Category Archives: Muni Market

Local Government Financing in China

Posted on October 6, 2011 by macromon

Yikes!  Look what California’s dependence on tax revenues from the dot.com and housing bubbles did to that state’s fiscal health.   We’re going to see some fugly naked bodies when the tide recedes in China.   Keep this one on your … Continue reading →

Posted in Black Swan Watch, China, Muni Market, State and Local Government | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Governor Brown Vetoes “Greece on the Pacific” Budget

Posted on June 16, 2011 by macromon

Governor Jerry Brown just vetoed California’s budget, which was put together in haste last night so legislators would still receive their pay.  A ballot measure passed by voters last year meant that if lawmakers didn’t meet Wednesday’s deadline, their salaries … Continue reading →

Posted in Black Swan Watch, Muni Market, State and Local Government | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Chart of the Day: California’s Volatile Revenue Base

Posted on June 6, 2011 by macromon

The following chart is from the California Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) and is indicative of the state government’s unstable revenue base.   The government receives a higher proportion of its revenue from personal income taxes than most states, which is also … Continue reading →

Posted in Bonds, Budget Deficit, Chart of the Day, Fiscal Policy, Muni Bonds, Muni Market, State and Local Government | Tagged , | 6 Comments

“Fort Sumter” Opens Fire: Battle for the Public Sector Is On

Posted on February 11, 2011 by macromon

The battle for the public sector is on.  The Governor of Wisconsin just announced what amounts to be the abolishment of public sector unions in his state.   What an incredible contrast of the health of the private sector x/banks, reflected … Continue reading →

Posted in Bonds, General Interest, Muni Market, State and Local Government | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Graying of Calfornia’s Flower Children

Posted on January 9, 2011 by macromon

Well this is a depressing chart and remember California usually leads the nation.    We fear us baby boomers risk eating all the  “seed corn” and leaving nothing for the younger generations to invest in their future, which the quality … Continue reading →

Posted in Bonds, Budget Deficit, Demographics, Muni Market, Policy, Politics | Tagged , | Leave a comment

California [Bad] Dreamin’

Posted on January 6, 2011 by macromon
Posted in Employment, Muni Bonds, Muni Market | Tagged , | Leave a comment

State and Local Governments, Man Your Battle Stations!

Posted on January 6, 2011 by macromon

Take a look at the new cover of the Economist. We have been all over the coming “battle royal” between the state and local governments and their public sector unions, but not as much as Mike Shedlock over at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Black Swan Watch, Bonds, Budget Deficit, Muni Bonds, Muni Market, Sovereign Risk | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Betting on a Jobs Recovery, Christie, and Brown….

Posted on January 3, 2011 by macromon

Like others, we can’t help but notice the massive outperformance of small caps in 2010, with the Russell 2000 doubling the performance of the S&P500. The Russell was up over 25 percent in 2010.  Isn’t this only supposed to happen … Continue reading →

Posted in Bonds, Budget Deficit, Economics, Employment, Equities, Fiscal Policy, Muni Bonds, Muni Market, Politics | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Chart of the Day: Bond ETF Performance

Posted on December 29, 2010 by macromon

Interesting chart showing performance of Bond ETFs.   All have slid into year-end, converging around a 3-5 percent annual return, setting up nicely for a “jump ship” trade into equities.   Muni bonds have been a relative disaster. (LQD)    Liquid Investment … Continue reading →

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George Will on Coming War Over Public Pensions

Posted on December 26, 2010 by macromon

Be sure to catch George Will’s Washington Post piece on the coming battle in the new Congress over state and local public pensions.   In early December, we posted the report by James Pethokoukis of a secret Republican plan to push … Continue reading →

Posted in Black Swan Watch, Bonds, Budget Deficit, Fiscal Policy, Muni Bonds, Muni Market, Policy, Politics | Tagged , , | 1 Comment