NUV

As Bitcoin hits records and Coinbase Global Inc. goes public, ETF issuers are betting en masse that U.S. regulators will green-light a fund tracking the largest cryptocurrency at long last.

Nuveen Municipal Value Fund (NUV) declares $0.031/share monthly dividend, in line with previous.Forward yield 3.32%Payable May 3; for shareholders of record April 15; ex-div April 14.See NUV Dividend Scorecard, Yield

In years with presidential elections, we take a deeper dive into how the national election could impact state and local governments.Political risk is also an important component of our analysis, as the political party makeup of the executive and legislative branches can have a large impact on municipal bonds.We think it is unlikely we'll see any additional aid ahead of the election, but post-election we think the potential rises, particularly if Democratic nominee Joe Biden wins in the US presidential race.Regardless of the November election outcome, we are prepared to take advantage of any changes to the muni bond market where we see potential investment opportunities.

Lipper categories with low risk and moderate to high yields are listed. Top-ranked funds within the categories are listed.Over a thousand funds are ranked using Mutual Fund Observer Screens based on risk, risk-adjusted returns, quality, momentum and yield.Top-ranked funds from Charles Schwab, Fidelity, and Vanguard are listed as well as other mutual fund families, exchange traded funds and closed end funds.Funds with low risk and yields above 2% are highlighted.

While most polls have Vice-President Biden ahead by 6-7% points, we know the race has the potential to be much closer.A higher marginal rate should also flatten the muni yield curve over time as the demand for longer-dated paper increases because of the benefits it provides on a taxable equivalent yield.More fiscal stimulus, more deficits, and an immediate infrastructure program are all strong possibilities if we get the Blue Wave that sweeps the White House, House, and Senate all into the Democratic column.

Municipal bonds are illiquid and tax-exempt and thus well targeted at very wealthy high-income individuals who face high tax rates.Given the racial disparity in wealth, it would be astounding if the disparity in municipal bond holding were not very large as well.To forestall a bankruptcy, you do not just lend money for current operations - you end up taking on past debts.