Plain-English definitions, reviewed by an independent investor

Closed-End Fund

A closed-end fund issues a fixed number of shares that trade on exchange like a stock, often at a discount or premium…

A closed-end fund issues a fixed number of shares that trade on exchange like a stock, often at a discount or premium to NAV.

(Fixed share count; price set by market, not just NAV)

Why it matters

It can be bought at a discount, a rare edge over open-end funds.

Common confusion

Discounts can widen, and leverage can amplify moves both ways.

Definitions reviewed by the Investing Glossary editorial team.

Frequently Asked Questions

CEF vs ETF?

CEFs have fixed shares and trade at premiums/discounts; ETFs usually hug NAV.

Why buy at a discount?

You get $1 of assets for less, if the discount holds or closes.

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