Market Trends & Interest Rates - Municipal bonds experienced a rally following weaker-than-expected job growth [1] - The weaker job growth increased expectations that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates this year [1] - Lower interest rates are anticipated to help stimulate the economy [1]

Investment Performance - Municipal bonds have outperformed taxable bonds in after-tax returns for most investors over the past 15 years [1]

Welcome back to Worldwide Exchange. We are tracking net ETF lows that are now over $760 billion year to date. We're also tracking the moves above and below the 30-day moving averages for the popular index funds, the SPY and the triple Q's.You see that big spike on Wednesday. Investors apparently buying the dip on mega tech that dominates both ETFs on that day. This week, the Capital Group Municipal High Income ETF, ticker CGHM, that holds municipal bonds, saw the top inflows, the VCIT intermediate bond ETF, ...

Financial Disclosure & Investment Activities - Federal officials, including the president, are required to report purchases of certain asset types such as bonds and stocks [1][2] - The disclosure included over 690 transactions starting the day after inauguration, indicating significant investment activity [6][9] - The report is a snapshot and doesn't show the evolution of holdings over time [8] - The disclosure primarily shows purchases, suggesting a buy-and-hold strategy rather than frequent trading [9] Trump's Business Empire & Income - Trump's business empire, including properties like Mara Lago and golf resorts, likely generates substantial income [5][6] - Trump Media and Technology Group, including Truth Social and crypto ventures, is a significant part of his net wealth [5][7] - Business ventures, including promoting golf courses, indicate financial success during Trump's second term [7] Asset Allocation - The disclosure reveals purchases of corporate bonds, which were not prominent in his first term [3][4] - He held municipal bonds when he ran for president the third time [4]

Market & Rate Cut Expectations - The market anticipates a rate cut in September, with a high probability (96% chance of a 25 basis point cut and a 4% chance of a 50 basis point cut) factored into expectations [2][3] - PPI is expected to align with expectations, similar to CPI, and is unlikely to alter the prevailing narrative of a rate cut [2][3] - The market is primarily focused on the Federal Reserve's actions in September and the potential for a new trade agreement [6] Geopolitical Risk - The meeting between Vladimir Putin and President Trump in Alaska is not expected to pose a direct market risk, despite potential geopolitical and precedent risks [4][5] AI Infrastructure - The discussion highlights the ongoing AI revolution and the investment opportunities within AI infrastructure [6][7] - Companies are announcing tens of billions of dollars of investment into AI infrastructure [9] - AECOM is identified as a potential beneficiary of AI infrastructure spending, providing engineering, consulting, and construction services to data centers [8][9][10] Municipal Bonds - Municipal bonds have faced price struggles year-to-date due to issuers pulling forward new issuance [10][11] - Reduced issuance for the remainder of the year, coupled with consistent demand, is expected to drive prices higher [11] - Tax-free income from municipal bonds is attractive to high net worth investors, making them a favored investment [12] - Investors focused on income potential should prioritize the coupon from bond ETFs and consider buying individual bonds for a dependable income stream and principal protection [13][14]

Portfolio Strategy - Brown Brothers Harryman focuses on finding and growing value for clients managing money on a generational basis [3] - The firm's portfolio construction includes approximately 30% in fixed income, 40-45% in public equities diversified globally, and a significant focus on alternative investments [4] Alternative Investments - The firm is finding value in structured credit within fixed income, including asset-backed securities, CLOs, CNBS, and RMBBS, which are typically accessed privately [6] - Single A rated tranches of structured credit vehicles are delivering 200 basis points (2%) more return than corporate equivalents, with historical capital preservation [8] Municipal Bonds - High-quality municipal bonds with a duration of four to five years, funding America's infrastructure, can generate returns around 7% on a tax-equivalent basis for high-income earners in high-income tax jurisdictions [9][10] Stock Selection - The firm invests in long-term durable businesses with massive competitive advantages, including some of the "Mag Seven" companies [11] - Specific companies mentioned include Microsoft (due to Azure's growth in AI), Mastercard, Visa, and Transdime [11][12] - Transdime, an aerospace aftermarket company that IPOed in 2006, has compounded in excess of 30% since then [13][14]

Learn how local governments raise money for public facilities by using municipal bonds. https://t.co/Nc0jqzJxgf ...

Market Trends - Municipal bonds are rallying along with US Treasuries [1] - Soft US jobs data spurred bets that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates as early as next month [1]

Municipal Bond Market - Increased supply is pressuring municipal bonds [1] - Trump's megabill impacts the municipal bond sector [1] Portfolio Management - Parametric SMA Fixed Income portfolio manager discusses market dynamics [1]

Market Trends - Municipal bonds are expected to rebound after experiencing their weakest first half performance relative to US Treasuries in five years [1] Investment Opportunities - Attractive yields and inexpensive valuations are drawing investors to municipal bonds [1]