Higher education bonds

The "Golden Age of Public Finance," as it was called by industry pundits, is likely to face significant changes under the Trump administration.

The escalating dispute between the prestigious issuer and the White House is spooking some bond holders and creating opportunities for others.

With the threat to tax exempt municipal bonds looming in a Congress searching for pay-fors, private activity bonds supporting hospitals and higher education are high on the list of potential first targets.

Brown is among the Ivy League schools borrowing money as they face funding threats from the Trump administration.

Harvard University braved the most volatile market in years this week to price a $750 million taxable deal. Princeton is hot on its heels. 

The deal will raise money for general purposes as the Ivy League school faces cuts to government grants as the Trump administration attacks higher education.

Colleges and universities have already begun hiring freezes and spending cuts, dialing back research and rescinding offers to Ph.D. candidates, the rating agency said.

Northeastern University plans to sell municipal bonds to help replace its 115-year-old Matthews Arena, long-ago home of the Boston Bruins and Celtics.

Bond-issuing infrastructure districts and development zones were a focus of legislation passed by Utah lawmakers during a session that ended March 7.

The Trump administration has dealt several blows to an already-battered sector.