Bond volume

Municipal bond issuance totaled $320.25 billion in 2018, as New York issuers led the charge.

Municipal issuance fell by 24% to $338 billion for 2018 as changes in U.S. tax law crushed the market.

While stocks are suffering still and there is a chance of a government shutdown, municipals strengthen yet again to close out the second to last week of the year.

With stocks and equities continuing their sell-off, munis continue to flex their muscles — even with a budget showdown in Washington taking place.

Hiring, firings, corruption, the new tax law and a volatile political climate shaped The Bond Buyer's list of most-read articles of 2018.

Municipal bond volume fell by almost half in November, underscoring the impact of the tax law.

The $33.4 billion of issuance — the second-biggest monthly total of the year — did little to raise hopes for a fourth-quarter resurgence.

The third quarter ended with a whimper, leaving year-to-date issuance 15% behind last year's pace.

Thirty states told the Council of Development Finance Agencies they issued mortgage revenue bonds in 2017 compared to only 18 that issued mortgage credit certificates.

States reported a 20.2% jump in the issuance of private activity bonds from the $20.4 billion issued in 2016.