Secondary bond market

Municipal to U.S. Treasury ratios have been a focus for many participants of late. Historically attractive ratios, low supply, and continued fund inflows are creating some strength in the municipal market.

Richard Taormina, portfolio manager and head of tax aware strategies at JPMorgan Asset Management talks about the effects COVID-19 is having on credits in the municipal bond market and why crossover buyers think this an attractive asset class. Chip Barnett hosts.

Even with the news that New York City is looking to potentially borrow $7B through its Transitional Finance Authority as it faces $9B in lower revenues, the market didn’t blink and TFAs traded firmer.

Credit concern is being lost somewhat in pricing munis and traders said they are looking for alternative benchmarks, even turning to corporates and U.S. Treasuries to price the market.

The primary supply for the holiday-shortened week is projected to dip to just over $4 billion, with a mix of tax-exempt and taxable issuance led by Colorado’s $500 million of certificates of participation.

Taxable equivalent yields on exempts are close to converging into taxables.

Municipal to U.S. Treasury ratios were attractive, especially on the short end, which drove secondary yields lower.

The mass transit system still holds a strong presence despite three bond rating downgrades amid the coronavirus, Chief Financial Officer Robert Foran said.

The front of the municipal yield curve is 'astounding' and traders said dealers are uncharacteristically accepting the levels, likely due to the historically attractive ratios.

The primary was up and running Monday with Connecticut’s $850M offering for retail while many Texas issuers were active on the heels of the Fed news that it is open for business for munis.