The investment landscape is witnessing a paradigm shift, as evidenced by BlackRock’s recent announcement to transition its $1.7 billion High Yield Municipal Bond Fund into an active exchange-traded fund (ETF). This strategic move not only reflects evolving investor preferences but also underscores the financial industry’s broader trend of migrating from traditional mutual funds to ETFs,
Bonds
The municipal bond market has seen a noteworthy activity over the past few days, demonstrating resilience even in the face of broader economic fluctuations. As municipal mutual funds registered substantial inflows amidst a busy primary market characterized by significant bond issues, it’s crucial to analyze the factors driving these trends, particularly against the backdrop of
In September 2023, S&P Global Ratings initiated a significant transformation in its approach to assessing the creditworthiness of state and local governments in the U.S. By placing over 400 issuers under criteria observation, the agency implemented a refined methodology aimed at improving the comparability and reliability of public finance ratings. This decision reflects a deliberate
As we step into the final quarter of 2024, the bond market is exhibiting an exhilarating momentum, setting the stage for what is poised to be a record-breaking year. The recent data reveals that September alone saw a staggering 44.5% increase in bond issuance compared to the same period last year, a substantial rise fueled
The municipal bond market, often perceived as a predictable and stable investment avenue, is currently in the throes of significant volatility marked by an unprecedented level of new issuances. As of the end of September 2023, issuance has soared by 35.2%, showcasing an insatiable demand among investors. This article explores the undercurrents driving this frenzy,
In a significant development on the financial front, the Chicago City Council has postponed its vote on a sweeping $1.5 billion bond refunding measure. This proposal is designed to restructure existing debt, featuring a planned tender offer. However, it has evoked considerable dissent among aldermen and state officials alike. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza voiced strong
As we navigate through the complexities of financial markets in 2024, one clear trend has emerged: a robust increase in the demand for bond insurance. The landscape has been shaped by various factors, including institutional investor appetites, geopolitical uncertainties, and the specific needs of infrastructure projects. This growth, evidenced by a notable 26.8% rise in
In an era where accessible education is paramount, the role of financing in charter schools has never been more critical. The Equitable School Revolving Fund LLC (ESRF) stands out as a pioneering institution dedicated to providing necessary financial resources to charter schools throughout the United States. The ESRF is preparing to enter the market with
The municipal bond market has recently experienced a subtle downward trend in yields, marking its fourth consecutive day of declines. This trend comes in conjunction with rising U.S. Treasury yields, which have climbed notably. Over the past sessions, municipal yields have decreased by up to three basis points, influenced by market conditions that seem to
The University of Arizona (U of A) is stepping into the municipal bond market with its first significant issue since encountering substantial financial difficulties that led to unfavorable credit outlooks by major agencies such as Moody’s and S&P Global Ratings. This week’s offering structures a fresh $115.645 million in revenue bonds, officially dubbed the Stimulus