Skip to Content

Leaving Franklin Templeton

Clicking OK below will take you to an independent site. Information and services provided on this independent site are not reviewed by, guaranteed by, or endorsed by Franklin Templeton or its affiliates. Please keep in mind that this independent site's terms and conditions, privacy and security policies, or other legal information may be different from those of Franklin Templeton's site. Franklin Templeton is not liable for any direct or indirect technical or system issues, consequences or damages arising from your use of this independent website.
  • Investments
      Products
      • Mutual Funds
      • Exchange Traded Funds
      • Separately Managed Accounts
      • 529 Portfolios
      • Interval Funds
      • Tender Offer Funds
      • Closed End Funds
      • Money Market Funds
      Asset Class
      • Equity
      • Fixed Income
      • Multi-Asset
      • Digital Assets
      • Private Markets
      Additional Capabilities
      • Managed Options
      • Municipal Investing
      • Investing in ETFs
      • Customized SMAs
      • Retirement
      Resources
      • Morningstar 4- and 5-Star Funds
      • Sales Charges & Breakpoints
  • Managers
      Public Markets
      • ClearBridge Investments
      • Franklin Equity
      • Franklin Income Investors
      • Franklin Templeton Fixed Income
      • Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions
      • Putnam Investments
      • Royce Investment Partners
      • Templeton Global Investments
      • Western Asset
      Private Markets
      • Benefit Street Partners
      • Clarion Partners
      • Franklin Venture Partners
      • Lexington Partners
  • Insights
    • Latest Insights
    • Anatomy of a Recession
    • Market Volatility Center
    • Podcasts
    • Franklin Templeton Institute
    • Research Findings
    • Technology and Innovation
    • Global Investment Outlook 2026
  • Planning & Learning
      Planning For
      • Education
      • Charitable Giving
      Learn About Investing
      • Investing Basics
      • Types of Funds
      • Investor Behavior
  • Tools & Resources
      Tools
      • Fund Comparison
      • Educational Calculators
      • Franklin Templeton US Shareholder Mobile App
      • Municipal Bond Ladder Tool
      Browse Literature
      • Fund Fact Sheets
    • Forms & Applications
    • How to Invest
    • Account Services Support
    • Tax Center
      • Fund-Specific Tax Information
      • Tax Forms for Accounts Held Directly with Franklin Templeton and Putnam Investments
    • Proxy Voting

Personalize Your Experience

Welcome to the Franklin Templeton site for the United States.

Learn how we can help you achieve your financial goals. Confirm your role below.

Individual Investor

You're investing your own money. Explore solutions and insights or access your account.

Select Individual Investor

Financial Professional

You advise clients as a broker-dealer, RIA, trust or bank. Access tools and insights or sign in to client accounts.

Select Financial Professional

Institutional Investor

You represent an institutional organization. Access investment capabilities, solutions and insights.

Select Institutional Investor
  • [0] My Cart
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Franklin Templeton
Search
Fixed Income

Western Asset Municipal Bond Ladders (1-30 Years)

Popular Documents

  • Factsheet
  • Product Commentary
View All
Year to Date Returns (Net)
-0.46%
As of 03/31/2026
Year to Date Returns (Pure Gross)
-0.09%

This feature is not available at your firm

Sign in to view documents

Western Asset Municipal Bond Ladders (1-30 Years)

  • Overview
  • Composite Performance
  • Portfolio
  • Documents
Skipped to Overview Section Content

Overview

See additional performance disclosures in the performance section.

Product Facts

Strategy Description

The Western Asset Municipal Bond Ladders seek to deliver tax-free income opportunities while preserving capital and reducing interest rate risk by investing in laddered municipal bonds. The strategy invests in a diversified portfolio of credit-monitored investment-grade municipal securities with equally weighted maturities from 1-30 years.

Inception Date
03/19/2015
Asset Class
Fixed Income
Yield to WorstAs of 04/30/2026 (Updated Monthly)
3.93%
Effective DurationAs of 04/30/2026 (Updated Monthly)
9.32 Years

Average Annual Total Returns As of 04/30/2026

View performance section for additional info As of 04/30/2026
  • 4.34%1 Year
  • 1.52%3 Years
  • -1.15%5 Years
  • 0.64%10 Years
  • 0.93%Since Inception
    03/31/2015

Performance data quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than the original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the figures shown.

Top Sectors

Portfolio breakdown percentages may not total 100% and may be negative due to rounding, use of any derivatives, unsettled trades or other factors.

View portfolio section for additional info

As of 03/31/2026 % of Fixed Income (Updated Quarterly)

Top Sectors
Transportation23.33%
Education18.46%
Special Tax13.50%
Water & Sewer12.44%
Local General Obligation9.02%

Manager and Commentary

About the Team

Western Asset

Western Asset Management is one of the world's leading global fixed income managers. Founded in 1971, the firm is known for team management and proprietary research, supported by robust risk management and a long-term fundamental value approach.

Commentary Highlights

March 31, 2026
  • The first quarter of 2026 was characterized by elevated geopolitical risk and accelerating AI-driven disruption across the software sector and its incumbent business models. The period was shaped by a series of international developments, including the capture and indictment of Nicolás Maduro, escalating diplomatic tensions between the US and European NATO allies over Greenland, and a US-Israeli military operation against Iran.
  • Municipal technicals remained challenged in the first quarter of 2026 following a record supply year in 2025. Total municipal issuance reached $130 billion (+8% year-over-year (YoY)), driven by $123 billion in tax exempt issuance (+10% YoY), while taxable issuance declined to $6.8 billion (-23% YoY).
  • Municipal demand has remained resilient year to date, as investors increasingly capitalized on relatively attractive municipal valuations. According to ICI, municipal bond funds recorded $28 billion in inflows, representing a 19% increase quarter-over-quarter and 159% growth YoY.
  • Municipal credit fundamentals continued to show support for the overall credit stability and the historically high quality of the asset class. The U.S. Census Bureau released its 4Q25 state and local tax collection data, effectively closing out full-year 2025 results. In the fourth quarter, total state and local tax collections reached $671 billion, representing a 6.2% YoY increase. Among major revenue sources, individual income taxes led growth, rising 10.8%, followed by corporate income taxes (+9.0%) and sales taxes (+5.7%). Property taxes, the primary revenue source for local governments, increased 4.2% YoY. The strong tax collections, building on already elevated levels, underscore the resilience of state and local credit and their capacity to manage potential budgetary pressures.

For complete information, please see the full commentary:

Western Asset logo
Portfolio Manager Profile
Years of Experience
Manager Location

Latest Insights

May 11, 2026

Muni Monthly: April 2026

April 28, 2026

The Big Picture: Second quarter 2026

March 9, 2026

Iran crisis update

February 22, 2026

The “missing middle”—bringing EM official investors into focus
[products.skip-performance]

Composite Performance

Average Annual Total Returns

As of 04/30/2026

Choose Month

2026

Use arrow keys to navigate calendar. Press Enter to select a date.
2026
Selected Month April 2026
Created with Highcharts 12.6.0-2024681 Year3 Years5 Years7 Years10 YearsSince Inception
Western Asset Municipal Bond Ladders (1-30 Years) - Net (%)
Month End
As of 04/30/2026
Western Asset Municipal Bond Ladders (1-30 Years) - Pure Gross (%)
Month End
As of 04/30/2026

The strategy returns shown are preliminary composite returns, subject to future revision (downward or upward). Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. An investment in this strategy can lose value.  

Performance data represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions, and you may have a gain or loss when you sell your shares. Periods less than one year are not annualized. Performance results are for the composite which includes all actual, fully discretionary accounts with substantially similar investment policies and objectives managed to the composite's investment strategy. Composite returns are stated in U.S. dollars and assume reinvestment of any dividends, interest income, capital gains, or other earnings. The composite may include account(s) that are gross of fees and pure gross of fees. “Pure” gross-of-fee returns do not reflect the deduction of any expenses, including transaction costs. A traditional (or "true") gross-of-fee return reflects performance after the reduction of transaction costs but before the reduction of the investment advisory fee. The gross-of-fee return may include a blend of "true" gross-of-fee returns for non-wrap accounts and "pure” gross-of-fee returns for wrap accounts. Net-of-fee returns is reduced by a model “wrap fee” (1.5% is the maximum anticipated wrap fee for fixed income portfolios) which includes trading expenses as well as investment management, administrative and custodial fees. The model wrap fee used represents the highest anticipated wrap fee applicable to the strategy. Actual fees and account minimums may vary.   

For fee schedules, contact your financial professional, or if you enter into an agreement directly with Franklin Templeton Private Portfolio Group, LLC (“FTPPG”), refer to FTPPG’s Form ADV Part 2A disclosure document. Management and performance of individual accounts may vary for reasons that include the existence of different implementation practices and model requirements in different investment programs.

To obtain specific information on available products and services or a GIPS® Report, contact your Franklin Templeton separately managed account sales team at (800) DIAL BEN/342-5236. ClearBridge Investments, LLC, Martin Currie, Royce Investment Partners, and Western Asset Management Company, LLC claim compliance with the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®). GIPS® is a registered trademark of CFA Institute. CFA Institute does not endorse or promote this organization, nor does it warrant the accuracy or quality of the content contained herein. 

[products.skip-portfolio]

Portfolio

Portfolio Statistics

As of 04/30/2026 (Updated Monthly)

Effective Duration

Effective duration is a duration calculation for bonds with embedded options. Effective duration takes into account that expected cash flows will fluctuate as interest rates change. Please note, duration measures the sensitivity of price (the value of principal) of a fixed-income investment to a change in interest rates.

Portfolio
9.32 Years
Yield to Worst 1

The yield to maturity if the worst possible bond repayment takes place. If market yields are higher than the coupon, the yield to worst would assume no prepayment. If market yields are below the coupon, the yield to worst would assume prepayment. In other words, yield to worst assumes that market yields are unchanged. Normally this value is not aggregated since it varies but if a weighted average value is used for a portfolio then the figure will reflect the values of the underlying issues, based on the size of each holding

Portfolio
3.93%
Current Yield 2

Current Yield is defined as the coupon of a bond divided by its price.

Portfolio
3.90%
Weighted Average Life

The average number of days or years to maturity for the underlying holdings.

Portfolio
12.01 Years
Cash Flow

Percent of Cash Flow to value of the portfolio. An effective yield that takes into account optionality and has assumptions built into the cash flow modeling process to account for pre-payment, default risk and other assumptions that may impact a security's cash flow.

Portfolio
3.71%

Portfolio characteristics, sector, maturity and quality allocations are based on a representative account within the composite. Individual client portfolios in the program may differ, sometimes significantly, from those shown above. Assumes no client-imposed restrictions. This information does not constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice or recommendations with respect to the sectors listed and should not be used as a sole basis to make any investment decisions.

Sector Allocation

As of 03/31/2026 % of Fixed Income (Updated Quarterly)

Sector Allocation
Sector % of Total
Transportation
23.33%
Education
18.46%
Special Tax
13.50%
Water & Sewer
12.44%
Local General Obligation
9.02%
State General Obligation
7.10%
Housing
6.49%
Hospital/Healthcare
5.80%
Leasing
2.75%
Power
1.10%
Created with Highcharts 12.6.00%10%20%30%TransportationEducationSpecial TaxWater & SewerLocal General​ObligationState General​ObligationHousingHospital/HealthcareLeasingPower

Data is currently not available for this fund.

[products.skip-documents]

Documents

Product Documents
Product Documents
Name Download Add to Cart
Factsheet - Western Asset Municipal Bond Ladders (1-30 Years)Download Document
Product Commentary - Western Asset Municipal Bond Ladders (1-30 Years)Download Document
FTPPG Regulatory DisclosuresDownload Document

Risks

All investments involve risks, including possible loss of principal. Fixed income securities involve interest rate, credit, inflation and reinvestment risks, and possible loss of principal. As interest rates rise, the value of fixed income securities falls. Liquidity risk exists when securities or other investments become more difficult to sell, or are unable to be sold, at the price at which they have been valued. Portfolios focused on a single state are subject to greater risk of adverse economic and regulatory changes than a geographically diversified portfolio.

Important Information

Performance data quoted represents past performance, which does not guarantee future results. Current performance may differ from figures shown. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate with market conditions, and you may have a gain or a loss when you sell your shares. Returns reflect reinvestment of dividends and capital gains. Performance figures for periods shorter than one year represent cumulative figures and are not annualized. All performance is reported in US dollars.

ClearBridge Investments, LLC, Franklin Templeton Investment Solutions, Martin Currie, Royce Investment Partners, Western Asset Management Company, LLC, and Franklin Templeton claim compliance with the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®). GIPS® is a registered trademark of CFA Institute. CFA Institute does not endorse or promote this organization, nor does it warrant the accuracy or quality of the content contained herein.

Professional money management may not be suitable for all investors. Factual information relating to the securities discussed was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but there can be no guarantee as to its accuracy. It should not be assumed that investments made in the future will be profitable or will equal the performance of the securities discussed in the material.

You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print PDF documents. Download a free version from Adobe's website.

Franklin Templeton (FT) is not undertaking to provide impartial advice. Nothing herein is intended to provide fiduciary advice. FT has a financial interest.

Important data provider notices and terms available at www.franklintempletondatasources.com.

CFA® and Chartered Financial Analyst® are trademarks owned by CFA Institute.

Indexes are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index. They do not reflect any fees, expenses or sales charges. 

All entities mentioned are Franklin Templeton affiliated companies. Investment Products: NOT FDIC INSURED | NO BANK GUARANTEE | MAY LOSE VALUE.

Footnotes

  1. Yield to Worst is calculated without the deduction of fees and expenses. 

  2. Current Yield is calculated without the deduction of fees and expenses.

  3. Credit Quality is a measure of a bond issuer's ability to repay interest and principal in a timely manner. The credit ratings shown are based on each portfolio security's rating as provided by S&P Global Ratings, Moody's Investors Service and/or Fitch Ratings, Inc. and typically range from AAA (highest) to D (lowest), or an equivalent and/or similar rating. For this purpose, if two or more of the agencies have assigned differing ratings to a security, the highest rating is used. Securities that are unrated by all three agencies are reflected as such. The credit quality of the investments in the portfolio does not apply to the stability or safety of the portfolio. The methodology used for the calculation of credit quality ratings displayed may differ from the methodology for monitoring investment limits, if applicable. Please note, the portfolio itself has not been rated by an independent rating agency.

Sign in to view documents

This website is intended for residents of the United States.

United States
Investments
  • Investment Options
  • Investment Resources
  • Our Capabilities
Insights
  • Latest Insights
  • Anatomy of Recession
Planning & Learning
  • Planning for
  • Learning About Investing
Tools & Resources
  • Tools
  • Literature
  • Tax Center
About Us
  • Why Choose Franklin Templeton
  • News Room
  • Specialist Investment Managers
  • Contact Us
Accounts
  • Account Service Support
  • Careers
  • Help
  • Site Usage & Accessibility
  • Security & Fraud Awareness
  • Privacy Notice
  • Financial Crimes Compliance
  • Terms of Use
  • Sitemap

Connect with us

  • Facebook opens a dialog
  • LinkedIn opens a dialog
  • Instagram opens a dialog
  • YouTube opens a dialog
  • Twitter opens a dialog

Copyright © 2026 Franklin Templeton. All Rights Reserved.

Franklin Templeton