Politics

Recent economic data have shown inflation stubbornly above the Fed's 2% target, putting rate cuts in jeopardy. Lauren Saidel-Baker, an economist with ITR Economics, parses the FOMC meeting, Chair Powell's press conference and takes a look at future policy.

The California Supreme Court will hear a case challenging the state's 2013 pension changes, after seemingly settling the issue with a 2020 ruling.

As space becomes an increasingly important frontier for development and competition, spaceports should enjoy the same financial benefits as airports and seaports, say supporters of the federal legislation.

The 2022 law, which has so far banned three major investment banks from underwriting municipal bonds in Oklahoma, could be amended to limit its reach to state agencies.

A state ban on bond underwriters that "boycott" or "discriminate" against the fossil fuel or firearms industries has resulted in fewer banks providing municipal financial products and services.

S&P affirmed the state's AA issuer credit rating, citing healthy reserves and plans to increase permanent fund totals to mitigate revenue fluctuations.

"Numbers are hard to come by in a comprehensive way, but we do learn the state's budget is targeted at $237 billion," said John Hallacy. "This budget is clearly not a 'caretaker' budget, but one that adds significant spending. The question is how that spending will affect the out-years."

A combination of a "stronger-than-expected economy, higher Treasury rates, robust supply, and rich valuations resulting in choppy markets" have made the trading environment in H124 "quite difficult," according to Barclays.

The Basel III Endgame proposal to restructure capital holding levels comes under fire.

It's a time of change, challenge and opportunity in the infrastructure and P3 space, Patrick Harder said.