Markets

Lighter supply, at an estimated $7.9 billion, and still-attractive valuations should allow for solid muni performance this week, said J.P. Morgan strategists.

An Oklahoma agency is borrowing $1.15 billion through an unrated tax-exempt Public Finance Authority bond deal to build and equip a tire factory backed by Finnish interests.

Municipal bond issuance for the week of March 24 is at $7.923 billion, with $6.673 billion of negotiated deals and $1.251 billion of competitive deals on tap.

The Chicago Public Schools ended the week no closer than it started to answering the question of how or if a scheduled pension payment will be made.

The Los Angeles-based fund manager has expanded into debt financing to offer affordable housing developer clients a lower cost of capital.

Separately managed accounts have exploded in the muni market in recent years but high-yield SMAs remain rare.

The rating agency cited a tax cut package enacted by the state last year and uncertainty over federal policies for the outlook revision to stable from positive.

Most of Thursday's issuance came from competitive deals, the largest being the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York with $2 billion-plus and California with $889 billion.

The bonds, which are expected to sell soon, are rated A1 by Moody's Ratings.

The series 2025B Black Belt Energy Gas District bonds are rated Baa1 by Moody's Ratings based on Deutsche Bank's key role in the transaction.