Primary bond market

Chris Brigati, managing director and CIO at SWBC, said he was "a little underwhelmed" with the market as volumes and flows were lighter than he expected.

Massachusetts brings double-A-plus level ratings to the competitive deal, comprised of $800 million of new money bonds plus a refunding component.

With the "fragile" ceasefire in the United States-Iran conflict underway, the risk of higher rates beyond those from March has largely been removed, said BofA strategists.

During the two-week ceasefire anything could still happen and a "blow up" would create significant volatility, said Kevin McGuigan, director at Municipal Market Analytics.

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority sold about $900 million to refund older bonds and finance projects, including a subway extension.

Realty Income, a real estate investment trust concentrated in low-risk retail and industrial real estate, was the funding recipient on the $675 million deal.

"It seemed to be a relief rally [Wednesday], and that's what everyone's hoping for. But fundamentally, they're still major issues that need to be addressed, but people seem to be giving that a pass," on Wednesday, said a source.

Wells Fargo's Julie Barger called the investors a "who's who of buyers in the muni market" including mutual funds, ETFs, SMAs and insurance companies.

Financial markets, including the muni market, priced in too much of a "sure thing, done deal" Wednesday morning, said Kyle Gerberding, director of trading, a portfolio manager and partner at Asset Preservation Advisors.

Wednesday's market rally is tied to President Donald Trump's announcement of the temporary ceasefire, which came about Tuesday night, an hour and a half before the president's 8 p.m. deadline, market participants said.

"The steady tone talks to the underlying demand" for munis, NewSquare Capital's Kim Olsan said. "For the moment, munis are holding steady with a watchful approach.

The city and United Airlines are navigating geopolitical volatility looking for an opportunity to sell the debt.

The California Municipal Finance Authority will issue $742 million in tax-exempt debt for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency's first P3.

New Hampshire will not include a refunding of 2016 GOs in its annual deal. 

The yield curve adjusted lower every day last week, drawing strong inquiries to dealers, "especially in the 10-to-15-year space that had been hit hardest in March," Birch Creek Capital analysts noted in their weekly market commentary.

"Historically, the weeks leading up to the April 15 tax day have been challenging for the municipal market, often due to weaker supply and demand dynamics," said Sam Weitzman, a product manager at Western Asset.

The current 18,000-seat facility cost $87.7 million, and the city covered the cost with cash from its penny sales tax.

New Hampshire's deals are always well received, according to the state treasurer. She hopes that trend holds in this week's market.

Munis saw small gains Thursday, continuing the slight turnaround in sentiment the market has seen this week, with muni yields seeing modest bumps each day, said Jeremy Holtz, a portfolio manager at Income Research + Management.

Wednesday saw the third consecutive day of falling muni yields, suggesting the market is recovering from last week's selloff. The market is well-positioned for "a strong snapback," according to James Pruskowski, managing director at Hennion & Walsh Asset Management.