The $2.66 trillion municipal bond market is embroiled in the overall credit market mess, creating an unusual complex of risks and opportunities.

The supply-demand forces in the municipal bond market have been unfavorable in the past year, causing prices to decline.

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The mutual funds in this table are Vanguard Admiral class.  The minimum investment is $100,000, but the expense ratio is only 8 basis points.  Their Investor class shares carry a 15 basis point expense ratio.  Either expense is lower than most alternatives.

Negative Forces on Muni Market:

Some of the adverse circumstances impacting muni prices and rates include:

Credit downgrades for municipalities Near-bankruptcy of the muni bond insurers Unwinding of muni bond positions by hedge funds deleveraging Failure of the auction rate muni market Rise in long-term muni issuance as short-term rates became burdensome Rotation from muni to Treasury bonds in flight from risk of all ...