I'm not buying JNK or ETF tracking bond funds but underlying bonds. If you are buying the ETF, you are not getting the best yield but at average the 3% yield for lesser risk due to diversification - which is kinda BS given the systematic risk we've witnessed over the past 10 years. Pick muni for high yield and low default risk yourself.
Re:The Real Silicon Valley
by smartician on Tuesday December 18, 2012 @08:34PM
(#4940734)
Given that the last ten years include the greatest financial crisis since the Great Depression, a net gain of 7% is pretty good. Plus, the annual distributions were consistently over 6%, so you're looking at a total return of almost 7% per year. That's actually pretty good.
You are correct. I didn't realize PMF was such a consistent dividend that far back. On top of the 6% average, it is also tax free since it is Municipal so true return could get up to 8ish which is pretty incredible considering the last 10 years.
If you think Muni Bonds will stay at 6% for a lifetime, you're misinformed. 1) Government owned consumer debt is up nearly 5x in 5 years 2) Lately Muni Bonds have been swinging more than stocks themselves 3) Take Pimco Municipal Income Fund (NYSE: PMF) as an example. It's price has appreciated 7% over 10 years, TOTAL. Even with dividends you're looking at best 3% and at that point you've successfully managed to do nothing more than keep up with inflation.