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 municipal bonds, 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, WHY NOW?

For much of the past decade, ultra-low interest rates made it difficult to generate meaningful inc