Western Asset Municipal Bond Ladders (1-30 Years)
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Overview
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 Worst
As of 01/31/2026 (Updated Monthly) - 3.81%
- Effective Duration
As of 01/31/2026 (Updated Monthly) - 9.34 Years
Average Annual Total Returns As of 12/31/2025
- 2.57%1 Year
- 2.09%3 Years
- -1.25%5 Years
- 0.85%10 Years
- 0.92%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
As of 12/31/2025 % of Fixed Income (Updated Quarterly)
Transportation20.78% | |
Education18.21% | |
Water & Sewer15.38% | |
Local General Obligation11.18% | |
Special Tax11.09% |
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
12/31/2025- Fixed-income market volatility persisted in the fourth quarter of 2025 as investors and policymakers navigated mixed economic signals. The longest US government shutdown, which restricted data availability, ended in November after 43 days. The US Treasury (UST) yield curve steepened, with short and intermediate UST yields finishing the quarter lower, while long-term yields increased. Equities performed well, with the S&P 500 Index reaching new highs, while credit spreads were mixed.
- Municipal supply conditions continue at a record pace as municipal issuance reached $148 billion in 4Q25, up 22% from 4Q24 levels. Tax-exempt issuance fell 10% quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) to $130 billion and taxable issuance rose 78% QoQ to $18 billion. 2025 new-issue supply of $588 billion is 17% higher than the prior year, with tax-exempt issuance up 16% year-over-year (YoY) and taxable issuance up 34% YoY.
- Municipal demand fluctuated throughout the year but improved steadily toward year-end 2025. Muni mutual fund flows were limited in the first half of the year amid choppy economic data and policy uncertainty but strengthened in the second half as it became clear that the Federal Reserve (Fed) would continue its rate-cutting cycle and as prior underperformance contributed to more attractive valuations. Overall, municipal mutual funds recorded $51 billion of net inflows in 2025, up 21% YoY, extending cumulative net inflows from early 2024 to $93 billion, according to Lipper.
- Municipal credit fundamentals continued to show resilience despite slowing growth trends. Census-reported 2Q25 state and local tax collection estimates, which capture fiscal year-end results for most governments, showed 12-month trailing collections increased 4% YoY to $2.1 trillion, a record high. Twelve-month trailing individual income tax collections rose 8% YoY, sales tax collections increased 2% YoY while corporate income tax collections were relatively flat. Rolling 12-month property tax collections, the primary revenue source for local governments, increased 2% YoY.

Latest Insights
January 28, 2026
January 27, 2026
January 22, 2026
January 16, 2026
Composite Performance
Average Annual Total Returns
As of 12/31/2025
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.
Portfolio
Portfolio Statistics
As of 01/31/2026 (Updated Monthly)
- Portfolio
- 3.81%
- Portfolio
- 3.92%
- Portfolio
- 12.08 Years
- Portfolio
- 9.34 Years
- Portfolio
- 3.59%
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 12/31/2025 % of Fixed Income (Updated Quarterly)
| Sector | % of Total |
|---|---|
Transportation | 20.78% |
Education | 18.21% |
Water & Sewer | 15.38% |
Local General Obligation | 11.18% |
Special Tax | 11.09% |
State General Obligation | 7.21% |
Hospital/Healthcare | 5.79% |
Power | 4.07% |
Housing | 3.58% |
Leasing | 2.72% |
Documents
| Name | Download | Add to Cart | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Factsheet - Western Asset Municipal Bond Ladders (1-30 Years) | |||
| Product Commentary - Western Asset Municipal Bond Ladders (1-30 Years) |
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.
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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.