Statistics reports

A state-by-state review of first half 2017 issuance in the Southwest.

A big drop-off in Texas and a decline in refundings took a bite out of the municipal bond business in the Southwest.

2017 first-half volume lagged last year's levels.

A state-by-state review of first half 2017 issuance in the Northeast.

The development sector grew by 36% and public facilities climbed by 11%, making them the sectors that grew by the largest percentage in the first half of the year. The sectors with the biggest declines were electric power at 55% and utilities at 23%.

The municipal market got off to a fast start in terms of issuance this year, picking up in January right where it left off from 2016’s record-setting totals. However, the pace of issuance has since slowed, leaving 2017 first-half volume lagging last year's levels.

Short-term note issuance rose less than 5% in the first half of 2017 as municipalities relies less on cash flow needs.

Although market conditions and a still relatively low interest rate environment continue to hamper the bond insurance industry, there continue to be encouraging signs including a slight uptick in the insurance penetration rate.

The region's slipping volume reflected a national trend.

Long-term municipal volume ascends to an all-time high in 2016