VanEck Intermediate Muni ETF

ITM

Market cap $1.99B

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

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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%.

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.

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.