The Baird Strategic Municipal Bond Fund (BSNIX) has been honored with the 2024 LSEG Lipper Fund Award, securing the title of Best Fund Over 3-Years in the short-intermediate municipal debt funds category. This recognition is based on the fund's performance up to November 30, 2023, showcasing its consistent risk-adjusted returns compared to its peers. Managed by a team of seasoned professionals including Lyle Fitterer, CFA, Duane McAllister, CFA, Erik Schleicher, CFA, Joe Czechowicz, CFA, and Gabe Diederich, CFA, the fund has now achieved this prestigious award for five consecutive years.
Mary Ellen Stanek, CFA, Baird Advisors Co-Chief Investment Officer and Baird Funds President, attributed this success to the team's unwavering commitment to a consistent process, collaborative approach, and extensive experience in the municipal bond sector. The LSEG Lipper Fund Awards are distinguished by their reliance on a quantitative proprietary methodology, ensuring an impartial evaluation of fund performance. This methodology is designed to provide an objective assessment, free from external influences.
Lyle Fitterer expressed enthusiasm about the award, noting the current compelling opportunities in the bond market, especially within municipal bonds. Baird has recently outlined its optimistic outlook on bonds, presenting the top ten reasons to like bonds now, which further underscores the strategic importance of bonds in today's investment landscape. With over $107 billion in assets under management across fixed income and equity portfolios as of February 28, 2024, the Baird Funds family continues to demonstrate its leadership and expertise in the investment community.
This award not only reaffirms the Baird Strategic Municipal Bond Fund's position as a leader in the municipal debt space but also highlights the broader potential of bonds as a critical component of diversified investment strategies. For investors and industry leaders, the recognition serves as a testament to the value of disciplined investment processes and the importance of experienced management teams in navigating the complexities of the bond market.
