Municipal markets showed signs of additional strain this week as U.S. Treasury yields dipped further while equities experienced a surge late in the session. A notable aspect of this trend is the apparent disconnect between rising stock markets and waning demand for municipal bonds. Notably, the two-year municipal-UST ratio remained stagnant at 72%, while similar
Bonds
In an era where trust in economic systems is paramount, Moody’s recent downgrade of the U.S. credit rating from AAA to Aa1 serves as a harbinger of economic tension. While the immediate impact on the municipal bond market seems tepid, with only a slight weakening noted in early trading, the broader implications are far more
The municipal bond market, like any financial sector, is sensitive to the whims of political maneuvering and trade tensions. In recent weeks, what started as a panic response to President Trump’s tariff announcements has transformed into a fascinating study of resilience. Jamie Doffermyre, leading the public finance syndicate at Truist Securities, expressed optimism during his
In a significant financial maneuver, Harris County Hospital District in Texas is poised to issue limited tax bonds totaling $839.5 million this week. This endeavor aims to tap into the recently authorized $2.5 billion debt for an expansive $3.2 billion healthcare project overwhelmingly approved by voters. The bond issue, scheduled for this week, represents not
In a compelling shift aimed at fortifying its municipal financing strategy, the City of Chicago has issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) for new underwriting services. The move, initiated on April 30, signifies an urgent need for fresh partnerships amid evolving market dynamics. By targeting firms to manage its bond deals, Chicago aims not only
Shreveport, Louisiana, finds itself in a precarious financial situation, wrestling with an alarming rate of debt while attempting to stimulate its local economy. The recent proposal of a $28.9 million general obligation bond—backed by bond insurance—has raised eyebrows. As the city grapples with its troubling credit ratings, the pressing question lingers: can this historically significant
In a striking financial maneuver, the North Carolina Local Government Commission has approved a jaw-dropping $865 million in bonds split between the city of Charlotte and the Duke University Health System. This colossal financial decision raises an eyebrow, as it reflects the current sentiment of risk-taking that is pervading local governance and institutions. History has
Barclays Plc, long regarded as a formidable player in the world of municipal finance, is in the midst of a seismic shift that underscores growing discontent within its ranks. Over the past year, the bank has experienced the departure of at least ten employees from its muni finance team—a movement that has triggered recruitment efforts
In a move that can only be described as audacious, American Airlines is gearing up to issue a junk-rated bond worth $350 million to finance improvements at its maintenance facility in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This specific transaction has sent ripples through the municipal market, raising eyebrows and concerns among wise investors and market analysts alike. With
In an unprecedented fiscal maneuver, the Tennessee government has sanctioned an astounding increase in state bond issuance to $1.01 billion for the upcoming fiscal year. This leap from a mere $88 million allocated last year raises red flags for those who critically assess government spending. The robust figure breaks down into significant components: $925.6 million