The muni bond landscape picked up significant interest to end 2025, with investors clamoring for the yields available therein. American Century Investments Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager Joe Gotelli recently sat down with VettaFi to talk about the muni bonds outlook.
Like other corners of the fixed income market, municipal bonds didn't set the investing world ablaze in the first quarter. Some market observers believe there's no opportunity in the asset class often considered to be a conservative income investor's friend.
Key Takeaways: Active ETFs have helped unlock fixed income strategies in recent years. Muni bond interest has grown at the same time as investors look to reduce bills.
| Name | Quantity | Cost | Value | Profit ($) | Gain (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JD Jim Dushek HARBOUR INVESTMENTS Inc. | 899 | $46,226.58 | $45,448.94 | -$777.64 | -1.68% |
| LJB Laura J. Bornheimer GWN SECURITIES Inc. | 44,151 | $2.22M | $2.23M | $13,266.04 | 0.6% |
Kurt Van Dyken Lifeworks Advisors LLC | 8,059 | $405,770.65 | $406,737.73 | $967.08 | 0.24% |
| LMJ Louis Melone Jr. Melone Private Wealth LLC | 27,646 | $1.39M | $1.4M | $8,391.16 | 0.6% |
Jay Richards Investment Advisory Group LLC | 4,500 | $226,710 | $227,700 | $990 | 0.44% |
| ARCA Exchange | US Country |
The fund is a financial entity dedicated to investing primarily in municipal and other forms of debt securities. It operates under a fundamental policy where, under normal market conditions, at least 80% of the fund's net assets (inclusive of borrowings for investment purposes) are allocated towards municipal securities that offer interest payments exempt from federal income tax. This strategic focus reflects the fund's commitment to providing investors with tax-efficient income opportunities while carefully managing risk through a diversified investment portfolio. By balancing investments primarily in investment-grade debt securities with the selective inclusion of high-yield securities (often referred to as junk bonds), the fund seeks to optimize returns for its investors within a risk-managed framework.
This core product focuses on the inclusion of municipal debt securities within the fund's portfolio. This type of investment is characterized by its tax-exempt status, offering a beneficial option for investors looking to generate income that is not subject to federal income tax. The strategy emphasizes security selection within a rigorously assessed risk-return spectrum, primarily targeting investment-grade offerings to ensure stability and reliability of income.
A significant portion of the fund's investments is allocated towards investment-grade debt securities. These securities are evaluated based on their credit quality and are deemed to have a relatively low risk of default compared to lower-rated securities. The focus on investment-grade options underpins the fund's conservative investment approach, aiming to provide a stable income stream while preserving capital.
In addition to its conservative investments, the fund reserves the flexibility to invest in high-yield securities or junk bonds. These are debt securities rated below investment-grade and, therefore, carry a higher risk of default. However, they offer the potential for higher returns, which can enhance the overall yield of the fund's portfolio. This strategy allows the fund to tactically augment its income generation potential while carefully managing the associated risks through diligent analysis and selection processes.