Banking

In this Market Intelligence analysis, Jeff Lipton warns that granting states access to Chapter 9 would be deeply disruptive, likely forcing muni yields higher and liquidity lower, while underscoring why states' legal protections and reserves still support strong willingness to pay.

Market Intelligence analyst Jeff Lipton assigns a stable yet guarded view to airport bonds, highlighting how gateways and large hubs can outperform as fuel costs, travel demand and geopolitical risk evolve — while investors sharpen focus on leverage, rate recovery and cyber defenses.

Market Intelligence analyst Jeff Lipton distills what he heard onstage and in the hallways at The Bond Buyer's 2026 National Outlook, from policy uncertainty and the muni tax exemption to AI's growing role and credit risk hotspots.

Colleagues and friends described the investment banker and former deputy state treasurer as a man of integrity with a certain gravitas, a charismatic presence and a calming influence.

Bonding should increase in the next few years to address aged state and local infrastructure, Moody's Vice President Dan Seymour said.

Market Intelligence analyst Jeff Lipton analyzes how varied state funding priorities and overall charter school support, shifting enrollment patterns, policy uncertainty, charter renewal risk,  and varied pension practices affect charter school bond security—and outlines what issuers, advisors and investors should be communicating to the market.

In this third of a three-part 2026 municipal bond outlook series, Market Intelligence analyst Jeff Lipton explains how another year of heavy supply, surging ETF and SMA assets, climate and cyber risk, and growing use of bond insurance will drive muni market structure and strategy for both sell-side and buy-side stakeholders.

Market Intelligence analyst Jeff Lipton, in the second installment of his three-part 2026 outlook series, maps out quality-centric portfolio shifts, barbell and long-end strategies, and sector tilts across hospitals, higher education and housing as record supply and net inflows drive the muni market.

"The steps that would be necessary to restore a sound fiscal profile are becoming increasingly drastic," the rating agency said in downgrading Jersey City.

Market Intelligence analyst Jeff Lipton finds that low debt burdens, stronger rainy-day funds, improved pension metrics and robust legal safeguards help states remain a core source of stability and diversification for muni portfolios despite slowing growth and fiscal headwinds.

States face broadening credit challenges, and while local governments have shown resilience, school districts are more at risk, S&P Global Ratings said.

A mix of broader market dynamics and Chicago-specific pressures is driving the widening spreads, investors said.

Tim Ruby has joined Wells Fargo as its healthcare, higher education and not-for-profit division executive. He will be based in Chicago.

Federal Reserve Gov. Michael Barr said tariffs could have an outsize impact on small businesses and hardships could outlive the trade policy debate.

Chicago will host its annual investor conference on Thursday as Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration faces challenges including a $1.12 billion deficit.

Bond issuers are establishing common reserve funds to spur economic growth while also generating income, but risk is involved.

Fitch Ratings ranks the credit as AA, up from AA-minus.

Geography is playing a role in financial health as debt issuance rises.

Moody's has lifted the credit ratings on five special tax bonds.

BNP Paribas' Lindsay Costigan discusses the progress and ongoing challenges for women in the financial sector, her role in pushing for gender parity and diversity in finance, and how critical career decisions at pivotal moments can define success.