Franklin Dynamic Municipal Bond ETF

FLMI

Market cap $956M

Credit spreads are at historically tight levels, which puts us off credit bets in fixed income. Munis may have relative value based on relative movements between their yields and Treasuries. It's unclear how much the possibility of short-term rate cuts will help this ETF, as its long maturity bonds are priced based on more structural factors.

I analyze Barron's Mid-Year 2025 Roundtable Pro Picks using the yield-based 'dogcatcher' method to identify high-yield, safer dividend stocks. AT&T, Tegna, and Pitney Bowes stand out as 'safer' dividend dogs, with prices below annual dividends from $1,000 invested, signaling attractive entry points. The top ten high-yield picks offer projected 24.3% average net gains by July 2026, with lower-than-market volatility, but some face negative free cash flow margins.

Barron's interviewed eleven financial industry Roundtable-pros who tapped 65 predictions. Six non-ADR foreign-stocks and four mutual funds were dropped by YCharts screens of active US listings, leaving 55. AT&T stands out as the only 'safer' ideal dividend dog, with its price well below annual dividends from a $1,000 investment. Top ten yield picks project average 28.12% total return by May 2026, with risk/volatility 12% below the market average.

High-yield muni ETFs focus on investment-grade municipal bonds, leaning into those with weaker ratings. Dividend yields are good, in the 4.0% - 5.0%, tax-exempt, and provide higher after-tax income, making them attractive for taxable accounts and high-tax-rate investors. A quick look at four particularly good, high-yielding muni ETFs follows.

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.

Barron's New-Year (NY) Roundtable (RT) selections published in three issues 1/13-27/2025, listed 34 dividend picks as the best of 2025. Analysts predict top picks like AdvanSix, Applied Materials, and Salesforce could net significant returns, with an average gain estimate of 28.85%. Two standout "safer" stocks, AT&T and Annaly Capital, meet the dogcatcher ideal, offering high yields relative to their prices.

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.

Municipal bonds are known for their tax advantages and low default rates¹. Right now they have a lot to offer investors.