Concerns for Kentucky Investors in Easterly ROCMuni High Income Fund: A Call to Action

Important Notice to Kentucky Investors

If you are one of the investors in Kentucky who has experienced losses in the Easterly ROCMuni High Income Fund, you're not alone. The unexpected downturn of this fund, particularly after significant drops in June 2025, has raised serious concerns among those who invested through Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. This article outlines the current situation of the fund, the implications for investors, and how legal professionals can assist those affected.

Understanding the Easterly ROCMuni High Income Fund

The Easterly ROCMuni High Income Fund, which includes the share classes RMJAX, RMHIX, and RMVHX, was presented as a seemingly stable investment focused on municipal bonds. However, potential investors were often unaware of the high-risk nature associated with many of the underlying assets.

What Went Wrong?

Contrary to the traditional safety often associated with municipal bonds, the Easterly Fund invested significantly in below investment grade or junk bonds. These financial instruments are not backed by government entities but are rather issued by small companies pursuing speculative projects. As a result, the fund has experienced a notable decline in value, witnessing a staggering 30% drop on June 13, 2025, and plummeting over 50% by June 17, 2025. In just several months, its assets dwindled from over $200 million to less than $17 million, severely impacting the share price which fell from above $6.00 to under $3.00.

Legal Claims Against Stifel

Stifel has faced scrutiny regarding their marketing strategies for the Easterly ROCMuni Fund. Many investors are filing claims related to unsuitable investment recommendations, misrepresentation of risks, and lack of adequate due diligence. Shepherd Smith Edwards Kantas LLP is currently representing several clients against Stifel, illustrating the common issues many investors are encountering.

What Are Your Options?

If you've suffered losses from the Easterly Fund, consultation with experienced investment fraud attorneys is essential. Shepherd Smith Edwards Kantas LLP will be holding meetings in Paducah, Kentucky on August 7-8, 2025, offering in-person assessments of your situation. If meeting in person isn’t possible, a complimentary phone consultation can provide insights into potential legal actions you may take against Stifel or other brokerage firms.

Why Seek Legal Counsel?

Investment losses can be distressing, and navigating legal actions without seasoned professionals can be risky. Clients have reported over a 90% success rate in recovering full or partial financial losses through the representation of their attorneys.

Shepherd Smith Edwards Kantas operates on a contingency basis, meaning you won’t incur legal fees unless they win an award or secure a settlement on your behalf. Any attorney fees will only be deducted from your awarded amount, preventing out-of-pocket expenses in the process.

Moving Forward

If you are a Kentucky investor who invested in the Easterly ROCMuni High Income Fund and lost money, do not hesitate to seek help. The upcoming consultations in Paducah represent an opportunity to explore your rights and options. Contact the Kentucky securities law office today for personalized assistance and begin the journey toward financial recovery. The stakes are high, and establishing a robust legal strategy could be essential for navigating this challenging situation effectively.