Investors should be seeking out diversification and income-producing assets as they enter a potentially wild 2020 - especially after 2019's monster run. Closed-end funds (CEFs) provide both, reducing the risk of slower or even negative returns if this year proves to look more like 2018 than 2019.

While mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) get a lot of attention, CEFs fly well under the radar by comparison. You can learn more about closed-end funds in detail here. But in short: These actively managed funds offer a few advantages, including sometimes trading below the value of the assets they hold (which means investors can buy those assets at a discount), as well as being able to leverage debt to generate extra returns and income from their portfolio picks. The best CEFs, then, are capable of clobbering similarly constructed mutual funds and ETFs.

Yes, the very short-term outlook is encouraging. The market's on a heater to enter the year, U.S.-Chinese trade relations are thawing, unemployment remains low, wages continue to grow, and GDP growth, while not as brisk as it once was, remains solidly positive.

But sky-high stock valuations, Middle East discord and a looming presidential election cycle are among the potential headwinds standing in the way of a peaceful stroll higher in 2020. So indeed, investors might need some protection this year - and closed-end funds can deliver that.

Here are the 11 best CEFs to buy for 2020. This list of elite funds covers an array of assets and investing strategies. Each pick boasts various perks, which may include deep value, high distribution rates and strong track records.

Cohen & Steers Quality Income Realty Fund

2019 was a massive year for Cohen & Steers Quality Income Realty Fund (, $14.26). It marked the first time RQI's 10-year annualized return (19.2%) beat every other CEF out there. Across all closed-end funds, the average total return for the past decade is