Why are some tax-free municipal bonds subjected to the Alternate Minimum Tax? Shouldn’t they all be tax free?
E.K., Florida
Interest and AMT taxpayers
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Municipal Bond Forum
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.
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On In the Belly of the Curve:
On In the Belly of the Curvecontd #2:
Laddering when rates are flat
Your argument against laddering works well in large part because of the environment we have been in (sharply declining rates since 1982). In a bear market for bonds, or in an environment where rates stay relatively flat, it is not nearly as compelling. I suspect the multi-generational bull market in bonds we have had is about over, so a more defensive stance may have more merit going forward.
P.V., Oregon
North Carolina reciprocity
I don’t remember reading anything as cogent and as interesting as your Investor Bond Forum. On a separate matter, does North Carolina tax bonds from other states?
J.V., North Carolina
Uncovering value through close inspection
Please explain why one would pay 102 for a bond that is callable in one month at 100? I requested from you bonds in the two to 10-year range, A-rated or above and no “AMT” features. This hardly fits the bill.
N.B.
Muni Floaters
Are there any advantages to buying floater muni bonds? What is the best way to analyze floaters?
D.E.
On General Motors Reports Improved Earnings:
I assume that the article intends to make people feel good about buying GM bonds, but I find it misleading. You left out unfavorable facts that have appeared in the press and are well documented.
W.A., Florida
GM vs. Ford
Do you see a difference between GM and Ford bonds in terms of company viability?
M.M., New Hampshire
Resident of one state, bonds from another
If I live in North Carolina but want to buy a tobacco bond in New Jersey, will my bond still be tax-free in North Carolina?
C., North Carolina
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