The Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred and Income Fund underperforms peers in yield and total return, despite outperforming the preferred stock index. PFD's current 6.88% yield trails comparable closed-end funds, making it less attractive for income-focused investors seeking higher payouts. The fund trades at a 7.50% discount to NAV, its cheapest level among peers and below its five-year average, but this does not offset its lower yield.
Morgan Stanley PFD A 1/1000 rating raised to Hold, but more price erosion possible. I continue to hold this issue. Both MS.PR.A and GS.PR.D offer 4% coupon floors, providing downside protection but resulting in modest fixed components. MS.PR.A carries a higher credit rating (BBB-) than GS.PR.D (BB+), with strong common equity coverage ratios for both issuers.