Cooper Howard
Cooper Howard, CFA, is the Director of Fixed Income Research and Strategy for the Schwab Center for Financial Research. He provides analysis and investor education on fixed income markets with a focus on the municipal bond market. Cooper has been widely quoted in financial publications including Bloomberg, Yahoo Finance, CNBC, and The Bond Buyer.
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Bonds
Bond Insights
Municipal bonds have posted strong performance so far this year, despite a news cycle that has many investors questioning the path forward. Here are answers to some of the top questions.
Bonds
What's new
Bond Insights
While our outlook for the municipal bond market in 2026 is positive overall, we have identified five risks that we believe should be on investors' radar.
Bonds
What's new
Bond Insights
Municipal bonds offer tax-adjusted yields, generally high credit quality, and other advantages that may make them attractive investments.
Bonds
What's new
Bond Insights
Answers to questions investors are currently asking about Treasury bonds, tax policy, credit quality and other issues currently affecting fixed income investments.
What's new
Bonds
Bond Insights
We believe municipal bonds will continue to offer attractive tax-adjusted yields in 2026, while credit quality should remain stable.
Bonds
What's new
Bond Insights
The bill contains several tax-code changes that could affect municipal bonds, although we don't think it reduces the appeal of munis for high-income earners.
Bond Insights
Fixed Income
What is it
Taxable municipal bonds may be an attractive option for investors in lower tax brackets, but there are things investors should know before making a decision.
Bond Insights
How does it work
Bonds
Although investing in in-state municipal bonds may have tax advantages, there can be good reasons to buy out-of-state munis.
Bonds
What should I do
Onward Archive
Some municipalities are more susceptible to weather-related risk than others. Here are three ways to help weather-proof your muni portfolio.
Bonds
Discounted municipal bonds could expose you to unexpected taxes. Here's what to know before you buy.
Bonds
What's new
Bond Insights
High-yield munis have extra risks and yields are low relative to investment-grade munis. However, investors in higher tax brackets may still want to consider a small allocation if it fits their risk tolerance.
Bond Insights
How does it work
Fixed Income
Although municipal bonds pay interest that is generally exempt from federal and state income taxes, it's not always free from all taxes.