Washington

The announcement Monday involved last March’s ruling by the First Circuit Court of Appeals on the Puerto Rico Highways and Transportation Authority’s special revenue bonds.

Two Federal Reserve Bank presidents were positive about the economy in 2020, but offered a look at what worries them.

Jail bonds are being targeted for audits by the IRS this year with respect to whether federal government use of locally built facilities or management contracts with localities causes excessive private business use.

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board's assets dropped by $8.5 million.

At issue is the so-called "public disclosure bar," which prevents a whistleblower from pursuing a lawsuit based on publicly available information.

An SEC advisory committee recommended allowing investment advisers affiliated with broker-dealers to offer and sell negotiated new issue muni bonds during the order period that the dealer also participates in.

Nonfarm payrolls gained a less-than-expected 145,000 in December, and the unemployment rate held at 3.5%. Slow wage growth suggests the economy will not overheat and the Fed can maintain rates.

While Fed officials repeated their contention that monetary policy is appropriate and rates can be held if the outlook remains as expected, the situation with Iran could cause preemptive cuts, one noted economist suggests.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority released its annual Risk Monitoring and Examinations Priorities letter Thursday.

Dealer groups want the SEC to examine broker-dealers and municipal advisors equally.