Markets

Top-quality municipal bonds ended mixed on Wednesday as the big Honolulu and Pennsylvania sales hit the screens.

They say a report shows state could shave billions off interest costs if it borrows to pay down the state's unpaid bill backlog.

All 12 Federal Reserve districts reported modest or moderate economic growth in the past two months, the latest Beige Book survey showed Wednesday, up from the 10 reporting those levels of growth in the previous period.

S&P Global Ratings cited improved employment and demographic indicators, and projected growth in reserve levels.

Top-quality municipal bonds were stronger at midday as buyers look ahead to the big Honolulu sale set to hit the screens on Wednesday.

UBS Wealth Management Americas started to fill openings in its newly revived public finance business, with 19 employees joining the firm.

Moody's Investors Service says firmed-up state and city funding has stabilized the district's finances, for now.

The U.S. services sector expanded in August as the non-manufacturing business activity composite index was 55.3 in the month, compared to 53.9 in July, on a seasonally adjusted basis, the Institute for Supply Management reported Wednesday.

The municipal bond market on Wednesday is set for the start of the week’s new deal slate, which will see a large sale from a Hawaiian issuer hit the screens.

The U.S. international trade gap widened very slightly in July to $43.7 billion, smaller than the $44.8 billion gap expected and following a revised smaller $43.5 billion gap in June, data released by the Commerce Department Wednesday morning showed.