March 21^st, 2016

This week we look at updated performance numbers for municipals vs. taxables and highlight the challenges of using volume statistics for the West Coast ports to infer economic activity levels.

Municipal Market Underperformance Extends Beyond Treasuries

After being one of the best performing asset classes last year, municipals have underperformed taxable markets this year.  While […]

February 22^nd, 2016

This week we review the most recent unemployment claims data for the States.

No Surprise, Labor Market Weakest in Energy States

There were relatively few economic data releases pertaining to State and local economies last week.

The highlight of these releases was the weekly publication by the U.S. Department of Labor of Continuing Unemployment Claims by […]

February 16^th, 2016

This week we review the most recent value of the Puerto Rico Economic Activity Index and examine issues related to its value as an indicator.

Under the Covers of the Puerto Rico Economic Activity Index

Last week the Puerto Rico GDB released the December value for its Economic Activity Index.  According to the GDP, the […]

January 11^th, 2016

This week we update our analysis of export volumes. We also take a brief look at the relationship of municipals to Treasuries and its potential impact on supply.

Exports are Down in Volume and in Price

Last week the Census Bureau released its statistics for U.S. exports as of November.

These statistics show that the dollar […]