Bonds

Municipal triple-A yield curves were little changed Wednesday as the primary market demanded investor attention and were well received. U.S. Treasuries were weaker, and equities ended mixed. Several large new-issues priced led by $1.018 billion of the University of Chicago revenue bonds from the Illinois Finance Authority (Aa2/AA-/AA+/), with yields bumped seven to 15 basis

A House Budget Committee hearing on Wednesday drew out two sides of thinking during a debate on the economic effects of immigration as the Republican majority hammered away on the costs. “The Federation for American Immigration Reform has done a great job,” said Committee Chairman, Jodey Arrington R- Texas. ”Studies suggest this cost is upwards of $400

Municipals were firmer in secondary trading as the primary market took focus, led by the accelerated pricing of $1.8 billion general obligation bonds from Illinois. U.S. Treasury yields fell out long and equities ended mixed. The two-year muni-to-Treasury ratio Tuesday was at 64%, the three-year at 63%, the five-year at 61%, the 10-year at 60%

Broker-dealer firms are stepping up in the primary market to fill the gap left by Citi’s dramatic exit from the municipal bond business last December, but a test of how secondary market liquidity stands up to the firm’s departure remains to be seen. That’s according to broker-dealer and financial advisor panelists speaking Monday at the

Municipals improved Monday in constructive secondary trading as investors await the larger new-issue slate. U.S. Treasuries were mixed while equities made gains. Triple-A curves saw yields fall two to three basis points while USTs were a touch weaker on the short end and a bit firmer out long. The two-year muni-to-Treasury ratio Monday was at

Illinois will issue $1.8 billion of general obligation bonds — $250 million taxable Series 2024A and $1.55 billion tax-exempt Series 2024B — to fund accelerated pension benefit payments and capital expenditures through the Rebuild Illinois program.  The fixed-rate bonds are expected to price this week. Jefferies, Siebert Williams Shank and Barclays are joint senior managers

All markets rallied on the weaker jobs data, leading municipals to see yields fall up to eight basis points on what typically is a quiet Friday session, following a better-performing U.S. Treasury market. Equities closed in the black. The softer-than-expected April employment report led to some analysts believing this could put rate cuts back on

Oklahoma’s list of investment banks determined to be “boycotting” the fossil fuel industry expanded with the addition of Barclays, making it ineligible for state and local government contracts, State Treasurer Todd Russ announced Friday.  Barclays joins Bank of America, JP Morgan, and Wells Fargo, which were placed on the list last year under the state’s

Hawaii Gov. Josh Green failed to convince lawmakers to consider legislation that would have allowed struggling Hawaii Electric Co. to issue bonds backed by a rate increase. Senate Bill 2922, introduced by Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Chair Jarrett Keohokalole, would have allowed HECO to issue up to $2.5 billion in low-interest bonds, if it

The Puerto Rico Oversight Board warned the government it will sue to stop a recently passed law that would reduce Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority revenues for the next 26 years by preventing a change in the net metering policy. In a letter to Puerto Rico Gov. Pedro Pierluisi, Senate President José Dalmau Santiago, and

As Florida’s Brightline passenger train floated its first investment-grade and insured bonds in a high-profile transaction last week, a key part of the deal for insurer Assured Guaranty was the control it would have if the issuer runs into debt payment trouble. Assured wraps $1.13 billion, or 51%, of the $2.219 billion of senior bonds

When Oregon voters consider $1.23 billion in bond measures on the May 21 ballot, issuers will be hoping for a more favorable outcome than local issuers received in November. Only two bond measures totaling $19 million were approved in November out of the $474.95 million requested during the special election. “Historically, the November election has

Municipals were slightly firmer Thursday as U.S. Treasury yields fell and equities were better to close the session. Municipal bond mutual funds saw another week of inflows as investors added $515.5 million for the week ending Wednesday after $200.3 million of inflows the week prior, according to LSEG Lipper. High-yield funds also saw inflows to

Legislation that would pave the way for a Colorado bond authority to issue debt for its purchase of a hotel that inspired Stephen King’s The Shining cleared a state Senate committee this week ahead of the May 8 end of the legislative session.  The Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority (CECFA) is pursuing buying the

The first piece of a general obligation bond authorization for a new Des Moines, Iowa, airport terminal is coming to market. The county is issuing $113 million of general obligation capital loan notes, Series 2024A, on behalf of the Des Moines Airport Authority. The debt will finance the design, construction and equipment of a new

While there are thousands of municipal bonds sold in the marketplace each year, some require more care and attention than others to turn into successful offerings. Some require constant refinement and retuning right up to the point of sale before it can become a successful offering for issuer, underwriter and buyer. Such was the case

Bondholders opposed to the proposed Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority plan of adjustment asked the bankruptcy judge to hear new evidence the authority will have a greater than anticipated ability to pay off its debt. The bondholders submitted their “urgent motion” to U.S. District Court Judge Laura Taylor Swain Monday evening. They are calling for

The new bipartisan bill that would provide the Federal Aviation Administration with reauthorization and $105 billion in appropriations through 2028 would also provide $19.35 billion in airport infrastructure improvement grants to fund the nation’s 3,300 airports. The 1,069 page bill is the culmination of eight hearings over the last year or more and also authorizes

Shreveport, Louisiana, voters approved $256 million of general obligation bonds Saturday. The voters approved $125 million for a streets and drainage bond, $82 million for a water and sewer bond, and $49 million for a police and fire infrastructure bond. The first two bonds passed with 80% in favor and 20% against. The last passed

For those of a certain age, a tune sung by The Happenings — See You in September — might resonate with regard to the Federal Reserve. Most analysts now expect the Fed to hold rates in a range between 5.25% and 5.50% until September, with some concern there will be no rate cuts this year.