Patrick McGee

The municipal bond market is fragmented and lacks an overarching theme as it enters the final quarter of 2011.

Muni investors have herded into short-term debt the last few months thinking that if rates rise, longer-term bonds will plummet in value and it will be good to have cash on hand to reinvest at higher rates. But are short-term bonds really such a safe haven?

Eye-popping declines in muni yields on Thursday might finally prod investors into accepting low yields and prompt issuers to take advantage of some of the lowest borrowing costs in history.

Retail buyers in the primary market mopped up California's first general obligation issue of 2011 on Monday, but secondary trading was quiet as investors chose to wait for some major deals pricing later in the week.

Retail buyers in the primary market mopped up California’s first general obligation issue of 2011 on Monday, but secondary trading was quiet as investors choose to wait for some major deals pricing later in the week.

California’s first general obligation issue of 2011 is being grabbed up by retail investors but yields in the broader market are pretty much unchanged despite a major rally in the Treasury market.

Muni trading is off to a quiet start but the expectation is for the tone to be firmer thanks to a rallying Treasury market and broad support for California’s first general obligation deal of 2011.

Six consecutive quarters of state tax-collection increases failed to improve the credit outlook for state or local governments, according to two studies from Moody's Investors Service set for publication Monday.

Muni traders were content to sit it out Friday and wait for opportunities expected to arise over the next five sessions, during which $8 billion is expected to hit the market.

Muni traders were content to sit it out Friday and wait for opportunities expected to arise over the next five sessions, during which $8 billion is expected to hit the market.

Muni trading is pretty inactive Friday afternoon as traders believe next week will see greater opportunities.

Muni yields are backing up slightly amid quiet trading as the stock market attempts to secure a fifth straight gain.

The stability of the muni market was on display again this week, even as the risk of increased supply took hold of investor sentiment.

Wisconsin-based law firm Michael Best & Friedrich LLP plans to renew its commitment to public finance with the hiring of 25-year industry veteran Charles D. Katz.

Munis exercised a run-of-the-mill pattern this week as tax-exempts followed the broader rally in Treasuries at a lag.

The new board of directors at the Municipal Analysts Group of New York will be hosting the first party and luncheon for their new series this month, giving regional muni players some chances to network.

Municipal investors were on the sidelines this week, perplexed and uncertain about what their next move should be.

Every bond has its season. In the current environment of ultra-low rates and a steep municipal yield curve, the sun is shining on premium bonds.

Kicker bonds offer unique benefits depending on whether you are a short-term or a long-term buyer. But each strategy carries its own risks.

When Treasuries run, munis jog. That's the usual trend. But this week's Bond Buyer indexes suggest the muni market backed up quite a bit more than Treasuries on concerns of diminished demand and the prospect of post-Labor Day supply.