Markets

The muni market has "cheapened and steepened," which is a great opportunity for people still on the sidelines to get into the market again, said Jennifer Johnston, director of municipal bonds research at Franklin Templeton.

School districts are facing many challenges, including less federal funding, increased competition, declining enrollment and inflating costs.

An investor presentation highlights industry conferences and consulting services that "have made the CIA the 'think tank' of the food service industry."

The asset class got a "much-needed boost" from inflows into muni mutual funds last week, said Birch Creek strategists.

The port, which operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, received a Moody's Ratings upgrade ahead of a $761 million revenue bond deal slated for next week.

Issuance for the week of July 28 is estimated at $11.035 billion, with $9.018 billion of negotiated deals and $2.017 billion of competitive deals on tap, according to LSEG.

Investors are watching an Aug. 13 refinancing on $985 million of bonds for proposed commuter line projects with southern Florida counties.

Columbia College Chicago was lowered one notch to BB-plus from BBB-minus by S&P Global Ratings, citing the school's falling headcount and diminished demand.

The top five featured in the ranking handled deals totalling more than $84 billion in par value.

The airport, also selling $412.8 million of new money, will join a bevy of issuers who have deployed a tender offer in the hope of realizing refunding savings.