Investments

The Colorado State University System is going to the bond market for the second time this year with an $87.7 million refunding that includes taxable and tax-exempt debt.

Despite the weakness in the municipal market last week, as well as the preceding week's sell-off, there is value and opportunity on the horizon in the tax-exempt sector, says a recent report from BlackRock Inc.

The culture of austerity that's taken hold at state and local governments across the country has put the squeeze on new money issuance through the first quarter of 2012, which was 2.8% lower than the same period last year.

ARKANSAS

ALABAMA

Municipal bond mutual funds saw a week of slight inflows.

Though Moody's Investors Service says its possible downgrades of banks may have substantial impact on variable-rate demand bonds, outside experts are skeptical of this.

Moderately heavier issuance is expected to meet a municipal market loaded with cash and hungry for paper.

DALLAS — Members of the Dallas City Council were enthusiastic last week about a plan to keep a college football game in its long-time home with stadium improvements financed by $25.5 million of certificates of obligation.

Moody’s Investors Service has affirmed the Aa1, Aa1/VMIG1 and P-1 ratings on Cornell University’s outstanding bonds and commercial paper, and revised the outlook to stable from negative.

ARKANSAS

ALABAMA

Muni yields and indexes have risen modestly since Friday, according to the Municipal Market Data scale. But traders throughout the week have remarked how the market seems stronger, as several larger deals arrived early and were well-received.

Current record-high gas prices are not hurting the credit quality of state highway user tax bonds, according to Standard & Poor's.

ARKANSAS

COLORADO

Table as of: 04/03/2012 16:29 PM Invisible Supply Issuer and purpose Amount

DALLAS — Arizona State University will use $230 million of revenue bond proceeds for a variety of projects at its Tempe and satellite campuses.

New rules went into effect Tuesday to make the $65 billion credit-default swap market for municipal bonds less risky and more efficient for investors.

Table as of: 04/02/2012 14:08 PM Invisible Supply Issuer and purpose Amount