Why Fixed Income Deserves A Second Look In 2025

When uncertainty rises, so too does the demand for safety, stability and income. That’s why in periods of market stress, like the one we’re in now, investors often turn to high-quality fixed income, especially municipal bonds. These time-tested instruments offer more than just a place to park capital. They can provide dependable income, diversification and, in the case of munis, powerful tax advantages.

Today’s investment environment is filled with a number of potential pitfalls, including sticky inflation, a recalibrating Federal Reserve, ongoing geopolitical tensions and on-again, off-again tariffs. In moments like these, I believe it’s helpful to look at history as a guide. Fixed income—particularly muni bonds—has long played an important role as a stabilizing force in diversified portfolios.

Why Fixed Income, And Why Now?

For much of the past decade, ultra-low interest rates made it difficult to generate meaningful income from bonds. Investors were pushed out the risk curve and into equities. But that trend could be reversing. With rates at more normalized levels and inflation beginning to ease, fixed income is once again stepping into the spotlight.

I believe municipal bonds are especially compelling in this environment. These instruments, issued by state and local governments, fund essential services like schools, transportation and water systems. Because the interest they pay is often exempt from federal and often state and local income tax, the after-tax yield can be attractive, particularly for high-income earners.

But it’s not just about yield. Strong fundamentals matter. Municipal bonds have historically shown low correlation with other asset classes and have demonstrated resilience in past downturns.

One key reason? The fiscal strength of their issuers. As the chart below shows, state and local tax revenues have reached record highs—surpassing $2.1 trillion in 2024, according to Census Bureau data—providing a solid foundation for municipal credit quality. This financial strength, coupled with growing infrastructure investment, makes munis a compelling choice for income-seeking investors in today’s environment.

In Fast-Moving Markets, Active Management Matters

The fixed income landscape is shifting rapidly. That’s why we believe active management is essential in today’s environment. Passive strategies can’t adapt in real-time or capitalize on market dislocations. Investors need a steady hand—managers who can navigate complexity, adjust to changing conditions and stay focused on quality.

At U.S. Global Investors, we’ve long believed in the power of disciplined, actively managed fixed-income strategies. Two of our funds, in particular, may offer investors timely opportunities today.

NEARX And UGSDX: Built For Quality And Clarity

Our Near-Term Tax Free Fund (NEARX) is designed for investors seeking federally tax-free income with low interest rate sensitivity. It invests in high-quality municipal bonds with relatively short maturities, providing an attractive balance of income potential and capital preservation. With a focus on AAA- and AA-rated securities, NEARX has historically provided a smooth ride through rocky markets, making it a potential fit for conservative investors looking to minimize volatility and tax exposure.

Meanwhile, our U.S. Government Securities Ultra-Short Bond Fund (UGSDX) takes a different approach by targeting U.S. Treasury and agency securities with ultra-short durations. In today’s uncertain world, it offers a liquid, low-risk option for investors seeking stability and current income, all without straying far out on the risk curve. UGSDX may be particularly appealing for those stepping out of cash but still looking to preserve capital.

Both funds emphasize credit quality, liquidity and risk management—key attributes when market conditions are in flux.

Choosing The Right Tools For The Job

Economic uncertainty doesn’t appear to be going away any time soon. But that doesn’t mean investors need to sit on the sidelines. Instead, it’s about being smart, staying diversified and choosing the right tools for the job. Fixed income, and muni bonds in particular, can help anchor portfolios and provide steady income, not to mention reduce tax burdens.

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Originally Posted on April 9, 2025 –  Why Fixed Income Deserves A Second Look In 2025

Please consider carefully a fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. For this and other important information, obtain a fund prospectus by visiting www.usfunds.com. Read it carefully before investing. Foreside Fund Services, LLC, Distributor. U.S. Global Investors is the investment adviser.

Bond funds are subject to interest-rate risk; their value declines as interest rates rise. Though the Near-Term Tax Free Fund seeks minimal fluctuations in share price, it is subject to the risk that the credit quality of a portfolio holding could decline, as well as risk related to changes in the economic conditions of a state, region or issuer. These risks could cause the fund’s share price to decline. Tax-exempt income is federal income tax free. A portion of this income may be subject to state and local taxes and at times the alternative minimum tax. The Near-Term Tax Free Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in securities that pay taxable interest. Income or fund distributions attributable to capital gains are usually subject to both state and federal income taxes.

A bond’s credit quality is determined by private independent rating agencies such as Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch. Credit quality designations range from high (AAA to AA) to medium (A to BBB) to low (BB, B, CCC, CC to C). The Near-Term Tax Free Fund invests at least 80 percent of its net assets in investment-grade municipal securities. At the time of purchase for the fund’s portfolio, the ratings on the bonds must be one of the four highest ratings by Moody’s Investors Services (Aaa, Aa, A, Baa) or Standard & Poor’s Corporation (AAA, AA, A, BBB). Credit quality designations range from high (AAA to AA) to medium (A to BBB) to low (BB, B, CCC, CC to C). In the event a bond is rated by more than one of the ratings organizations, the highest rating is shown.