Chart of the day: Why munis now

As shown in the chart (above), the yield spread between investment grade AAA and BBB municipal bonds was 214 bps at the end of June.
AUG 22, 2012
As shown in the chart (above), the yield spread between investment grade AAA and BBB municipal bonds was 214 bps at the end of June. If this relationship narrows to its long-term average (132 bps), investors could potentially realize 82 bps of performance in addition to the 3.66% YTD total return delivered by the Barclays Municipal Bond Index as of the end of June. However, the long-term average could potentially be well below 132 bps if it were not for the extreme dislocation caused by the 2008 financial crisis. According to Barclays, adjusting for the 2008 sell-off, the long-term average would be 77 bps. This means the performance opportunity might be as much as 137 bps. If issuance of new bonds remains at its current slow pace, then demand may force a continued contraction. James Colby is the senior municipal strategist for Market Vectors ETFs

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.