Houston’s latest ambition to pour nearly $720 million into its airport system exposes a troubling trend: a reckless commitment to expansion at a time when financial prudence should be paramount. The city’s plan to finance a multi-billion-dollar capital improvement program (CIP) through new bonds seems to prioritize immediate growth and political posturing over long-term fiscal
Bonds
In an era marked by rapid technological change and evolving energy policies, states and utilities are under mounting pressure to innovate within their financial frameworks to meet ambitious renewable targets and economic stability. The recent emergence of New York’s debut prepay energy bond deal signals not just a procedural milestone but a potential paradigm shift
The municipal bond market, long considered a safe harbor for conservative investors seeking tax-advantaged income, is now revealing unsettling signs of turbulence. Recent data paints a picture of a sector that is not only underperforming but also embodying deeper structural issues that challenge its reputation. Unlike other fixed-income assets that have enjoyed gains, munis—particularly long-dated
Utah’s Alpine School District is embarking on a bold—and arguably reckless—experiment in administrative division that carries profound financial repercussions. By splitting the district into three autonomous entities, the state aims to tailor governance more closely to local needs. While this may appear as an admirable decentralization effort, it fundamentally complicates the financial landscape, forcing taxpayers
For over fifteen years, the municipal bond market has hovered stubbornly around the $4 trillion mark—a figure many consider a natural plateau, a reflection of its mature, stable nature. However, recent data suggests that this static ceiling might be shattered sooner rather than later. The first quarter of 2025 saw a noteworthy increase, with the
In recent financial maneuvering, North Carolina’s Local Government Commission has given a nod to a series of ambitious bond issuances totaling nearly half a billion dollars. While these bonds promise to fund vital civic projects—ranging from infrastructure upgrades to healthcare improvements—their implications stretch far beyond mere numbers. The approval of $130 million in certificates of
The municipal bond market has experienced an extraordinary surge in issuance during the first half of 2025, defying the usual cautious pace that historically characterizes the sector. While some might hail this as a sign of confidence in the economy, beneath the surface, this relentless push raises red flags about future stability and financial discipline.
The municipal bond market’s recent behavior reveals a puzzling contradiction: despite attractive valuations and solid technical fundamentals, muni bonds remain in a low-volatility limbo without any meaningful breakout. Over the past several weeks, yields in short maturities have nudged slightly lower, but the longer end remains stubbornly unchanged. This lack of momentum suggests investors are
At a glance, the municipal bond (muni) market appears steady as we enter the mid-year point, with yields nudging upward and equities, notably the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, hitting record highs. But this surface calm conceals significant pressures beneath—a rising tide of issuance that threatens to overwhelm demand and strain valuations. While traders and strategists
Municipal bonds have often been seen as a safe haven in the world of investment, providing tax-exempt income at relatively lower yields. Yet current market conditions reveal a nuanced and turbulent landscape for these securities that belies their reputation. Despite temporary stability earlier this month, the broader story is about municipal bonds entering a turbulent