Bonds

Expensive Muni Prices Threaten Buyer Shift to Treasuries

  • Municipal-Treasury 10-year ratio is hovering around 62%
  • Inside of the curve is ‘a little bit too rich,’ investor says

The 10-year municipal benchmark offers just 62% of the yield on similarly-dated Treasuries.

Photographer: Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg
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Municipal bonds have gotten so rich that investors may be better off buying US Treasuries.

The 10-year municipal benchmark offers just 62% of the yield on similarly-dated Treasuries, well below the historical norm, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The figure, a key gauge of relative value in the market, has averaged about 85% over the last five years, the data show.