Markets

The revenue index dropped to 21.5, from 25.4, a three-year high.

Service sector “activity was robust in August,” according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond service-sector activity survey.

Firms reported difficulty finding skilled workers, as manufacturing expansion continued.

The consumer confidence index increased to 133.4 in August from a revised 127.9 last month.

Home prices rose 6.2% on an annual basis in June, not seasonally adjusted, down from a 6.4% gain in May.

The municipal bond market will see under $4 billion of new paper to close out the month and market participants remain hopeful volume will spike in September and stay strong into the fall.

The ceasing of casino revenue sharing payments continues to hamper the credit conditions of Niagara Falls, N.Y., according to S&P Global Ratings.

A huge surplus and strong state economy could drive demand for the upcoming $989 million offering.

Portfolio managers say taxable alternatives have appeared cheaper lately when compared to the short end of the tax-exempt yield curve.

The municipal bond market will see under $4 billion of new paper to close out the month and market participants remain hopeful volume will spike in September and stay strong into the fall.