ABNâs should be executed when: 1  Tests(s) are deemed by the NCD policy as not medically necessary. 2  Screening test(s) that are part of a routine examination where the patient shows no signs nor symptoms of disease. 3  Test(s) that exceed the NCC frequency limits.
Under rules governing municipal bonds, callable premium bonds must be priced to the date resulting in the worst (lowest) yield for the investor. Generally this means that the bonds are priced to the first call date. This is attractive to investors because, in the event the bonds are not called, the yield to maturity will be much higher. Furthermore, in a rising rate environment, premium bonds retain their value better than par or discount bonds.
Over the longer-term, however, the returns of municipal bonds have been fairly close to those of the investment-grade market. As of December 31, 2013, the 10-year average annual total return of the Barclays Municipal Bond Index was 4.29%, close to the 4.55% return of the Barclays Aggregate. Keep in mind, however, that this isn't an apples-to-apples comparison since the interest on municipal bonds is tax-free.