MVF News and Press, Blackrock MuniVest Fund Inc. From 08/18/21

We think all muni managers should stand ready to provide specific examples of how they’ve improved client outcomes using built or bought technology. Finding bonds is only half the battle - they also have to be priced appropriately and fit each client’s specifications. ...

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...

We review CEF market valuation and performance over the penultimate week of July and highlight recent events. The CEF market had a brief dip early in the week which provided a dress rehearsal for a larger future drawdown and echoed some historical patterns. We continue to favor fu...

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 ...