Munis keep firming, long-term USTs see small gains

BY SourceMedia | MUNICIPAL | 04/06/26 04:11 PM EDT By Christina Baker
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Munis saw small gains in spots, continuing the week-plus-long trend of continued strength, as long-term U.S. Treasuries were a touch firmer and equities closed higher.

The market remained in the more attractive range that began last week. The yield curve adjusted lower every day last week, drawing strong inquiries to dealers, "especially in the 10-to-15-year space that had been hit hardest in March," Birch Creek Capital analysts reported in their weekly market commentary.

"We continue to favor the [investment-graded] portion of the market as both absolute and relative yields are at the most attractive levels of the year, the weaker spring technical period will soon give way to a seasonally strong summer, and the strong credit quality and essentiality of the asset class should provide a nice tailwind if a prolonged war and high oil prices derails the economy further," Birch Creek strategists wrote.

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In general the bond market is volatile, and fixed income securities carry interest rate risk. (As interest rates rise, bond prices usually fall, and vice versa. This effect is usually more pronounced for longer-term securities.) Fixed income securities also carry inflation risk and credit and default risks for both issuers and counterparties. Unlike individual bonds, most bond funds do not have a maturity date, so avoiding losses caused by price volatility by holding them until maturity is not possible.

Lower-quality debt securities generally offer higher yields, but also involve greater risk of default or price changes due to potential changes in the credit quality of the issuer. Any fixed income security sold or redeemed prior to maturity may be subject to loss.

Before investing, consider the funds' investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Contact Fidelity for a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully.

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