Amid a busy new-issue day, munis could not help but follow a U.S. Treasury selloff that was led by stronger economic data, reaffirming that rates will remain higher for longer. Equities were down late in the session. “The ‘higher for longer’ interest rate narrative continues to have a significant impact on all fixed income markets,”

The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Examination Division will begin targeting solicitor municipal advisors in FY 2024, following the establishment of their own core standards through new MSRB Rule G-46. “The Division of Examinations plays a critical role in protecting investors and facilitating capital formation,” SEC chair Gary Gensler said in a statement. “In examining for

Municipals were weaker Monday, rising in sympathy with U.S. Treasuries. Equities rallied. Triple-A benchmarks were cut up three to eight basis points, depending on the scale, while UST yields were up four to nine near the close. The two-year muni-to-Treasury ratio Monday was at 70%, the three-year was at 70%, the five-year at 71%, the

Municipals were little changed Friday as the market took a breather ahead of a one of the largest new-issue calendars of the year with bellwether names coming in four deals that total over $1 billion each. U.S. Treasuries returned to a flight-to-safety bid and made gains while equities closed the week mixed. The new-issue muni

Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts have agreed to work together to develop offshore wind energy in a joint venture officials say will offset rising costs that threaten the burgeoning industry’s potential. The multi-state coalition will be the first of its kind, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said in a joint statement with Rhode Island Gov. Dan

The U.S. Virgin Islands government is concerned that more than $10 billion of a possible $15 billion in federal hurricane reconstruction aid may be in jeopardy, with possible impacts on the islands’ economy. The islands’ government and Water and Power Authority have more than $2 billion in bonds outstanding. Fitch Ratings rates the WAPA bonds

The last time the triple-A 30-year muni was consistently over 4%, Barack Obama was president, lawmakers were squabbling over whether to raise the debt ceiling, cut spending and keep the federal government open, which eventually resulted in a downgrade of the United State’s triple-A rating by S&P Global Ratings. While there is a different administration,

Cities and states should “keep calm and issue bonds” despite sticker shock from rising interest rates and a volatile municipal bond market. That was the message from panelists speaking Thursday at the Government Finance Officers Association’s annual MiniMuni event, a three-day online event for issuers. The rise in rates “makes our jobs as debt managers

New York state tax collections from mobile sports betting totaled $727.4 million in fiscal 2022-2023, according to a report from the state comptroller’s office. “Gaming has significantly expanded in the state in the last several years,” Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said Wednesday. “With the ease and 24/7 availability of mobile betting apps, problem gambling and addiction

Municipals were mixed Thursday, outperforming U.S. Treasuries, which saw larger losses following a higher-than-anticipated inflation report, while more outflows from muni mutual funds were reported. U.S. Treasuries sold off after the consumer price index report showed inflation rising, paring back gains after several sessions of a flight-to-safety bid amid the violence in Israel. Equities ended

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has launched a civil rights investigation into Alabama’s Department of Environmental Management after reviewing complaints of discrimination in the distribution of federal funds. In a letter addressed to ADEM Director Lance Lefluer, the EPA said it would launch a probe into state policy concerning distributions from a federally backed sewage