
The Contrarian Investor Podcast
Opportunities in Closed-End Municipal Bond Funds: Jonathan Browne, RiverNorth Capital
Nov 21, 2024
Jonathan Browne, a portfolio manager at RiverNorth Capital specializing in closed-end municipal bond funds, shares his insights on investment opportunities in this niche market. He sheds light on the unique structure of closed-end funds compared to mutual funds and ETFs. Browne discusses expected yields and how discounts to net asset value present a contrarian investment strategy. He also addresses the risks posed by rising interest rates and inflation, while emphasizing how the current environment could favor savvy investors.
40:44
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Closed-end municipal bond funds trade at discounts to their net asset value, presenting unique investment opportunities for savvy investors.
- Investing in these funds aligns with contrarian strategies, as significantly widened discounts often indicate favorable entry points during negative market sentiment.
Deep dives
Understanding Closed-End Funds
Closed-end funds are registered investment companies that offer a unique structure compared to open-ended mutual funds and ETFs. They are created through an initial public offering (IPO) and have a fixed number of shares that trade on secondary markets, which distinguishes them from funds that allow continual trading based on daily inflows and outflows. Closed-end funds often utilize leverage to enhance yield, making them attractive for retail investors seeking above-average income. Notably, while their shares can trade at a discount to their net asset value (NAV), this discrepancy presents potential investment opportunities as the market price may not reflect the true value of the underlying assets.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.