News and Information from Bond Buyer

After returning north of 7% in 2019, the municipal bond asset class continues to see strong returns so far in 2020.

Gov. Tim Walz's plan relies on $2 billion of new general obligation borrowing.

The San Diego City Council approved a resolution asking staff to craft language for a $900 million affordable housing bond.

Its top goal is to increase to $30 million the size of bank-qualified tax-exempt bond issues that can be sold to banks under favorable terms.

Three of the biggest New York City pension funds have selected advisors to help divest from fossil fuels.

The top municipal bond counsel saw $265.58 billion of business in the first three quarters of 2019, up from $237.49 billion a year earlier. Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP once again found itself on top with Hawkins Delafield and Wood gaining some ground.

The two active municipal bond insurers insured $5 billion more in 2019 than they did in 2018 thanks to a surge of issuance in the fourth quarter. Assured Guaranty and Build America Mutual combined for $23.92 billion of insured volume spanning 1,724 transactions and 5.67% penetration rate in 2019. That is up from $18.92 billion in 1,249 deals and 5.58% insured rate in 2018.

While the general feeling is the Federal Reserve will keep rates steady this year, not everyone is on board with that view.

Ohio's Hamilton Community Authority issues bonds Thursday to help finance the redevelopment of a vacant paper mill.

The municipal bond market will see a several large hospital corporate CUSIP taxable deals priced this week. Partners HealthCare Mass General, Cottage Health and Hartford HealthCare top a $7 billion calendar. Just what the doctor ordered for supply-starved buyers.

New York City Council member Daniel Dromm and Citizens Budget Commission president Andrew Rein explore the effects of looming state Medicaid cuts on the city's $95.3 billion preliminary budget. Paul Burton hosts from City Hall.

Chicago’s $1.5 billion sale of general obligation refunding bonds and Sales Tax Securitization Corp. debt generated $310 million of budget savings.

The secondary market price has risen 40% since June 11.

Although municipal bond volume is expected to rise by almost $2 billion, it won’t be nearly enough to satisfy investors’ thirst for the asset class.

Only $14.9 billion has been disbursed out of the $48.35 billion allocated by Congress since Hurricane Maria.

The governor has recommended a $54.15 billion budget amid flat state revenue collections in the current fiscal year.

The Big Ten school, which has favored shorter maturities, is issuing 40-year bonds in a bid to diversify its debt portfolio and lock in low rates.

Mayor praised for restraint ahead of uncertainty about possible big cuts to city services by Albany.

NYC OMB Director Melanie Hartzog speaks about budget reserves.

NYC Council Finance Chair Daniel Dromm talks to Paul Burton on the budget process.