Markets

The consumer confidence index increased to 131.4 in February from an upwardly revised 121.7 last month.

Manufacturing growth in the central Atlantic region “strengthened in February,” according to the monthly business activity survey conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, as the manufacturing index climbed to positive 16 from negative 2.

U.S. new-home construction in December fell to the lowest since September 2016, as builders held back during a turbulent month for financial markets.

The region's services sector accelerated, as the general business conditions index rebounded to 10.0 in February from 1.0 in January.

Mounting deficits cost Valley Stream, N.Y. its investment grade rating.

Lawmakers are weighing legislation that would authorize $100 million of special purpose revenue bonds to build and operate the plant.

The demand component of the municipal bond market is continuing to drive firm prices,

The region's municipal bond industry insiders saw a silver lining in a 21% increase for new money volume.

Municipals remained strong on Monday as a Wisconsin school district sold GOs in the primary market.

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