In today’s uncertain market, characterized at its advent by a shift in central bank policy and a potential slowdown in the U.S. economy, demand for high-quality credit is likely to remain elevated. In this environment, taxable U.S. municipal bonds offer investors a complementary option to traditional investment grade corporates. Their income advantages and reduced volatility make taxable munis prudent for investors navigating a challenging economic landscape.

Income advantage of taxable municipal bonds
December 2019–November 2023

Income advantage of taxable municipal bonds compared to similar maturity corporates, since December 2019.
Source: Bloomberg, Principal Fixed Income. Data as of November 30, 2023.

The late 2023 rebound in U.S. financial assets was largely driven by money returning to fixed income, which had experienced fluctuating demand to that point. Still, in early 2024, despite investment grade (IG) credit spreads at very tight levels, the fundamental and technical picture remains quite compelling. In even a mild economic slowdown, IG credit should outperform lower-quality credit, and taxable U.S. municipal bonds are emerging as a complementary option for investors looking to increase overall IG allocations.

Though taxable municipal bonds performed on par with IG credit in 2023, delivering returns of 8.84% and 8.52%, respectively, taxable municipal spreads still provide an income advantage compared to similar maturity corporates.1 Ten-year taxable municipal spreads are wider than AA-rated corporate spreads while yielding about the same as A-rated corporate spreads.

Taxable municipals are also attractive for their lower correlation to riskier assets like high-yield credit and equities, and their reduced volatility. The Bloomberg Taxable Municipal Index's 360-day spread volatility was only 18.1%, compared to the 27.8% of the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate Investment Grade Bond Index.2

Despite narrower spreads than last year, IG credit should provide continued value in 2024 due to diversification benefits and ongoing demand for high-quality, long-duration assets. Coupled with the higher credit ratings of the asset class, the yield and volatility advantages of taxable municipal bonds should catch the eye of stability-seeking investors ahead of a prospective slowdown.

For additional insight into the key themes and investment implications across global fixed income markets, read our first quarter 2024 Fixed Income Perspectives.

1Return figures are as of December 31, 2023 and reflect the Bloomberg Taxable Municipal Bond Index and the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate Investment Grade Bond Index.
2 As of December 18, 2023.
Disclosure

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and should not be relied upon to make an investment decision. Fixed‐income investment options are subject to interest rate risk, and their value will decline as interest rates rise. Asset allocation and diversification do not ensure a profit or protect against a loss.

The information presented has been derived from sources believed to be accurate; however, we do not independently verify or guarantee its accuracy or validity. Any reference to a specific investment or security does not constitute a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold such investment or security, and does not take account of any investor’s investment objectives or financial situation and should not be construed as specific investment advice, a recommendation, or be relied on in any way as a guarantee, promise, forecast or prediction of future events regarding an investment or the markets in general. The opinions and predictions expressed are subject to change without prior notice.

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