Markets

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

U.S. payrolls and wages rose by less than forecast in November while the unemployment rate held at the lowest in almost five decades, indicating some moderation in a still-healthy labor market.

The weekly average yield to maturity of The Bond Buyer Municipal Bond Index, which is based on 40 long-term bond prices, fell to 4.15% from 4.21% the week before.

Municipal bonds rallied Thursday as yields fell as much as six basis points in spots.

The bank won't say what led to Stratford Shields' firing; his representative accused the firm of engineering the ouster.

The indiana Finance Authority will sell green bonds to fund loans for eligible water and wastewater projects that are verified as environmentally beneficial.

Municipal bond traders returned to work on Thursday as the market took up where it left off on Tuesday — with munis and Treasuries rallying.

Wells Fargo will replace Stratford Shields, who is out following an administrative leave.

The value of new factory orders fell 2.1% in October, slightly lower than the 2.0% decrease expected by analysts.

The U.S. services sector expanded at a faster pace in November as the non-manufacturing index grew to 60.7 from 60.3 in October.