The two active municipal bond insurers insured $4.83 billion in the first quarter of 2020, an uptick from the $3.62 billion of wrapped deals done in the first three months of 2019. The year-over-year increase in the sector is noteworthy given that the primary market was shuttered for weeks in March due to the coronroavirus pandemic.

Starting on March 10, ETF prices consistently diverged from benchmark indices and were underpriced for about 10 trading days before converging again.

The board will "review the MSRB’s organizational response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including measures to ensure the safety of staff and stakeholders."

The pending deal with a Bank of America-led syndicate would enable the commonwealth to draw down needed finds while tax revenues are deferred.

Illinois has spent about $170 million on coronavirus-related expenses so far, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker said more information on the budget impact is coming.

The rating agency cites the decline of tourism following the worldwide spread of coronavirus.

Technical and fundamental concerns surrounding credit and supply could present challenges for the market going forward but participants tepidly welcomed signs of stability.

Skilled nursing facilities and long-term care are deluged by the pandemic, adding financial stress for a sector that issues unrated and speculative grade debt.