North Carolina’s recent appointment of Jeff Poley as the interim director of the State and Local Government Finance Division comes at a time of significant upheaval in fiscal governance. While the announcement by Treasurer Brad Briner highlights Poley’s extensive experience and successful previous initiatives, such as the Hurricane Helene Cashflow Loan Program, there are critical
The legal battle unfolding between the American Securities Association (ASA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) represents more than just a technicality in regulatory law; it unveils a troubling tendency toward governmental overreach that threatens to undermine the principles of free-market capitalism. The crux of the ASA’s
In recent years, a significant influx of government spending has catalyzed a much-needed enhancement of America’s aging infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released its latest report card, revealing that the nation’s cumulative GPA has risen to an encouraging ‘C’ for the first time in history. This incremental improvement, up from a ‘C-‘
Hyundai’s recent announcement of a staggering $20 billion investment into U.S. onshoring sends ripples through both economic and political spectrums. The centerpiece of this investment is a $5 billion steel plant in Louisiana, projected to create around 1,500 jobs while catering to the company’s ambitious goals for electric vehicle production. This move can be interpreted
In the world of real estate investment, short-term rentals have emerged as a beacon of opportunity, particularly in Asia. Whether you’re seeking to build a portfolio or simply want to cash in on the booming tourism market, investing in short-term rental properties can yield impressive annual returns. According to freshly released data from AirDNA, markets
Boeing’s stock might have bounced back with a 10% gain last week, catching the attention of optimistic investors, but let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture. Recent gains follow a multibillion-dollar fighter jet contract win—an achievement overshadowed by a long history of underperformance and operational troubles. Investors are often enticed by short-term spikes, but
The municipal bond market is currently grappling with a multifaceted array of challenges that threaten to inhibit its performance in the coming weeks. A combination of rising U.S. Treasury yields and robust new issuance has left municipals on shakier ground. On Monday, the market witnessed weakening as the sell-off in Treasury securities pushed yields upward,
Home Depot’s current financial trajectory is not what investors had hoped for, especially with its share prices declining by 7% this year. Recent analysis from Piper Sandler indicates that diminished consumer confidence, especially among high-income earners, is affecting spending on significant home renovation projects. This sentiment is underscored by the findings of a University of
United Airlines recently took a bold step by increasing fees for their annual airport lounge memberships and co-branded credit cards, showcasing a calculated gamble on consumer loyalty. This decision marks a stark trend in the airline industry, where service fees are proliferating and loyalty benefits are becoming less generous. The question arises: how far can
In the world of municipal finance, the current enthusiasm surrounding high-yield bonds can often resemble a high-stakes poker game. This week, that metaphor will be put to the test with a $1.15 billion bond sale for a tire factory in Salina, Oklahoma—a venture strongly backed by a local economic development authority. However, this isn’t just