Washington

Newly issued Treasury securities held in stripped form increased about $1.584 billion in July.

The central bank's survey of loan officers said banks are easing their credit standards for commercial and industrial loans as competition heats up.

The legislation would require local governments in Michigan to sell most bond issues competitively with seven-days public notice.

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board has selected two individuals representing the public and three from regulated entities from 80 applicants to become part of its 21-member board on Oct. 1.

Federal Reserve officials left the benchmark interest rate unchanged while reiterating their plan to gradually lift borrowing costs to keep the economy expanding at a healthy pace.

While the ruling wasn't a total victory for Wells Fargo or banker Peter Cannava, the court's decision grants them three more months of preparation in their fight against the SEC.

The report card touts the MSRB's accomplishments, though that doesn't sit well with some market participants.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making grants and low-cost loans available for the improvement or development of rural water and wastewater infrastructure projects to comply with a congressional mandate.

The MSRB is hurrying to release multiple rounds of guidance on its pending muni advisor advertising rule, but industry groups say the first round could use some polish.

But Eduardo Bhatia, minority leader of the Puerto Rico Senate, said he welcomes the proposal for $7.5 billion in debt relief.