Markets

The December Chicago Business Barometer was revised up to 67.8, but the downward revision to second quarter numbers pulled down the index for the year.

Initial jobless claims fell by 41,000 to 220,000 in the January 13 week, well below the 250,000 level expected and hitting the lowest level since February 24, 1973.

The pace of housing starts posted an 8.2% decline to a 1.192 million seasonally adjusted annual rate in December.

The region's manufacturing sector expanded in January, at a slower pace than in December.

Chicago plans to jump into the market with next securitization when its "tone" improves.

Gov. Jerry Brown’s budget proposal is favorable from a credit perspective, S&P Global Ratings said.

A group of economists including Joseph Stiglitz would cut the face value of Puerto Rico bonds by 80% or more.

The Sales Tax Securitization Corp.’s bond deal was delayed until at least next week, Chicago officials said, citing the market's "weak start" to the year.

The university carries triple-A bond ratings.

Former S&P Global Ratings analyst Richard Packard will succeed Black in Fitch's Austin office.