Description

The Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund Admiral Shares aims to deliver a steady and moderate level of current income, which is exempt from federal personal income taxes. While the fund has no restrictions on the maturity of individual securities, its dollar-weighted average maturity is typically maintained between 6 and 12 years. The portfolio primarily consists of high-quality municipal bonds: at least 75% must be rated among the top three categories by a recognized credit agency, or deemed of comparable quality by the advisor if unrated. Up to 20% of its assets may be invested in medium-grade bonds, as determined by a rating organization or the advisor. A small portion, specifically the remaining 5%, can be allocated to securities with lower credit ratings or those assessed as equivalent by the advisor if unrated. A key risk to consider is that changes in interest rates can impact the fund; rising rates may lead to a decrease in bond prices, while falling rates could eventually reduce the fund's income. This fund may appeal to investors seeking federal tax-exempt interest income who are comfortable with moderate fluctuations in both price and income. It's crucial to understand that the Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Fund is a standalone product, separate and distinct from the Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEI). Variations in their scale, investment processes, and underlying holdings mean their investment returns are expected to differ.