Markets

The March Midwest Economy Index climbed to 0.52 from a revised 0.41 in February, first reported as 0.44, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago said Monday.

Backers say the blockchain "micro" bonds could finance a new fire truck for the California city.

Weekly municipal bond volume will be down with the Federal Open Market Committee set to meet, though no interest rate increase is expected.

The municipal bond market will see a light new issue calendar next week as the Federal Reserve meeting on monetary policy puts a damper on new debt issuance.

The University of Michigan's final April consumer sentiment index reading was 98.8.

U.S. employment costs increased more than forecast in the first quarter as worker pay and benefits accelerated, according to Labor Department data released Friday.

U.S. economic growth cooled last quarter as consumers pulled back following outsize spending in the prior period, though solid business investment cushioned some of the weakness.

In the week ended April 26, the weekly average yield to maturity of the Bond Buyer Municipal Bond Index jumped up to 4.05% from 3.99% the previous week. The BB40 Index is based on the price of 40 long-term bonds.

Municipal bonds steadied after sliding the previous day, as the last of the week’s new issuance came to market.

New casinos will open this year after a winning 2017 for the Jersey Shore resort’s downsized gambling industry.