Kansas Tax-Free Intermediate Bond Fund
Overview
Objective
Seeks current income exempt from federal and, to the extent possible, from Kansas income taxes, as is consistent with the preservation of capital.Strategy
Focuses primarily on investing in municipal obligations issued by the State of Kansas and its political subdivisions.Fund Manager
Brian P. Musielak, CFA- Joined Commerce in 1995
- 22 years of experience
- Fund manager since Fund inception
Risk/Return
LOW - • - - - - - HIGHIn general, greater returns are associated with greater risks.
Fund Statistics
| Inception Date | 12/26/00 |
|---|---|
| Ticker Symbol | KTXIX |
| Cusip | 200626786 |
| Minimum Initial Investment | $1,000 |
Commentary
| Total Fund Assets as of 12/31/2020 | $185,269,737 |
|---|---|
| Net Asset Value1 | $20.27 |
| Effective Duration2 | 3.99 Yrs |
1. The Net Asset Value represents the assets of the fund (ex dividend) by the total number of shares.
2. Duration is the method determining a bond's price sensitivity, given changes in interest rates.
3. The composition of the portfolio is subject to change in the future.
4. The Fund's investments may subject shareholders to federal alternative minimum tax.
Portfolio Holdings
Holdings and allocations may not include the Fund's entire investment portfolio, which may change at any time. Fund holdings should not be relied on in making investment decisions and should not be construed as research or investment advice regarding particular securities.
A prospectus for the Commerce Funds containing more complete information may be obtained by calling 1-800-995-6365 or by downloading it from this website. Please consider a Fund's objectives, risks, and charges and expenses, and read the prospectus carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund.
The mutual funds referred to in this Web site are offered and sold only to persons residing in the United States and are offered by prospectus only. The prospectus contains more complete information about the funds, including charges and expenses, and should be read carefully before investing.
The method of calculation of the 30-Day Standardized Subsidized Yield is mandated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and is determined by dividing the net investment income per share earned during the last 30 days of the period by the maximum public offering price (“POP”) per share on the last day of the period. This number is then annualized. The 30-Day Standardized Subsidized Yield reflects fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements recorded by the Fund during the period. Without waivers and/or reimbursements, yields would be reduced. This yield does not necessarily reflect income actually earned and distributed by the Fund and, therefore, may not be correlated with the dividends or other distributions paid to shareholders. The 30-Day Standardized Unsubsidized Yield does not adjust for any fee waivers and/ or expense reimbursements in effect. If the Fund does not incur any fee waivers and/or expense reimbursements during the period, the 30-Day Standard Subsidized Yield and 30-Day Standardized Unsubsidized Yield will be identical.
The unprecedented global pandemic and economic fallout that ensued, was met with equally unprecedented, coordinated monetary and fiscal responses. These necessary moves helped shore up employment, buttressed a staggering economy, and allowed the housing and equity markets to soar. However, even as vaccines were approved via the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization and administered, the pandemic continued to spread across the globe and even mutate into a more infectious version though still treatable by these same vaccines. Lockdowns remain and small businesses continue to suffer the ravages of the pandemic. The US presidential election concluded with a newly elected president although amid much controversy regarding voter fraud allegations. Another stimulus package was signed into law before the year ended with the expectation of more coming with the newly elected administration and congress. Muni investor demand in the form of fund flows and new issuance supply both were strong from an historical perspective. New issue supply ended 11% ahead of last year at $474 billion. Taxable municipal new issuance now comprises over 30% of total new issuance. Municipal bonds outperformed US Treasuries while the muni curve flattened. The 10-year Treasury yield increased 23 bps (basis points) from 0.69% to 0.92% while the 10-year municipal yield decreased 16 basis points (bps) from 0.87% to 0.71% during the quarter. The 10-year muni/treasury ratio collapsed to 77%. Credit spreads ended the quarter and year tighter. Bloomberg Barclay’s high yield muni index outperformed their investment grade index by 269 bps for the quarter. Longer bonds outperformed shorter bonds while GO (General Obligation) bonds underperformed revenue sectors. Lower quality bonds outperformed their higher quality counterparts.
For the fourth quarter, The Commerce Kansas Tax-Free Fund’s return of 0.75% underperformed the Bloomberg Barclays’ 3-15 Year Blend benchmark of 1.46%. Intermediate maturities were the most additive. Hospital and lease sectors performed the best. The Fund’s exposures to the pre-refunded and power sectors lagged.