Municipal bond funds

Municipals were little changed as all eyes focused on the primary.

Municipal bonds finished steady on Friday ahead of next week's $7.8 billion new-issue slate while high-grade paper trades up in the secondary. Investors are looking for stability.

Municipals finished mostly stronger on Thursday as retail investor confidence remained high for the 11th straight week. Taxable 'social' bonds for nonprofits are making their mark in the municipal space.

Municipals were stronger on the short- and intermediate ends as long maturities held firm in quiet trading on Wednesday.

The week ahead will see a variety of muni bond issues — from down South to up North, from green bonds to social bonds. Taxables are well represented.

New York issuers jump in for retail and Texas Transportation also makes an appearance as attractive low yields lure more issuers in. However, some participants say caution is warranted as the coronavirus spread widens in the South and West.

Supply-hungry buyers look forward to all of the week's new bond issues.

Long-dated municipals end strong as new supply hits the screens while taxable issuance continues its run to near-record levels.

Jim Colby, senior municipal strategist and author of the Muni Nation blog at Van Eck, talks about what’s happened in the municipal bond market since March 20. He looks at the big picture after COVID-19 and drills down into municipal bond funds and ETFs. Chip Barnett hosts this remote podcast.

Municipal bond prices remained steady as more supply hits the screens.