Author: Brett Owens, Contrarian Outlook

These stocks are perfectly positioned for whatever lies ahead: if the market tanks, they’ll likely trade flat, thanks to their cheap valuations (and sturdy dividends). And if it all turns out to be hype and the market keeps rolling higher? They’re poised to skyrocket while handing you a 7.1% average payout.

Savvy contrarian income seekers are familiar with these funds.

With the markets in flux, now is a great time to take a run through my “golden rules” of successful CEF investing.

If you own any of these stocks, you should probably sell them today to avoid heartache tomorrow.

While I wouldn’t own each and every Dividend Aristocrat, a select few are actually truly worthy of the title. These are stocks that not only have storied histories, but more importantly bright futures. I’m talking about Amazon-proof business models and dividends that will keep climbing for years and decades to come.