Markets

Private placements and direct bank loans allow more direct investor communication for issuers of all stripes, advocates say.

Platte County wants a court to confirm its decision to walk away from an appropriation pledge.

Texas service sector activity “growth softened in March."

Manufacturing and services growth in the central Atlantic region in March was weaker than in February.

The consumer confidence index decreased to 124.1 in March from an unrevised 131.4 last month, The Conference Board reported Tuesday.

U.S. new-home groundbreakings fell in February by the most in eight months on a drop in single-family homes, suggesting buyers and builders remain wary despite higher wages and a drop in mortgage rates.

The region's services sector accelerated, as the general business conditions index grew to 21.7 in March.

Muni rates and ratios have benefited from macro themes driving rates lower, according to a report released Monday.

Texas factory activity growth, as measured by the production index, “continued to expand in March,” but at a slower pace than in February.

Investors will see municipal bonds of all stripes and shapes hit the market this week, with high-grades and high-yields competing with tax-exempt and taxable, all pricing into a declining yield environment amid recession worries.