We've expected credit spreads to deteriorate for quite some time. In our view, new economic data, a technical lag in spread activity, and the Iran war might consolidate the argument. While re-inflation risk has to be acknowledged, we think investors will stay in and migrate to higher-quality bonds from riskier assets. The iShares National Muni Bond ETF is a prime candidate, showing less spread risk than investment grade bonds and lower volatility than intermediate-term treasury ETF, IEF.
Maintaining a neutral stance on iShares National Muni Bond ETF due to opposing forces: Structural funding concerns versus diminished inflation worries. MUB's seven-year duration makes it sensitive to yield changes, but credit risk remains minimal as most holdings are AA-rated, and credit spreads have been under control. Inflation risks are subdued thanks to lower oil prices and modest U.S. import exposure, easing one major headwind for fixed income.
The Republican-controlled U.S. House passed President Trump's tax and spending bill by a razor-thin margin of 215-214 votes, adding $3.8 trillion to the national debt. The bill is now headed for the Senate approval.
ARCA Exchange | US Country |
The company operates within the financial sector, focusing on investment opportunities that are designed to be favorable for tax-conscious investors. Specifically, the entity specializes in managing a fund that primarily invests in municipal bonds. These bonds are attractive because the interest they generate is exempt from Federal income tax and is not considered under the alternative minimum tax (AMT), making them an appealing choice for individuals looking to minimize their tax liabilities. The strategic approach of the fund is to closely follow its underlying index by investing a significant portion of its assets in the securities that comprise the index, as well as in similar fixed income securities that support the overall investment objective of tracking the index performance.
This service involves the investment in municipal bonds that are exempt from Federal income tax, a key advantage for those looking to earn interest free from federal taxes. This product is particularly suited to investors seeking to enhance their after-tax income, as it focuses on bonds that are not affected by the alternative minimum tax (AMT). The fund's strategic investment in these bonds aligns with its goal to offer tax-efficient income solutions to its clients.
Committed to tracking the performance of its underlying index, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in the component securities of the specific index. Furthermore, to ensure adherence to its investment objective, at least 90% of the fund's assets are allocated to various types of fixed income securities that are represented in the underlying index. This strategy is crafted by BlackRock Advisors, LLC (BFA), with the belief that such a focused investment approach is crucial for mirroring the index's performance. This service underscores the fund's dedication to achieving the balance between risk and return, catering to investors who prioritize index-based investment outcomes.