Group 1 - The article discusses the author's transition from a career in publishing to finance, emphasizing the importance of building an income portfolio using ETFs and CEFs [1] - The author highlights the experience gained over 25 years in editing and how it contributes to insights in managing an income portfolio [1] Group 2 - There is a disclosure regarding the author's long positions in various financial instruments, indicating a personal investment strategy [2] - The article clarifies that the author's opinions are independent and not influenced by any business relationships with mentioned companies [2]

Market Overview - The current market is characterized as a "hated bull market" with stock prices at all-time highs and tight fixed income spreads [1] - Despite the strong market performance, there are concerns regarding the underlying economy and its future prospects [1] Analyst Background - Roberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in financial management, focusing on helping top-tier corporates with financial strategies and large-scale financings [1] - He has contributed to institutionalizing the REIT framework in Latvia to enhance the liquidity of pan-Baltic capital markets [1] - His policy-level work includes developing national SOE financing guidelines and frameworks for channeling private capital into affordable housing [1] - Berzins holds a CFA Charter and an ESG investing certificate, and has experience with the Chicago Board of Trade [1]

Group 1 - Blackstone Secured Lending Fund (NYSE: BXSL) is recognized as a top-tier business development company with a sustainable dividend yield supported by solid fundamentals [1] - Roberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in financial management, aiding top-tier corporates in shaping financial strategies and executing large-scale financings [1] - Berzins has contributed to institutionalizing the REIT framework in Latvia to enhance liquidity in pan-Baltic capital markets [1] Group 2 - Berzins has been involved in developing national SOE financing guidelines and frameworks to channel private capital into affordable housing [1] - He holds a CFA Charter and an ESG investing certificate, and has interned at the Chicago Board of Trade [1] - Berzins actively participates in thought-leadership activities to support the development of pan-Baltic capital markets [1]

Group 1 - Nuveen Churchill Direct Lending Corp. (NYSE: NCDL) is one of six Business Development Companies (BDCs) currently held in the portfolio alongside other high-quality names such as Morgan Stanley Direct Lending Fund (MSDL) [1] - Roberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in financial management, assisting top-tier corporates in shaping financial strategies and executing large-scale financings [1] - Berzins has contributed to institutionalizing the REIT framework in Latvia to enhance the liquidity of pan-Baltic capital markets [1] Group 2 - Berzins has been involved in policy-level work, including the development of national State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) financing guidelines and frameworks for channeling private capital into affordable housing [1] - Berzins holds a CFA Charter and an ESG investing certificate, and has interned at the Chicago Board of Trade while residing in Latvia [1] - He is actively engaged in thought-leadership activities to support the development of pan-Baltic capital markets [1]

Group 1 - The primary objective of investing for retirement is to safely fund planned living expenses while potentially leaving capital for heirs [1] Group 2 - Roberts Berzins has over a decade of experience in financial management, assisting top-tier corporates in shaping financial strategies and executing large-scale financings [2] - Berzins has contributed to institutionalizing the REIT framework in Latvia to enhance the liquidity of pan-Baltic capital markets [2] - His work includes developing national SOE financing guidelines and frameworks for channeling private capital into affordable housing [2]