. Have also owned some bank loan (variable) CEF and OE funds which did really well in the rising rate environment. Not holding currently.

In my low beta portfolio, I look for growth and income. So while I spend the dividends I am mainly looking for total return. And these can really hit. Examples ABBV and AVGO were much higher yielding when I bought them but have outgrown their low yields.. Similar with MS whereas VZ has been primarily income but has generated surprising growth.

So different approaches but we have some commonality.

HOSAX YTD is 1.66%

 

[target2019]

Because annuities are generally poop-poo'd on most/all investment/retiree forums
If you mention w.o.r.k. it's: Out on the street for you, as it should be.
I can't think of a third option

Wasn't thinking about annuities or work until your post.

I wonder if injecting AI into thread-opening posts would be beneficial. For example, the Title and OP are not in total agreement. Did you miss this or that? Have you read this related thread?

 

[pb4uski]

iShares iBond investment grade corporate bond and high-yield corporate bond target maturity ETFs (2026 - 2031)................................................................. 11.8%
Two individual TIPS..................................................... 12.6%
13 individual corporate bonds................................12.9%
2 brokered CDs............................................................... 3.6%
EGRIX................................................................................... 7.6%..... 48.5% bond-like fixed income

PFFA.................................................................................. 8.7%
Four other preferred stock ETFs........................... 13.4%
Individual preferred stocks (6.27% yield)............. 9.8%..... 31.9% preferred stocks

VTSAX (inherited, low cost basis)........................... 4.3%
QLENX, ORR and other long-short funds........ 14.3%..... 18.6% my riskier assets

SWVXX..............................................................................1.0%....... 1.0%..... 100.0%

To make things easier for DW and DD if I get run over by a beer truck, I am transitioning from lots of individual bonds to target maturity bond ETFs and from lots of individual preferred stocks to preferred stock ETFs. I'm slow walking it, but if my runway get short at some point then I could finish the simplification quite quickly.

 

[COcheesehead]

Same reason I'm moving back into some of the alternatives you like. Risk management and diversification. We were allocated just way too top heavy in the market and need a more balanced retirement appropriate allocation.

This is for our retirement accounts we can't touch for another 4+ years when we're 59 1/2. Trying to find the sweet spot between the safety of treasuries/cds and higher yielding instruments that will keep up with inflation.

If you don’t need or want income, fixed income wouldn’t be my first choice. I would look to the AQR funds I post about. They will give you the uncorrelated returns with upside. That’s why I use them. Downside protection with upside equal to or better than a passive index.
I am glad to see you are thinking about SORR.

 

[razztazz]

Wasn't thinking about annuities or work until your post.

I couldn't think of anything else except maybe larceny and extortion. It's not a job but it's still work

Actually I did notice the slight mismatch of ideas in the title but when I see things like that it's often over-lookable as "Well, I know what he means." I mean nobody here is writing for the ages. I know, that's one of those assumptions that makes and ass out of at least one person.

If we were on a CNBC round-table I would have interrupted with "Whoa, now what exactly are you talking about? Any income source? Or fixed income as it relates to an asset allocation?

 

[dobig]

If you don’t need or want income, fixed income wouldn’t be my first choice. I would look to the AQR funds I post about. They will give you the uncorrelated returns with upside. That’s why I use them. Downside protection with upside equal to or better than a passive index.
I am glad to see you are thinking about SORR.

That's the way I'm leaning. QRPNX, QNZNX, EGRIX and HOSIX are looking pretty good to add to. Want some more diversification beyond those.

 

[target2019]

I couldn't think of anything else except maybe larceny and extortion. It's not a job but it's still work

Actually I did notice the slight mismatch of ideas in the title but when I see things like that it's often over-lookable as "Well, I know what he means." I mean nobody here is writing for the ages. I know, that's one of those assumptions that makes and ass out of at least one person.

If we were on a CNBC round-table I would have interrupted with "Whoa, now what exactly are you talking about? Any income source? Or fixed income as it relates to an asset allocation?

A friend has mentioned real assets as a diversifier. Also, what target allocation exists?

I'll put on my listening ears and settle down. Can't do that on a CNBC round table!

 

[Al18]

CD's, MYGA's and iBonds - all fairly simple, not directly tied to market performance and predictable.

 

[COcheesehead]

That's the way I'm leaning. QRPNX, QNZNX, EGRIX and HOSIX are looking pretty good to add to. Want some more diversification beyond those.

You want inflation protection and safety. TIPS? I hate them, but some like them.

 

[YellowSubmarine]

Yellowsubmarine - if you had to pick 5 of what you listed, which ones would you consider the 5 safest? I realize safe is relative. I have more in CD's right now than I'd like so I'm looking for something that will pay me a bit more without considerably more risk.

That's a loaded question. But, for diversification and allocation in my state of retirement, my relative favorites would be: ADX (diversification and track record), ASGI (sector ...war aftermath rebuild) NMCO (easy access, fairly stable and tax free), ETV (option exposure and tax advantage), UTG (income and utility build out for AI).

 

[Lawrencewendall]

I like CLM which I DRIP

 

[Flyfish1]

A friend has mentioned real assets as a diversifier. Also, what target allocation exists?

Personally that's why I have investments in real estate. Theoretically real estate can provide inflation adjusted income as well as appreciate. Doesn't always work out that way of course but it's nice to have money outside of the market.

 

[Montecfo]

VTSAX (inherited, low cost basis)........................... 4.3%

no basis step-up?

 

[pb4uski]

no basis step-up?

Yes and no. The shares were from my DF's trust which became irrevocable when he died in 2005 They were purchased sometime after 2005 with cash, but by the time that I received them from DF's trust after DM died in 2023, the shares had significant unrealized appreciation.

The shares in DM's trust were stepped up and I sold those soon after receiving them at negligible gain/loss.