Municipal Bond ETFs: What Investors Need To Know
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Bonds have regained favor among investors, primarily due to yields not witnessed since the financial crisis. Fixed income ETFs have attracted significant inflows this year as bonds are now considered a viable alternative to stocks.
Municipal bonds, issued by state and local governments, serve to finance a wide array of capital projects, including schools, roads, bridges, and public transportation systems.
Interest earned from municipal bonds is typically exempt from federal income taxes and often from state income taxes in the state of issuance, making them an especially appealing investment for high-income taxpayers.
Despite recent headlines alluding to the potential loss of federal tax exemption for municipal bonds, VanEck strategists believe that this asset class will maintain its tax-exempt status.
Fitch Ratings downgraded the U.S. government's credit rating, citing concerns about the growing debt burden and political dysfunction in Washington. According to VanEck, due to the unique strengths of municipal borrowers, they are likely to maintain or even surpass the credit ratings of the U.S. government.
Treasury bonds are on track for a record third consecutive annual decline, primarily driven by losses in longer maturities. Should investors concentrate on shorter-duration municipal bonds or extend their duration to lock in higher rates for an extended period?
The VanEck Short Muni ETF (SMB - Free Report) and the VanEck Intermediate Muni ETF (ITM - Free Report) provide exposure to short-term and intermediate-term tax-exempt bond market.
The iShares National Muni Bond ETF (MUB - Free Report) is the most popular fund in the space, while the Schwab Municipal Bond ETF (SCMB - Free Report) is the cheapest.
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