In November 2022, White Lake Township, Michigan, found itself in the midst of a cybersecurity crisis that disrupted its financial operations and highlighted vulnerabilities within its digital infrastructure. The township intended to raise $29 million through a competitive bond sale, which was abruptly halted due to the infiltration of a “third-party criminal actor.” This breach
Bonds
The financial landscape at the beginning of 2025 indicates an unexpected and robust upswing in bond issuance, revealing underlying complexities that center around economic uncertainties, fiscal policies, and market behavior. Analyzing the latest data, it becomes clear that various strategic initiatives and external factors contributed to a windfall of new issues amid a cautious economic
Recently, the Iredell County Commission in North Carolina made a significant financial decision by approving $124 million in general obligation (GO) and limited obligation bonds aimed at funding a new high school. This move, legislated through a unanimous 5-0 vote, signifies the county’s commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure, albeit with the caveat that these bonds
In the landscape of municipal finance, market movements are often influenced by various external factors including governmental policies, economic indicators, and investor sentiment. As we enter a new cycle of decisions from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), it becomes imperative to analyze the behavior of the municipal bond market, especially in light of ongoing
The municipal bond market is currently witnessing notable movements, with secondary trading reflecting increased firmness amidst a more active primary market. Recent market activities have been characterized by a decline in U.S. Treasury yields alongside a bullish trend in equities, suggesting an optimistic investor sentiment. As we analyze the data, it becomes evident that municipal
The municipal bond market is undergoing significant shifts in activity, propelled by various factors affecting yields and investor sentiment. On a recent Thursday, the market witnessed some weakness as new issuances slowed down and municipal mutual funds attracted inflows exceeding $2 billion. Simultaneously, U.S. Treasury yields registered an upward trend beyond five years, which introduced
As the municipal bond market navigates through 2023, the underlying dynamics reflect a complex relationship with U.S. Treasury yields and overall market sentiment. The recent trading week highlighted a notable stagnation within the municipal bond sector despite minor falls in Treasury yields—a situation demonstrating an intricate balance where municipal offerings have struggled to maintain competitive
In recent years, bond insurance has emerged as an essential tool for issuers and investors alike, providing a layer of security for a diverse range of financial transactions. The growing demand for this financial instrument has reached new heights in the first half of 2024, with a notable 19.5% year-over-year increase in wrapped debt. This
The municipal bond market has displayed a degree of steadiness amid a backdrop of fluctuating U.S. Treasury yields and mixed performance in equity markets. As investors and analysts turn their attention to this sector, it is essential to dissect the nuances affecting municipal bonds, particularly as we approach the end of August 2023. Stability Amid
Municipal bonds, despite experiencing increased selling pressure in recent trading sessions, have showcased notable resilience compared to U.S. Treasuries. As we approach the end of the year, the municipal bond market’s stability is expected to positively influence investment strategies, especially as supply levels are anticipated to decrease significantly. Over the past week, municipal bonds recorded