Markets

Municipals were cut up four basis points, depending on the curve, through noon.

Rising debt and interest payment ratios over more than a decade, to levels higher than other nations', prompted the downgrade, Moody's said.

Issuance for the week of May 19 is estimated at $11.667 billion.

At a Bond Buyer conference in Atlanta, industry leaders talked about tariff turmoil, the tax-exemption, weather resiliency, infrastructure and more. 

A couple of "bond-friendly" economic reports released Thursday could encourage the Federal Reserve to reduce interest rates in the near future, some analysts argued.

For most investors, partnership matters, said Jamie Doffermyre, head of public finance syndicate and origination at Truist Securities.

Strong enplanement growth, an expansive number of days of cash on hand and low costs outweigh credit concerns, analysts said.

While April was a challenging month for muni performance, this summer will be a more supportive environment, said Mark Paris, chief investment officer and head of municipals at Invesco.

Chicago will host its annual investor conference on Thursday as Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration faces challenges including a $1.12 billion deficit.

The muni market is recovering from tariff turmoil, and is more resilient than the day-to-day volatility suggests, Jamie Doffermyre of Truist Securities said.