Markets

Municipal bonds were stronger with Treasuries as stock market volatility continued. Trading closed early ahead of the holiday.

The Chicago Fed National Activity Index for November rose to 0.22 from a downwardly revised neutral level in October.

While stocks are suffering still and there is a chance of a government shutdown, municipals strengthen yet again to close out the second to last week of the year.

With stocks and equities continuing their sell-off, munis continue to flex their muscles — even with a budget showdown in Washington taking place.

Respondents to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's monthly manufacturing survey reported slower growth in December, while expectations grew.

Personal income grew 0.2% in November, while spending rose 0.4%.

The University of Michigan's final December consumer sentiment index reading was 98.3, compared to the preliminary December 97.5.

Third quarter gross domestic product growth was revised down to a 3.4% gain from the 3.5% gain in the previous estimate.

Orders placed with U.S. factories for business equipment fell in November, missing forecasts for an increase and adding to signs that demand is slowing amid risks from the trade war with China.

The region's services sector decelerated, as the general business conditions index slumped to 3.9 in December from 43.3 in November.