BFK News and Press, BlackRock Municipal Income Trust From 08/16/21

Rallying interest rates drove strong muni bond performance in July. Market dynamics remained seasonally favorable, with demand for munis broadly outpacing supply. A more defensive posture may be warranted ahead of elevated risks in the fall. For further details see: Muni...

During July, global consensus earnings estimates have re-accelerated to the upside, representing another bullish impulse in the tug of war between high valuations on the one hand and strong profits momentum on the other. Despite market worries of a loss of momentum in the near term, t...

Tax-exempt municipal bond funds (including both conventional funds and ETFs) have recorded 19 straight weeks of estimated net inflows. Money market funds attracted $23.6 billion over that Lipper fund-flows week, and the VIX ended at 28.43 (currently around 17.01)-safe to say uncertain...

During the first half of the year, municipal bonds (munis) shrugged off the rise in long-term U.S. interest rates and crushed their taxable counterparts. Looking at fundamental credit strength, state tax receipts are much better than were estimated a year ago. Municipal bonds are ...

While political forces could alter their course, we believe that passage of these infrastructure bills would have a positive impact on the municipal market. If enacted into law, taxes for high income earners are likely to increase, which could fuel additional demand for tax-free munic...

Many municipal negative sector outlooks assigned during the pandemic were revised back to stable during the first and second quarters. As mentioned earlier, the states of CT, IL, and NJ have been improving, albeit from low levels. They have put in place plans to increase the funding o...

Faced with higher inflation numbers, the Federal Reserve has begun to create more meaningful parameters around its evolving stance on monetary policy. Although the changes could be less dramatic than many expect, we believe that investors should be prepared for higher market volatilit...

The second quarter of 2021 saw a drop in US Treasury yields, as well as in high-grade tax-free bond yields. The quarter in general was one that saw continued increases in month-over-month inflation but little real reaction in the bond markets. The Federal Reserve has continued to ...

The potential for higher U.S. taxes, coupled with regulatory risks and shifting growth momentum, tempers our near-term enthusiasm for U.S. equities. Euro area business activity surged in June as the region catches up on the restart that has been led by the U.S. and UK. Investors w...

During the fund flows week, investors continued their search for yield, injecting a net $2.0 billion and $1.9 billion into taxable bond funds (including ETFs) and municipal bond funds, respectively. On the taxable side, Short Investment-Grade Debt Funds (+$884 million) attracted the l...