News and Information from Bond Buyer

Moody's Ratings revised Missouri's outlook to negative from stable, citing a large structural deficit that will push fund balances below its Aaa-rated peers.

The bonds are rated A1 by Moody's Ratings, A-plus by S&P Global Ratings and AA by KBRA.

By harmonizing its gift rule with FINRA's amended gift rule, the MSRB "aims for consistency in the application of MSRB and FINRA rules among dealers that are FINRA members," the MSRB's Ernesto Lanza said. 

Municipal bond issuance was $47.6 billion in 797 deals for the month, down 7.8% year-over-year but still the third-biggest April in history.

The board also approved issuing a request for comment relating to disclosure documents for 529 plans and other municipal fund securities.

The department has hit its $30 billion limit on transportation private activity bonds and there's a large pipeline of public-private partnerships across the country.

With enrollment and funding not keeping pace with rising costs, public education is feeling rating pressure at both the K-12 and higher education levels.

Investors are digesting developments in the Middle East and the Fed's decision not to cut rates, according to FHN Financial's Ajay Thomas.

Guam is diversifying its economy beyond tourism and the military, Gov. Lourdes Leon Guerrero said.

"We do good work," said Mike LaPierre, president of GPM Municipal Advisors, which acts as advisor and staff to the Public Finance Authority and the California Community Housing Agency.

The average muni bond trade size fell below $204,000 in the first quarter, down 5% from 2025, according to Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board data.

Saint Michael's College was downgraded to B3 from B1, as Moody's cited growing expenses and lower revenues.

"Really the only chance of high speed rail in the United States in the next decade is Brightline West," said Federal Railroad Administration head David Fink.

Observers say there is a real chance that Democrats may win the governorships of Florida and Georgia, affecting the states' fiscal policies.

"The market is starting to feel a little bit on the heavy side," said Jamie Iselin, head of municipal fixed income at Neuberger Berman. "The Treasury market has been leaking higher as, I think, people are getting concerned that the conflict in the Middle East is going to [last] longer."

Moody's Ratings downgraded Northern Illinois University's issuer and revenue bond ratings to Ba1 from Baa3.

The Federal Railroad Administration is embracing a pro-business approach regarding emerging technology and funding rail crossing improvements.

"Clearly, issuers still need access to this very important financing tool," said State of Michigan Treasurer Rachael Eubanks, who also serves as this year's president of the National Association of State Treasurers.

"It became clear our residence halls were a constraint and not an asset for our university," WKU president Timothy Caboni said.

Kevin Warsh's nomination to be the next chair of the Federal Reserve passed through the Senate Banking committee in a party-line vote.