ITM: Yield Is Most Unattractive Here

VanEck Intermediate Muni ETF tracks intermediate-term, investment-grade municipal bonds, offering tax-free income but only middling returns for the risk taken. ITM's low fees (0.18%) and index-tracking approach provide diversification and lower interest rate risk but limit income potential compared to more selective strategies. Tax-equivalent yields make ITM best suited for investors in higher tax brackets; those below a 24% marginal rate may find better after-tax returns elsewhere.

Seeking Alpha • Nov 3, 2025

Corporate vs. Municipal Bonds: Key Differences Every Investor Should Know

Compare corporate and municipal bonds, including risks, returns, and tax benefits. Learn which bond type fits your investment goals.

ETF Trends • Apr 20, 2025

Municipal Bond Funds: Time To Shine Or Curtain Call?

Municipal bonds are back to offer compelling risk-adjusted opportunities, but future decisions from Washington can either act as a tailwind or headwind. Municipal bond funds saw net inflows during 2024, first annual inflow since 2021—which was a record year. 2024 was a record year in municipal bond issuance. With attractive yields, the market may start to pay more attention to tax-equivalent yield advantages offered through municipal debt.

Seeking Alpha • Mar 13, 2025

Municipal Fixed Income: Shelter From The Storm?

Specific to the muni market, perhaps the biggest surprise this year has been new issue supply that is running well ahead of expectations, up roughly 40% from last year. We think this increased summer issuance is likely the result of deals getting pulled forward, as issuers may be cautious about coming to market later in the fall ahead of what is likely to be an uncertain U.S. political climate. While municipal credit quality has already peaked, it is entering this period of moderating economic growth from a position of strength.

Seeking Alpha • Aug 26, 2024

See a Fork in the Road?

By James Colby, Portfolio Manager and Strategist, Municipal Bonds Barclays sees stable municipal yields due to supply, while BofA predicts lower rates from Quantitative Tapering and economic softening. Yogi Berra said, “pick it up”.

ETF Trends • May 25, 2024

How Can Muni Investors Capitalize on Yield Curve Conditions?

By Stephanie Wang, Deputy Portfolio Manager The shape of the yield curve is creating tactical opportunities—these two strategies can help municipal bond investors capitalize ahead of the Fed's potential easing cycle. Historically, the inversion of the yield curve has been a precursor to shifts in economic conditions and monetary policy.

ETF Trends • Mar 30, 2024

Wall Street Favorites: 3 Hydrogen Stocks with Strong Buy Ratings for March 2024

With governments around the world continuing to push for greener energy solutions, new environmental technology opportunities emerge every day. Markets such as electric vehicles, natural gas, solar, wind, and hydrogen energy are all seeing continued growth.

InvestorPlace • Mar 11, 2024

U.S. Weekly Fund Flows Insight Report: Conventional Fund And ETF Investors Give A Cold Shoulder To Equity Funds For The Fund Flows Week

Investors were net sellers of fund assets for the second week in three, redeeming a net $11.6B for the LSEG Lipper fund flows week ended Wednesday (February 21). For the flows week, the Treasury yield rose at all maturities of the curve, except for the two-month yield, which experienced a one basis point decline to end the week at 5.50%.

Seeking Alpha • Feb 23, 2024

Time to Chill on Tbills?

By Patrick Schramm, ETF Strategist Discover why savvy investors are starting to cool on Tbills and where they're turning next for greater returns in a market poised for change. 2023 was quite a year for advisors.

ETF Trends • Jan 6, 2024

Income Investing Playbook 2024: Navigating the New Interest Rate Regime

Yields have reset higher across fixed income markets, leaving bonds well positioned in a range of different economic and interest rate scenarios in 2024. Introduction to Income Investing Income investing is a strategy that aims to generate a steady stream of income from investments, typically through interest payments or dividends.

ETF Trends • Dec 16, 2023