As the financial landscape evolves, the demand for bond insurance has witnessed a notable upsurge through the first three quarters of 2024. The bond insurance sector, which plays a crucial role in safeguarding municipal bonds, saw an impressive year-over-year growth of 26.8%, as reported by LSEG data. The total debt wrapped by bond insurance reached
As the next presidential election approaches, the landscape for municipal finance could be drastically altered, particularly if Kamala Harris secures victory. Tax advocates, especially within the municipal sector, are gearing up for what appears to be a heated battle over tax policies. This tension is further emphasized as Congressional Republicans commence a nationwide effort to
Cook County, Illinois, the second most populated county in the United States, recently unveiled its executive budget recommendation for the upcoming fiscal year, amounting to $9.89 billion. The announcement, made by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, emphasizes a notable commitment to fiscal responsibility, citing no new taxes or layoffs. This article delves into the
The housing market is experiencing a noteworthy shift due to rising mortgage interest rates, leading to a decline in demand among potential homebuyers and homeowners looking to refinance. Recent data from the Mortgage Bankers Association indicates a significant 5.1% drop in overall mortgage application volume in a single week. This decline is attributed to an
In recent years, the landscape of charitable giving has undergone a significant transformation, particularly among wealthy millennials and Generation Z. Unlike prior generations, who may have seen philanthropy as a simple act of writing checks, today’s affluent youth are embodying a more activist-oriented approach. A study from Bank of America Private Bank reveals that wealthy
Recent developments in the cryptocurrency market have brought Shiba Inu (SHIB) into the spotlight, highlighted by a remarkable surge in transaction volumes. In a recent 24-hour window, a staggering 4.1 trillion SHIB was transacted, suggesting a noticeable influx of interest from large holders, commonly referred to as ‘whales’. This activity is particularly significant as it
In the ever-evolving landscape of global finance, the recent performance of Asian currencies reflects a complex interplay between local economic indicators and broader geopolitical influences. As of Friday, a modest strengthening of most Asian currencies has countered the decline of the U.S. dollar, which faced resistance after reaching nearly two-month highs. This shift is critical
The launch of the Equitable School Revolving Fund LLC (ESRF) next week introduces a groundbreaking model aimed at supporting charter schools through a significant financial mechanism. With an announcement of $300 million in A-rated social bonds, this pioneering loan pool continues to catch the attention of educational and financial stakeholders alike. Founded in 2017 by
Warren Buffett, the revered CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, has recently made headlines with a significant adjustment to his company’s investment portfolio—specifically in Bank of America (BofA). The decision to reduce Berkshire’s stake to below 10% suggests a strategic pivot that merits thoughtful examination, especially given Buffett’s long-standing relationship with the bank since it was on
Over the past few trading sessions, municipal bonds have faced marginal weakening, marking their fourth consecutive day in this trend. This follows the notable declines in U.S. Treasury yields, all while equity markets show signs of life with gains. On Wednesday, municipal bond yields rose up to three basis points, whereas U.S. Treasury (UST) yields