The Clough Global Equity Fund (GLQ) stands out with its impressive 10.8% dividend yield, aiming to satisfy the hunger of income-driven investors. However, a deeper dive into its historical performance reveals a less-than-stellar track record. Both its long-term total returns and Net Asset Value (NAV) appreciation have consistently trailed the broader market of global equity Closed-End Funds (CEFs). This underperformance can largely be attributed to the fund's persistent and significant allocation to U.S. equities, a strategy that has not paid off, particularly in recent times when international markets have demonstrated superior growth. Despite current discounts to NAV and some improvements in distribution coverage, the fund's past tendency to over-distribute and erode its NAV raises critical questions about the long-term viability of its generous payouts and its overall investment management.
The Clough Global Equity Fund is structured as a closed-end fund, meaning it has a fixed number of shares outstanding that trade on an exchange. This structure allows the fund to invest in a diverse portfolio of global equities and distribute its earnings, often enhanced by leverage and option strategies, to shareholders as income. For investors primarily seeking a steady stream of income, the allure of a double-digit yield is undeniable. However, income alone does not tell the whole story of an investment's health or its potential for wealth creation.
A critical examination of GLQ's historical data underscores its struggles. When compared to other global equity CEFs, GLQ's net asset value has depreciated over various periods, indicating that the value of its underlying assets has declined. This contrasts sharply with its peers, many of whom have managed to grow their NAV over the same timeframes. The fund's strategic decision to heavily favor U.S. equities, even as global economic shifts and market dynamics favored international counterparts, has been a significant drag on its performance. This over-reliance on a single geographic segment, especially when that segment is not the top performer, has limited GLQ's ability to capitalize on global growth opportunities and diversify risk effectively.
Furthermore, the sustainability of GLQ's high distributions is a recurring concern. While a high yield is attractive, it must be supported by adequate earnings from the fund's investments. If a fund consistently pays out more than it earns, it resorts to returning capital to shareholders, which effectively depletes its asset base. This practice, while maintaining a high yield in the short term, erodes the fund's NAV, impacting its long-term growth potential and the very capital that generates future income. Despite recent reports suggesting improved distribution coverage, the historical pattern of over-distribution raises a red flag for cautious investors.
Given these factors, despite its trading at a discount to Net Asset Value, the Clough Global Equity Fund presents a conundrum for potential investors. While the discount might suggest an opportunity, it also reflects the market's skepticism regarding the fund's future performance and the reliability of its income stream. For those prioritizing long-term capital preservation and growth alongside income, exploring alternative global equity CEFs with more consistent total returns, robust NAV performance, and a disciplined investment strategy might prove to be a more prudent path. The fund's past actions and current positioning indicate that its strategy may not align with broader market trends, thus limiting its appeal compared to peers with stronger, more adaptable approaches.