Muni Think

This week’s commentary starts with a review of Lumesis’ DIVER Geo Scores, highlighting the strongest and weakest states.

The dialogue over tax reform provides an opening for state and local governments to educate members of Congress and their staff about municipal bonds, how they work and what they do.

Circumstances have changed and a different approach to Puerto Rico debt is warranted.

Doubts as to the quality or effectiveness of Indiana's intercept program are misplaced.

Congress should end Puerto Rico's exclusion from federal bankruptcy protection — but it's unfair to leave the territory's existing creditors in the lurch.

There are few lay-ups in muni bond investing, but jettisoning buy-and-hold for dynamic tax management may be one of them.

Discussion at a recent industry panel addressed possible impacts of the global economy on U.S. states and describe additional metrics to watch to monitor health of municipal pensions.

As 2015 begins, capital markets participants would do well to reflect on the lessons of recent Chapter 9 proceedings.

The ruling that the former mayor was liable for violations of securities laws as a "control person" is one of which every official of a state or local government issuing debt should be aware.

The suspension of the nation's debt limit expires March 15, with important implications for municipal issuers selling refunding debt during the next several weeks.