This Low-Cost Muni ETF Is Worth a Look | ETF TrendsMunicipal bonds are off to solid starts in 2026. That indicates advisors and income investors can revisit the asset class known for safety. A slew of ETFs, including plenty with favorable fees, can provide muni access. Enter the [Schwab Municipal Bond ETF (SCMB)]. The $3.6 billion SCMB, which turned three years old last October, follows the ICE AMT-Free Core U.S. National Municipal Index. It provides investors with broad representation of the U.S. tax-exemp ...

Group 1 - The CEF/ETF Income Laboratory manages closed-end fund (CEF) and exchange-traded fund (ETF) portfolios targeting safe and reliable yields of approximately 8% to facilitate income investing [2] - Municipal bonds are highlighted as some of the safest fixed-income investment securities, second only to U.S. Treasury offerings, although they typically offer lower yields [2] - The service provided by the CEF/ETF Income Laboratory includes managed portfolios, actionable income and arbitrage recommendations, and in-depth analysis of CEFs and ETFs, catering to both active and passive investors [2] Group 2 - The community associated with the CEF/ETF Income Laboratory consists of over a thousand members who are focused on finding the best income ideas [2] - The majority of holdings in the portfolios are monthly-payers, which aids in faster compounding and smoothing income streams [2]

Group 1 - The article discusses the ongoing geopolitical climate between the US and the European Union, which is relevant for future investment outlooks [1] - The author emphasizes a strategy focused on investing in quality, diversification, and long-term growth while avoiding high-risk, quick-rich schemes [1] - The investment portfolio includes a variety of sectors and assets such as ETFs, stocks, and municipal bonds, targeting safe and reliable yields around 8% [1] Group 2 - The author maintains a beneficial long position in various ETFs and stocks, indicating a personal investment strategy aligned with the discussed themes [2] - The article expresses personal opinions and does not represent any business relationship with the companies mentioned [2]

Core Insights - The article discusses the misconception that seniors do not need to worry about taxes during retirement, highlighting that various income streams, including Social Security and withdrawals from traditional IRAs or 401(k)s, may be taxable [1][2]. Investment Opportunity - Municipal bonds are presented as a viable investment option for generating retirement income without increasing tax liabilities. These bonds are issued by local governments to fund public projects and provide a steady income stream through semi-annual interest payments [3][4]. - Interest payments from municipal bonds are exempt from federal taxes, and if the bonds are issued by the investor's home state, state and local taxes on interest payments can also be avoided [3][4]. Tax Implications - While the regular interest payments from municipal bonds may be tax-free, any gains from selling the bonds at a profit will be subject to capital gains taxes, depending on the holding period [4].

Core Insights - The municipal bond market is currently not delivering exceptional returns, particularly for investors outside of the top tax bracket [1] - Long-term municipal bonds carry significant interest-rate risk, and their after-tax yields are comparable to Treasury yields [1] - The largest municipal bond index fund, the iShares National Muni Bond ETF, has a yield of 3.3%, which is equivalent to approximately 5% for a taxable bond fund [1]

Core Insights - Municipal bonds are providing elevated returns in 2025, with yields around 6% to 7%, which are historically high, making them attractive for high-net-worth clients [1] - The securitized sector, including agency and non-agency mortgage-backed securities, is considered an attractive investment area due to tight spreads with US Treasuries [2] - Advisors are focusing on fixed income investments, emphasizing quality and tailoring guidance to client-specific needs [3] Municipal Bonds - High-net-worth clients are encouraged to extend maturities in municipal bonds due to their competitive yields [1] - The market's performance will depend on supply and demand dynamics, with expectations of improved conditions compared to the previous year [1] Securitized Sector - Both agency and non-agency mortgage-backed securities are viewed as good investment options, but require extra due diligence due to the lack of government guarantees [2] Fixed Income Strategy - A general theme among advisors is to prioritize quality in fixed income investments, with a focus on not stretching for income [3] - The bond market is expected to steepen, indicating potential volatility in long-term bonds [6][7] Inflation and Interest Rates - The correlation between fixed income and equities has turned negative, which is beneficial for diversified portfolios [4] - The Federal Reserve may ease monetary policy, but interest rates are not expected to return to pre-COVID levels [4] High Yield and Private Credit - There is a slight increase in allocation to high yield bonds, with over 50% rated double B or higher, indicating improved credit quality [8] - Diversification remains crucial, and while high-yield bonds are not being avoided, there is caution against chasing yields [9] - Private credit is seen as valuable, with a focus on high quality and strong management, despite market growth and potential risks [9][10] Investment Outlook - The expectation is for rates to continue to fall due to slowing inflation, with a normalization of the yield curve [5] - Companies are cautious about long-term US Treasuries amid potential market volatility and inflation risks [6]

Group 1 - The concept of tax havens is not limited to the ultra-wealthy, as individuals are also utilizing these methods to minimize taxes legally [1][2] - Estimates suggest that individuals are hiding between $8.7 trillion and $36 trillion in tax havens, highlighting the widespread nature of this practice [2] - The accessibility of tax shelters is increasing, making it easier for a broader range of individuals to take advantage of these opportunities [2] Group 2 - Municipal bonds provide tax advantages, being mostly exempt from federal income taxes and often from state and local taxes, with implied yields over 7% after accounting for tax benefits [3][4] - Retirement funds such as 401(k)s and IRAs serve as tax shelters by reducing taxable income and deferring tax payments until retirement, with contribution limits set at $24,500 for 401(k)s and $7,500 for IRAs in 2026 [4] - Whole life insurance offers multiple tax benefits, including tax-deferred growth of cash value and tax-free withdrawals up to the basis, along with tax-free death benefits for beneficiaries [4][5]

Core Viewpoint - The bond market is experiencing fluctuations influenced by the stock market, with short-term bonds performing slightly better than long-term bonds, and the overall liquidity remaining manageable under the central bank's guidance [1] Market Performance - The closing prices for government bond futures showed a slight increase, with the 30-year main contract up by 0.02% to 112.84, and the 10-year main contract also up by 0.02% to 108.23 [2] - The yield on the 30-year government bond decreased by 0.2 basis points to 2.2210%, while the yield on the 10-year government bond increased by 0.4 basis points to 1.9020% [2] International Bond Market - In North America, U.S. Treasury yields varied, with the 2-year yield rising by 3.18 basis points to 3.532% and the 30-year yield falling by 1.12 basis points to 4.824% [3] - In Asia, Japanese bond yields generally increased, with the 10-year yield rising by 0.8 basis points to 2.047% [4] Primary Market - The Ministry of Finance reported weighted average winning yields for 91-day, 182-day, and 7-year government bonds at 1.2352%, 1.3121%, and 1.66% respectively, with bid-to-cover ratios of 2.36, 2.64, and 3.22 [5] Liquidity Conditions - The central bank conducted a 260 billion yuan reverse repurchase operation at a rate of 1.40%, resulting in a net withdrawal of 208 billion yuan for the day [6] - The Shibor rates showed mixed performance, with the overnight rate falling to 1.267%, the lowest since August 2023, while the 1-month rate rose to 1.579%, the highest since July 2025 [6] Institutional Insights - CITIC Securities noted an improvement in bond market sentiment, with the 10-year government bond yield stabilizing below 1.85%, and expectations for a "cross-year market" revival [8] - China International Capital Corporation highlighted that credit bond demand may remain stable despite potential pressures on wealth management products as the year-end approaches [8]

Core Viewpoint - The market is currently skeptical about the necessity for rate cuts, with the 10-year yield hovering around 4.20% due to concerns over inflation and fiscal deficits [1][2]. Domestic and Global Influences - The rise in 10-year yields is influenced by both domestic factors, such as the Fed's potential for overly accommodative policies amidst persistent inflation near 3%, and global factors, including rising yields in other markets like Japan [4][5]. - Approximately half of all U.S. Treasuries are held outside the U.S., making international yield trends significant for U.S. bond markets [5]. Yield Curve and Market Expectations - The yield curve is expected to steepen, with 10-year yields testing the upper range around 4.25% [7]. - Short-term yields are pricing in potential rate cuts, reflecting some softness in the labor market, while long-term trends suggest a steeper yield curve [8]. Investment Opportunities - There are opportunities in global government bonds, particularly as a weaker dollar may enhance diversification [10]. - A focus on high credit quality and intermediate duration bonds is recommended to balance reinvestment risks and inflation-related yield increases [10]. - The municipal bond market offers attractive tax-equivalent yields, making it appealing for investors in higher tax brackets [11]. - Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) are suggested for those concerned about inflation, as they lock in real yields [11].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of simplicity in investment strategies for building wealth and achieving a comfortable retirement [2][4] - Financial experts advocate for a disciplined approach to investing, focusing on low-cost, diversified index funds rather than complex financial products [1][4] Investment Strategy - A simple saving and investing strategy is often the most effective for most Americans, with an emphasis on defining the right kind of simplicity [2] - Consistency and discipline are crucial for wealth building, rather than relying on individual stock picks or market timing [4] - Investors should regularly invest in low-cost, globally diversified index funds and align their portfolio risk with their personal risk tolerance [4] Risk Management - To assess risk tolerance, investors should consider their emotional response to a potential 20% loss in portfolio value [4] - Asset allocation should be based on the investor's time horizon, with adjustments made as they age [5][6] Age-Based Investment Adjustments - Younger investors (in their 30s and 40s) can afford to be more aggressive in their investment strategies, while older investors (in their late 50s and 60s) should focus on capital preservation and income generation [6] - For short-term needs, high-yield accounts are recommended, while U.S. Treasuries are suggested for medium-term savings [6] - Long-term goals should be supported by a diversified portfolio of low-cost index funds, avoiding reactions to market fluctuations [6]