FMSbonds, Inc.’s Municipal Bond Forum is an exclusive opportunity for investors to submit questions and comments on the bond market or to respond to one of our articles.
To participate, just send us an e-mail. Be sure to include your name or initials and your state of residence. Posted e-mails may be edited for length and clarity. If you prefer a private response, please note that in your e-mail. Responses are provided by James A. Klotz, president and co-founder of FMSbonds, Inc., a municipal bond specialist for more than 35 years, and other members of the firm as noted.
Postings are listed by date. If you have any questions, please call us at 1-800-367-2663 or e-mail us.
If I buy munis in my IRA, are they free of all taxes, even when I die? Do my heirs get them tax free? Is there a difference in tax burden if they are in California, where I live, or another state?
B.H., California
Regarding your article, “Embrace the Headlines,” I do not believe one can compare California with Puerto Rico. Yes, California had problems, but it has always had a thriving state economy and is now running a surplus, where Puerto Rico never has been. I’m just thankful I chose to not buy Puerto Rico bonds.
N.S., California
With the selloff of municipals, particularly those issued by Puerto Rico, there was been a reduction in the market value of individual bond portfolios. I think this is panic selling by bondholders fixated on the events in Detroit and Stockton. I don’t think these people belong in municipals in the first place. While no one wants the value of their portfolio to decline, this should not be a paramount consideration for bondholders, who get it all back upon redemption.
N.M., New Jersey
Can you use municipal bonds in an IRA?
C.M., North Carolina
What is your view on the likelihood of Puerto Rico defaulting on any of its bonds – general obligation, highway and electric, etc.?
R.Y., Connecticut
“Buy-and-hold” strategy — impacted by the Detroit bankruptcy?
S.T., Washington
Is your strategy always to buy the best yield possible and hold? Is there ever a reason to sell or wait to buy for better yield? In the current environment, conventional wisdom says that I should construct a bond ladder, don’t go too long in search of yield, etc. But if I am buying for income and a better return for the amount of risk, is there an argument for buying shorter-term munis, maybe less than seven years?
K.K.
The insight in your article (“Amid Detroit Crisis, a Key Player Emerges“) applauding the virtues of bond insurance brings to light that with the exception of AGM, National and BAM, all other bond insurers are still in a serious financial state. This is largely due to their ill-advised venture into insuring toxic mortgages. Would you care to comment?
N.M., New Jersey
Excellent article (“Investors in Michigan Munis Strike Back“), clarifying the unintended consequences of the Detroit approach to bankruptcy. In addition to the obvious chilling effect this is having on the municipal bond market in Michigan, I reckon it is also having a negative impact on the broader muni bond market. If the current plan goes through, it is a game changer for muni bonds everywhere.
M.H.
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