Caribbean

Bondholders say the insurers reneged on the bond insurance terms, which both firms deny in filings for the case, filed six years after the COFINA restucturing.

The three Puerto Rico Oversight Board members can resume their positions immidiately, District Court Judge Maria Antongiorgi-Jordan ruled.

"A lawsuit like this is probably critical for any future settlements or agreements, because it will (maybe) determine up front if the incoming [board] members, and thus whatever agreements they sign, are valid or not," said Matt Fabian, a partner at Municipal Market Analytics.

The Puerto Rico Energy Bureau has about 150 days to set new rates for consumers.

PREPA bondholders who back the Oversight Board's proposed deal say it will lose their support if not confirmed by Oct. 1.

Analysts unsure about the impact of the firings on bondholders.

The federal government didn't have enough influence in the resulting haircuts to the COFINA bondholders for it to be liable for their losses, the court said.

The agency cited the permanent raise to the rum tax cover for the improved outlook.

The funds have net assets of around $187 million.

U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain gave no indication at the hearing as to how she was leaning and said some issues might not be able to be resolved as a matter of law.