Topic: Municipal Bonds

Top galleries, list articles, quizzes

A hard landing for China? Six top economists weigh in.

China's economy grew 8.9 percent last quarter, the slowest pace in 2.5 years, and on Monday Premier Wen Jiabao cut the nation's growth target for 2012 to 7.5 percent, an eight-year low. Worries of a Chinese hard landing, defined as a sharp and sudden deceleration in growth, have gained momentum. However, China has been proactive in its efforts to prevent a hard landing. It has fine-tuned its policies to curb inflation, boost domestic consumption, and prevent a housing bubble. The Chinese government intervened heavily from 1989 to 1991 to cool its economy, causing real growth in gross domestic product to plunge to 4.1 percent in 1989, from 11.3 percent the previous year. It stepped in again in 1993. And some argue that this time around it's no different, and that the government knows exactly what it is doing. So we asked six top China analysts whether they saw a hard or soft landing scenario and what we should keep an eye on.
Top 10 investment trends to watch in 2011

The bull market is entering its third year, historically a time when investors grow wary. They’ll have good reason for caution in 2011, given the potential for higher interest rates, federal budget struggles, a surge in commodity prices, and the challenges corporations may find in churning out higher and higher profits. These stresses won’t necessarily end the party on Wall Street, just change it. Here are 10 investment trends to watch for in 2011:
Gallery: Governors' races: Who paid most?

All Content

Tax VOX
Should states pay bonds to knock down buildings?

Two Ohio Members of Congress have introduced a bill to allow states to issue tax-exempt bonds to demolish buildings, which is a bad solution to a serious problem of urban development.
Bankruptcy jitters in Stockton. Will other cities fail?

Bankruptcy of Stockton, Calif., looms large as city enters talks with creditors. But most other troubled California municipalities are taking drastic steps to avoid bankruptcy.
A hard landing for China? Six top economists weigh in.

China's economy grew 8.9 percent last quarter, the slowest pace in 2.5 years, and on Monday Premier Wen Jiabao cut the nation's growth target for 2012 to 7.5 percent, an eight-year low. Worries of a Chinese hard landing, defined as a sharp and sudden deceleration in growth, have gained momentum. However, China has been proactive in its efforts to prevent a hard landing. It has fine-tuned its policies to curb inflation, boost domestic consumption, and prevent a housing bubble. The Chinese government intervened heavily from 1989 to 1991 to cool its economy, causing real growth in gross domestic product to plunge to 4.1 percent in 1989, from 11.3 percent the previous year. It stepped in again in 1993. And some argue that this time around it's no different, and that the government knows exactly what it is doing. So we asked six top China analysts whether they saw a hard or soft landing scenario and what we should keep an eye on.
Tax VOX
Obama's cap on tax deductions: not what it seems

Some of the president's choices, including failing to help make insurance more affordable for low-wage workers, are questionable.
Mutual funds: Investors withdraw $2.7 billion

Mutual funds invested in stocks lost money in May. It was the first time in five months that investors pulled out more money than they put in to stock mutual funds.
The Reformed Broker
Stop crying wolf about municipal bonds: They're (mostly) fine

Rick Ashburn of Creekside Partners dispels some myths from Meredith Whitney's controversial 'muni meltdown!' call.
Top 10 investment trends to watch in 2011

The bull market is entering its third year, historically a time when investors grow wary. They’ll have good reason for caution in 2011, given the potential for higher interest rates, federal budget struggles, a surge in commodity prices, and the challenges corporations may find in churning out higher and higher profits. These stresses won’t necessarily end the party on Wall Street, just change it. Here are 10 investment trends to watch for in 2011:
Cities' plea: We need $75 billion or we'll lay off 500,000

City and county officials said Tuesday that they will face massive layoffs unless Congress passes the $75 billion Local Jobs for America Act. But the bill's prospects look dim.
Gallery: Governors' races: Who paid most?
Did Larry Langford bet Birmingham's future on Wall Street scheme?

Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford is charged with money laundering and bribery. No-bid bond financing schemes have led to billions of lost taxpayer dollars across the US.
Did Birmingham mayor bet city's future on a Wall Street scheme?

Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford has been charged with money laundering and bribery. No-bid bond financing schemes have led to billions of lost taxpayer dollars across the US.
The new bond in town

Unexpected demand has transformed Build America Bonds, an obscure component of the stimulus into the hottest bond since Daniel Craig.
Financial Q&A: Protect your principal when money is tight

Submit your questions to Steve Dinnen at: money@csmonitor.com
Municipal bonds: an investment with civic pride

Muni issues grow in turbulent times, offering higher yields.
How to build a rock-solid ethical portfolio in uncertain times

Think cash, CDs, and government bonds, for a start.
Investors' guide to stormy market: Find havens

Fund managers who have made money this year point to longer-term bonds and a careful selection of stocks.
Mortgage crisis fallout spreads to 'muni market'

Investors are wary of insurance guarantees for some bonds issued by cities to fund capital projects.