Markets

A new-issue supply-focused buy-side had their sights on the $8 billion-plus flowing into the primary market this week, while municipal traders remained cautious, keeping an eye on bid-wanted lists in the secondary market.

A bearish market sentiment and elevated muni to UST ratios often represent a buy signal. Taxable equivalent yields are compelling for buy-and-hold investors, analysts say.

Municipals head into the final week of the first half of 2022 on more stable footing, but a cautious tone hangs over the market.

Cook County projects a surplus this year and a $18.2 million gap for fiscal 2023 while it readies two bond sales.

Refinitiv Lipper reported smaller outflows at $1.6 billion, down from the $5.6 billion the week prior. It brings the total outflows to $45.7 billion year-to-date.

The Investment Company Institute reported investors pulled $6.243 billion from muni bond mutual funds in the week ending June 15.

Moody's downgraded the university and its housing and parking borrowing arm ahead of a bond sale to support the school's goal of increasing on-campus housing.

S&P raised the outlook to positive for St. Louis Lambert's general credit and Chicago O'Hare's customer facility charge credit.

After a deal fell apart last year amid controversy over private prisons, the state returns with new underwriters and a traditional municipal finance structure.

The lighter calendar may help ease the imbalance between demand and supply, as selling pressure in the secondary has weighed significantly on the market tone.