Markets

An April COVID hospitalization surge, along with a continuing labor shortage and inflationary and supply chain costs, hurt hospitals' bottom line.

The GOP-controlled state legislature adjourned without passing a bill barring government contracts with firms, including banks that underwrite municipal bonds, if they “discriminate” against the firearm industry.

June redemptions will be the highest of the year at $50.6 billion. New-issue supply — 30-day visible is currently at $15.5 billion — is unlikely to keep up.

Total May volume was $31.167 billion in 750 deals versus $35.358 billion in 1,295 issues a year earlier. In a continuing trend, new-money issuance was up 14.2% in May year-over-year.

The rapid swing to lower yields over the past week has led to a sunnier outlook for the summer reinvestment season, but uncertainties on the economic front, rate volatility, and supply questions hang overhead.

Investors will be greeted Tuesday with a decrease in supply with the new-issue calendar estimated at $2.691 billion in $1.786 billion of negotiated deals and $904.9 million of competitive loans.

The rating agency said the action reflects significant progress the state has made restoring its financial reserves and liquidity in recent years.

Municipals improved for the fifth session in a row with 10- and 30-year triple-A yields falling 30 basis points since Thursday. Connecticut priced $1 billion-plus of GOs and saw yields lowered in a repricing.

Several major technicals are beginning to improve in the muni market, said Burt Mulford, portfolio co-manager of fixed and strategic income at Eagle Asset Management.

Fixed-income markets have had a tough 2022 but municipal bonds have been among the ones that have struggled the most.