MVF News and Press, Blackrock MuniVest Fund Inc. From 01/13/21

Despite 2020's many challenges, the Bloomberg Barclays Municipal Bond Index was up 5.2%, with returns that were even more compelling for the second half of the year, across the credit spectrum. During the year, we expect net supply to turn negative as more bonds mature or more bonds t...

The municipal securities most affected by the pandemic were in the sectors of transportation, hospitality and entertainment, higher education, and healthcare; and most of these sectors did receive CARES Act funding. Moody's notes that although COVID-19 continues to weigh on credit qua...

The new Administration's tax proposals, in year one, total some $3.9 trillion, according to Moody's Analytics estimates. Yields on munis sank to 1.14%, which is their lowest since 1979. Also, the municipal bond spread to Treasuries is near historic lows. Yields have gone up somewh...

Tax-exempt bonds have been a staple of tax-efficient income portfolios for a long time. We take a look at some of the key investment dimensions that underlie the construction of a tax-exempt portfolio. Democrat control of the Senate increases the likelihood of both muni fiscal sup...

The bond fund outflows of March followed the downdraft in oil prices caused by the onset of the pandemic, which caused the sharp sell-off in the stock market. The rebound at the end of March was one of the most vigorous muni rallies ever witnessed. Muni yields across the board are...

A dearth of municipal issuance drove strong performance in November. Typical year-end outflows due to tax loss selling have yet to emerge. We expect firm demand to outpace modest issuance through year end. For further details see: Munis Make Up For A Rough Ride

With the odds against the Democrats winning both Senate seats in the Georgia runoff, the Biden administration will likely have to work with a Republican Senate majority to navigate various tax policy issues in the coming year. Infrastructure seems to be the one topic that a potentiall...

Many of the policies that a president will ultimately decide can be impactful. For example, tax policy, which could impact a state or local government's ability to raise their own taxes and impact demographics. But another impact is that it can also increase the attractiveness of munis as...

The media has been rife with headlines foretelling revenue shortfalls and a cash crisis for battered state budgets. We look under the hood to better assess the status of the headline-grabbing states with the largest debt burdens. Bond investors are right to be concerned. For...

Rising interest rates pressured bond prices in October. Record-high monthly issuance was well absorbed amid strong demand. We expect a favorable supply-demand backdrop through year end. For further details see: Munis Overcome A Glut Of Issuance