Merrill Lynch Colorado Municipal Bond Fund
Quarterly Report -- April 30, 1994
To Our Shareholders:
The magnitude of the rise in tax-exempt bond yields experienced this
past quarter has not been seen since 1987 when municipal bond rates
rose 250 basis points (2.50%) from March to October of that year. It
is very important to note that the municipal bond price declines of
the April quarter, while certainly damaging, were essentially much
different than those in 1987. Recent price declines were largely the
result of consistent and insistent selling pressures over the last
two months. In 1987, the tax-exempt bond market was much more
volatile and, at times, chaotic as investors sought to liquidate
positions without concern for fundamental value. For the most part,
the recent price deterioration has been orderly, and the municipal
bond market's liquidity and integrity have not been challenged or
jeopardized.
Despite recent price declines, tax-exempt securities remain among
the most attractive investment alternatives available. After the
yield increases experienced in the April quarter, longer-term
municipal securities yielded approximately 90% of comparable US
Treasury yields. Purchasers of these municipal bonds also accrue
substantial after-tax yield advantages. To investors in the 39%
marginal Federal income tax bracket, the purchase of a municipal
bond yielding 6.50% represents an after-tax equivalent of 10.65%.
With prevailing estimates of 1994 inflation at no more than 3%--4%,
real after-tax rates in excess of 6.50% easily compensate longer-term
investors for much of the price volatility recently experienced.
<PAGE>
Portfolio Strategy
Merrill Lynch Colorado Municipal Bond Fund remained defensively
postured during the April quarter. We raised the Fund's cash
position during this period, holding as much as 15% of net assets in
cash at times. In addition to this defensive posture, we sought out
larger-coupon securities to help enhance shareholders' income.
During this volatile time, we continued to emphasize quality
securities, with 80% of the Fund's holdings rated A or better. By
purchasing higher-yielding, noncallable securities, we expect the
Fund to accrue attractive levels of tax-exempt income for years to
come.
We appreciate your ongoing interest in Merrill Lynch Colorado
Municipal Bond Fund, and we look forward to assisting you with your
financial needs in the months and years ahead.
Sincerely,
(Arthur Zeikel)
Arthur Zeikel
President
(Vincent R. Giordano)
Vincent R. Giordano
Vice President and Portfolio Manager
May 31, 1994
<PAGE>
Performance Data
None of the past results shown should be considered a representation
of future performance. Investment return and principal value of
Class A and Class B Shares will fluctuate so that shares, when
redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
<TABLE>
Recent Performance Results*
<CAPTION>
Since Inception 3 Month
4/30/94 1/31/94 11/26/93** % Change % Change
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class A Shares $9.30 $10.28 $10.00 -7.00% -9.53%
Class B Shares 9.29 10.27 10.00 -7.10 -9.54
Class A Shares--Total Return -4.98(1) -8.32(2)
Class B Shares--Total Return -5.39(3) -8.55(4)
Class A Shares--Standardized 30-day Yield 5.69%
Class B Shares--Standardized 30-day Yield 5.42%
<FN>
*Investment results shown for the 3-month and since inception periods are before the deduction of any sales charges.
**Commencment of Operations.
(1)Percent change includes reinvestment of $0.201 per share ordinary income dividends.
(2)Percent change includes reinvestment of $0.128 per share ordinary income dividends.
(3)Percent change includes reinvestment of $0.180 per share ordinary income dividends.
(4)Percent change includes reinvestment of $0.115 per share ordinary income dividends.
</TABLE>
Aggregate Total Return
% Return Without % Return With
Sales Charge Sales Charge**
Class A Shares*
Inception (11/26/93)
through 3/31/94 -5.39% -9.17%
[FN]
*Maximum sales charge is 4%.
**Assuming maximum sales charge.
<PAGE>
% Return % Return
Without CDSC With CDSC**
Class B Shares*
Inception (11/26/93)
through 3/31/94 -5.64% -9.64%
[FN]
*Maximum contingent deferred sales charge is 4% and is reduced
to 0% after 4 years.
**Assuming payment of applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
Not authorized for use as an offer of sale or a solicitation of an
offer to buy shares of the Fund unless accompanied or preceded by
the Fund's current prospectus.
