The Bond Buyer Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Bond Buyer
From elite universities to rural hospitals and ports, federal actions are shifting the muni credit landscape. IR+M’s Wesley Pate explains how buy-side firms are reacting.
This episode takes us inside The Bond Buyer’s recent Southeast Public Finance Conference, where airport finance leaders from Orlando and Tampa discussed shifting passenger trends, modular capital planning, federal grant concerns, and why long-term growth still looks strong.
Bond Dealers of America's Brett Bolton and The Bond Buyer's Kyle Glazier discuss the outlook of federal tax legislation, and the impact of tariffs.
Industry leaders at The Bond Buyer’s Texas Public Finance event discuss how tax policy threats, tariffs, and federal budget cuts could create a new paradigm for muni borrowing costs and credit resilience.
Jason Appleson of PGIM Fixed Income chats with Caitlin Devitt to break down the biggest factors shaping the muni market today, and how institutional investors are preparing for what’s next.
New York Power Authority CFO Adam Barsky and Battery Park City Authority CFO Pamela Frederick join The Bond Buyer’s Lynne Funk to unpack the far-reaching consequences of eliminating, reducing, or limiting the federal tax exemption for municipal bonds.
To view the full video of this discussion, visit www.bondbuyer.com/leaders.
The Fed is expected to hold steady. RBC's Blake Gwinn breaks down the forces driving the Fed’s future decision-making and what it means for markets.
The Bond Buyer's Caitlin Devitt and Kyle Glazier discuss the outlook for tax and infrastructure legislation.
An investor-driven selloff followed the Los Angeles wildfires. ICE Data Services experts join to discuss the reaction, credit impact and growing role of climate risk data.
San Francisco’s commercial real estate struggles, Oakland’s looming bankruptcy concerns, and the broader economic headwinds facing the Bay Area take center stage in this episode. Chris Thornberg of Beacon Economics and public policy analyst Marc Joffe join senior reporter Keeley Webster to discuss the impact of hybrid work trends, housing shortages, tax policies, and what it will take for these cities to stabilize their financial futures.
Dr. Shawn Wilson, former Louisiana Transportation Secretary, discusses the transformative Calcasieu Bridge project, lessons from public-private partnerships, and how the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is reshaping U.S. infrastructure development.
Kim Olsan, senior fixed-income portfolio manager at NewSquare Capital, discusses the municipal bond market’s performance, the impact of rising yields and inflation, and the evolving role of ETFs and separately managed accounts as the market braces for record supply in 2025.
Bond Buyer senior reporter Keeley Webster hosted a wide-ranging discussion on the state's fall bond slate, housing, and second-term priorities with California Treasurer Fiona Ma and Deputy Treasurer of Public Finance John Sheldon.
The 2024 Freda Johnson award winners Stephanie Wiggins, CEO of the LA County MTA, and Vivian Altman, head of public finance at Janney, discuss the current state of the market, implications of federal policy shifts, and their insights into addressing the growing infrastructure needs across the nation.
Explore how the 2024 election outcomes could reshape the municipal bond market and tax policy. The Bond Buyer’s reporters analyze shifts in Congressional power, potential tax reforms, and what these changes mean for the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds and infrastructure funding across the United States.
Oppenheimer's Head of Public Finance Beth Coolidge and Columbus Auditor Megan Kilgore delve into the future of public finance and human infrastructure on a wide range of topics, from affordable housing and workforce development to public health, climate resiliency, and digital access.
Craig Brothers, partner, portfolio manager and co-head of fixed income strategy for Bel Air Investments, joins Bond Buyer senior reporter Keeley Webster and discusses why his firm, primarily invested in California debt, has veered away from California GOs and public works revenue bonds in favor of agency, school district and local government debt.
With supply ballooning, reinvestment dollars at lows of the year, J.P. Morgan's Peter DeGroot argues the next few weeks could offer the best opportunity to buy bonds of the year – and possibly the rate cycle. DeGroot talks about this, plus potential impacts of shifting investor behavior on market liquidity, and what the upcoming election might mean for tax policy and the muni market. Lynne Funk hosts.
Eric Goldwyn of the Marron Institute's Transit Costs Project joins The Bond Buyer's Caitlin Devitt to talk about his latest report that offers five recommendations to speed up the delivery of high-speed trains in the U.S.
As more extreme weather events occur with more frequency across the country, Michael Gaughan, executive director of the Vermont Bond Bank, says municipal bond banks can help smaller communities deal with the effects of them. Gaughan speaks with The Bond Buyer's Lynne Funk on the effects of climate change and how the various levels of government can work together to address it.
In this episode, Howard Cure, Director of Municipal Bond Research at Evercore Wealth Management, discusses the improving state of public pensions, the ongoing challenges faced by states like New Jersey and Illinois, and the risks associated with pension obligation bonds.
Dr. Morteza Farajian, executive director of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau, discusses the bureau’s pipeline of P3 projects, including new authority for airports, and the timeline for the bureau to release key P3 program guidelines and awards. Senior infrastructure reporter Caitlin Devitt hosts.
Scott Colbert, Executive Vice President and Chief Economist at Commerce Trust Company, says the bond market remains attractive despite recent fluctuations, noting investment-grade taxable bonds and long-term municipal bonds offer solid opportunities for investors, especially in the current interest rate environment. He also discusses monetary policy and economic expectations.
Economist Sean Snaith joins the podcast to share insights on Florida's economic growth, housing market issues, and labor market trends.
Finance officials for the city decided to be the first municipal issuer to use the distributed ledger technology for a $10 million deal, banking on cost savings, better liquidity and more access for retail investors to their bonds. Mayor Tom Koch, CFO Eric Mason and Strategic Asset Manager Rick Coscia say it should be the first of many blockchain deals for the industry.
Darren Olson of the American Society of Civil Engineers joins to discuss the importance of resilient infrastructure and the impact of federal funding on America's future.
Explore how automation and electronic trading are creating more opportunities and better outcomes for municipal market participants, including making muni bonds more accessible to a broader range of investors.
James Morris of Investortools joins the podcast to discuss the significant impact of electronic trading and automation on the municipal finance sector, revealing insights into improved efficiencies, trading workflows, and the evolving role of bond traders.
BNP Paribas’ Lindsay Costigan discusses the progress and ongoing challenges for women in the financial sector, her role in pushing for gender parity and diversity in finance, and how critical career decisions at pivotal moments can define success.
Barclays' Mikhail Foux talks shifting demand, BABs refundings, election effects and more.
John Hallacy of John Hallacy Consulting and Rich Ciccarone, president emeritus of Merritt Research Services, talk with Chip Barnett about the municipal bond business over the past 40 years. They take a look back at where the industry has been, where it is and where it will be going.
In the celebration of Women's History Month, The Bond Buyer invited one of the icons of public finance, Suzanne Shank, to talk about the importance of women in the municipal bond business. She reveals what led her into the municipal bond business and discusses her firm's continuing commitment to munis and strategy for growth.
Investor demands and lower account minimums have grown separately managed accounts across fixed-income markets, particularly in munis. Russell Feldman, CEO and co-founder of IMTC, discusses this evolution and how technology has contributed to changing market dynamics.
Though it will still feature in-depth, insightful conversations between our reporters and editors and thought leaders from all corners of municipal finance, our long-running podcast will reboot with a format change. Bond Buyer Editor in Chief Mike Scarchilli explains and previews the changes on the horizon.
Robert Poole, a leading expert in the U.S. public-private partnership transportation sector, joins infrastructure reporter Caitlin Devitt to talk about upcoming deals including toll lanes and bridges in the Southeast and high speed rail in the West as well as states that are advancing P3s and action on the federal front.
Chad Wildman, executive director, Quantitative Strategies at FMSbonds, and Matthew Smith, founder and CEO of Spline Data, discuss how automation has repositioned the muni market and where participants can find value by using technology tools. Lynne Funk hosts.
SIFMA's Leslie Norwood joins Bond Buyer Executive Editor Kyle Glazier for a discussion about the regulatory and legislative outlook for broker-dealers.
Red state-blue state battles have complicated ESG issuance even as the muni market strives to make it an accepted asset class. The Bond Buyer's Lynne Funk, Karen Pierog, Chip Barnett and Keeley Webster discuss how it's playing out nationally and regionally.
Bond Buyer Executive Editor Kyle Glazier discusses the coming year in D.C. with Bond Dealers of America's Brett Bolton.
Justin Cooper, Orrick's co-head of public finance breaks down how states like Oregon, Washington and California are funding efforts to lessen their affordable housing and homelessness crises.
The 2023 Freda Johnson Award winners, Megan Kilgore and Virginia Wong, discuss why they are bullish on the municipal industry. Lynne Funk hosts. (39 minutes)
Well-known municipal restructuring and P3 attorney Karol Denniston, the Global Projects Partner at Squire, Patton Boggs, talks with infrastructure reporter Caitlin Devitt about the growing popularity of predevelopment agreements as well as the P3 pipeline and legal challenges like the University of Iowa's litigation over its 50-year energy concession.
Stephen Winterstein, founder of SP Winterstein and Associates, discusses how technology has changed, challenged and the improved product set and efficiencies in the muni market. Lynne Funk hosts. 25 minutes.
Bond Buyer Senior Reporter Keeley Webster shares an interview with California Treasurer Fiona Ma on her run for lieutenant governor as a prelude to a fireside chat Wells Fargo Director Julia Kim conducted with the state treasurer at The Bond Buyer's California Public Finance conference.
Royden Durham and Tony Tanner, portfolio managers at the Aquila group of funds, talk with Chip Barnett about what’s special about Kentucky and Arizona – what’s the same and what’s different within their municipal bond markets. (18 minutes)
The Bond Buyer's Keeley Webster talks ratings, fair integration and potential solutions to Bay Area Regional Transits current challenges with Bryant Jenkins, a managing principal with Sperry Capital.
Bond Buyer Senior Reporter Caitlin Devitt joins Bond Buyer Executive Editor Kyle Glazier to discuss the looming government shutdown and the progress of the historic bipartisan infrastructure law two years after its passage.
Carlos Braceras, Utah's transportation secretary, talks about overseeing the largest transportation program in the state's history. He discusses the projects and challenges that go along with creating safe and efficient transportation infrastructure for the fastest-growing state in the union. Caitlin Devitt hosts. (33 minutes).
Breckinridge's Ruth Ducret discusses how her firm takes ESG factors into consideration into their credit and investment strategies, the market's vulnerabilities in the face of climate change and how transition risk is a real threat. Lynne Funk hosts.
CFO of the city of Atlanta, Mohamed Balla, talks housing bonds and his participation in the recent National Association of Security Professionals’ annual conference.
Tracey Manzi, senior investment strategist at Raymond James, talks with Chip Barnett about the fixed income markets today and how munis and Treasuries are doing. She says the number one issue clients are asking about is inflation. (20 minutes)
Bill Glasgall of the Volcker Alliance talks about the future of mass transportation across the U.S. as federal pandemic aid nears an end. Thomas Nocera hosts.
Eric Merlis, managing director and co-head of global markets at Citizens Bank, talks with Chip Barnett about the economy and financial markets and what the Federal Reserve might do. He also discusses possible near- and long-term economic scenarios. (15 minutes)
Nick Venditti of Allspring Global Investments talks about evolving demand components, compelling yields and expectations for second half performance. Jessica Lerner hosts.
Virginia Wong, a partner in Nixon Peabody’s public finance group, talks with Chip Barnett about effective mentorship and building successful teams. (15 minutes)
Matthew Gastall and Daryl Helsing of Morgan Stanley delve into how municipals are performing versus other asset classes, where taxable munis fit and how they see the market performing heading into the summer reinvest. Jessica Lerner hosts.
From the battlefield to the boardroom, military veterans are making their mark in the financial services industry today. Hear their stories in this special podcast featuring Academy Securities, AmeriVet Securities, Bancroft Capital, Drexel Hamilton, Mischler Financial Group and Roberts & Ryan. Chip Barnett hosts. (45 minutes)
Lawmakers are playing another game of brinksmanship as the nation's ability to pay its bills nears its limit. GFOA's Emily Brock discusses how a failure to reach a compromise could be a serious blow for municipal issuers. Kyle Glazier hosts.
In a supply-challenged market, foreign investors can play a role in buying taxable munis. 16Rock Asset Management's James Pruskowski discusses a 2023 reset in the muni market.
Neal Pandozzi, a partner at the law firm of Bowditch & Dewey, talks with Chip Barnett about what environmental social and governance really means for public finance, separating politics from policy, polemics from principles. (34 minutes)
Jean-Yves Fillion, CEO of BNP Paribas USA, talks with Chip Barnett about how the bank leverages its commitment to tennis to help the communities it serves and expand environment goals that help the planet. Taped live at the BNP Paribas 2023 Open in Indian Wells California. (11 minutes)
Gateway Deputy CFO Pat McCoy joins The Bond Buyer’s Caitlin Devitt to discuss the financing of the New York-New Jersey Gateway program, which includes the $16 billion Hudson Tunnel project. Also joining the podcast is Nossaman LLP attorney Corey Boock, who talks about current P3 trends and what the pipeline looks like heading into 2024. (36 minutes)
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza talks with The Bond Buyer's Midwest senior reporter Yvette Shields about the state's progress on building up reserves and paying down debts that have helped lift the state's bond ratings, efforts to make further headway, and the challenges of making sure fresh legislative faces understand the pains suffered during the two-year budget impasse.
Ellis Phifer, managing director and senior strategist in the fixed income research department at Raymond James, talks with Chip Barnett about the state of the bond markets. (Taped Feb. 16; 15 minutes)
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli talks with Chip Barnett about his proposal for an amendment to the state constitution to limit backdoor borrowing by agencies and give voters a bigger say on bond issuance. (25 minutes)
Keeley Webster, a Bond Buyer senior reporter, discusses with Rudy Salo, a Nixon Peabody partner, funding and logistical challenges California, and the country, face as they stretch toward the future with plans for high speed rail, electric vehicle charging networks while incorporating more traditional mass transit.
Roger Millar, AASHTO’s new president and chief of Washington’s Department of Transportation, joins Caitlin Devitt to talk about the rollout of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, how a tight labor market and inflation are impacting capital plans, what a divided Congress means for transportation and an update on the Pacific Northwest’s high speed rail project. (24 minutes)
Christopher Thornberg, founder of Beacon Economics and Marc Joffe, a senior policy analyst at Cato Institute, drill down into the economic health of the San Francisco Bay Area amid widely-reported tech industry layoffs.
Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Florida, talks with Chip Barnett about the county’s robust economy as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. She talks about how the seaport and airport are booming and looks at some challenges ahead such as environmental and housing issues. Taped live in Miami on Dec. 7. (10 minutes)
Views from CreditSights' Patrick Luby, senior municipal strategist, and John Ceffalio, senior research analyst, on everything from mutual fund flows, the evolution of the retail investor, municipal bond volume and important credit implications from transit, higher ed, airports, high-yield and more. Lynne Funk hosts.
It’s not just the ‘right’ thing to do; it’s good for business. The Freda Johnson Award winners, Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg and Ballard Spahr’s Emilie Ninan, discuss how diversifying the industry is key to growth and success. Lynne Funk hosts.
The Bond Buyer’s senior regional reporters hold a roundtable discussion on the midterm elections. Caitlin Devitt, Yvette Shields, Karen Pierog, Keeley Webster and Thomas Nocera talk about implications for the municipal bond market. Chip Barnett moderates. (30 minutes)
Nixon Peabody attorney Roderick Devlin joins Caitlin Devitt to talk about asset recycling, a niche market in the public-private partnership world. Devlin explains what asset recycling is – and is not – as well as the sector’s state of play in the U.S. and where it might be headed. (32 minutes)
Larry Kosmont, chairman and CEO of Kosmont Companies, discussed the interplay between state and local governments as electeds work to solve the state’s housing crisis with Keeley Webster, a senior reporter for The Bond Buyer.
Keeley Webster, a Bond Buyer senior reporter, hosts a discussion with Raul Amezcua, a Ramirez & Co. managing director, on a California committee's efforts to craft ESG disclosure guidelines to encourage greater issuance of green bonds and provide more transparency for investors. (20 minutes)
Jeff Davis, senior fellow at the Eno Center for Transportation, talks with Caitlin Devitt about how the midterm elections may affect transportation funding and policy. He discusses likely new chairs on key Congressional committees, legislation to look for next year and the potential spending gridlock if Republicans gain control. (27 minutes)
John Hallacy, founder of John Hallacy Consulting LLC, talks with Chip Barnett about how fiscal and monetary policy is affecting the municipal bond market. He discusses recent data releases, supply forecasts and the midterm elections and the future of ESG in public finance. (20 minutes)
Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg talks about the Bay State’s economic recovery, the largest ESG bond deal ever done in the municipal space and special state initiatives such as promoting diversity and inclusion and creating a baby bond taskforce. Chip Barnett and Thomas Nocera host. (22 minutes).
Ben Watkins, Director of the State of Florida’s Bond Division, talks with Chip Barnett about the latest news coming out of the Sunshine State and takes a look at what’s happening in Reedy Creek. He discusses Florida's bonding and debt, infrastructure plans and dives into the state's ESG priorities. (30 minutes)
William Glasgall of the Volcker Alliance dives deep into factors affecting state and local budgets. He looks at what the Inflation Reduction Act means, how states are using stimulus money and the effect of work from home on budgets. Caitlin Devitt hosts. (31 minutes)
John Luke Tyner, fixed income analyst at Aptus Capital Advisors, discusses yield curve inversion with Bond Buyer Managing Editor Gary Siegel. Tyner looks at recession possibilities and how the Federal Reserve’s actions will impact the economy, the yield curve and recession. 23 minutes
Tom Wright, president and CEO of the Regional Plan Association, talks with Chip Barnett about the ongoing Gateway transportation project and its importance to the tri-state region. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities in transit, infrastructure, affordable housing, climate change and ESG. (30 minutes)
Tom Wright, president and CEO of the Regional Plan Association, talks with Chip Barnett about the ongoing Gateway transportation project and its importance to the tri-state region. He also discusses the challenges and opportunities in transit, infrastructure, affordable housing, climate change and ESG. (30 minutes)
Daniel Berger, Senior Municipal Strategist at Refiniv Municipal Market Data, talks about what’s in store for the municipal bond market in the second half of this year. Are munis set to rally in the next few months? He looks at market volatility and talks about who holds muni bonds, bond fund outflows and discusses muni to Treasury ratios and the yield curve. Gary Siegel and Chip Barnett host (15 minutes)
Barry Fick, Executive Director of the Minnesota Higher Education Facilities Authority, gives an insider perspective of a recent deal that offers a rare apples-to-apples comparison of pricing designated green bonds vs. traditional bonds. The Bond Buyer’s Caitlin Devitt hosts.
Dave Erdman has become one of the top issuer voices in the public finance community. As he heads off this summer into the private sector, Erdman reflects on his time on the GFOA's influential debt committee.
Natalie Cohen of The Public Purse and John Mousseau of Cumberland Advisors take a deep dive into what’s happening in Reedy Creek in the wake of the Florida battle between Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Disney Co. Is it a portent of things to come or just a tempest in a teapot? Chip Barnett hosts the podcast recorded June 9. (33 minutes)
As summer beckons, it's time for a reporters' roundtable with some of the Bond Buyer's senior staff. Yvette Shields, Karen Pierog, Keeley Webster and Thomas Nocera talk with Chip Barnett about what's hot in their regions and what municipal bond market participants should expect to see in the months ahead. (25 minutes)
Howard Globus, founder and CEO of IT-on-demand.com, talks with Chip Barnett about what municipalities should do before, during and after a cybersecurity attack to keep their systems secure from hackers. (19 minutes)
John Boyd, principal at The Boyd Company, chats with Chip Barnett about how the COVID-19 pandemic and hybrid work has altered the way companies look at cities and states when they think about locations for their headquarters. (20 minutes)
Laura Rabinow of the Rockefeller Institute of Government talks with Chip Barnett about New York State’s $4.2 billion environmental bond referendum. Find out how the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 got on November's ballot and what it will actually do. (20 minutes)
Michael Rinaldi, head of local government ratings at Fitch, talks with Chip Barnett about the murky financial picture after the move by Gov. Ron DeSantis to dissolve the Reedy Creek Improvement District after Disney Co. said it plans to fight to repeal the new “Don’t Say Gay” law. (12 minutes)
Municipal advisors are seeking more and better communication from regulators and enforcers, NAMA Executive Director Susan Gaffney says. Kyle Glazier hosts.
Recognizing what ESG strategy or product is best suited for a given situation is a crucial first step for the market to establish long-needed standards and guide usage into the effective outcomes participants wish to see.
With the Federal Reserve planning aggressive rate hikes and balance sheet reduction, Dec Mullarkey, managing director of investment strategy and asset allocation at SLC Management, discusses the Federal Open Market Committee meeting minutes, his analysis of the economy and what to expect going forward. Gary Siegel hosts. (33 minutes)
SIFMA CEO Ken Bentsen and Head of Municipals Leslie Norwood discuss developments at the organization, the legislative outlook, and regulatory developments related to ESG.
Nora Wittstruck, senior director and environmental social and governance sector lead at S&P Global Ratings, talks with Chip Barnett about climate change, sea level rise and how municipalities’ mitigation efforts affect South Florida and other parts of the U.S. (19 minutes)
Jean-Yves Fillion, CEO of BNP Paribas USA, talks with Chip Barnett about the bank’s continuing initiatives in sustainable finance and how it leverages its global sponsorship of tennis to further its advocacy of environmental issues, social equity and community responsibility. Taped live at the BNP Paribas 2022 Open in Indian Wells California. (20 minutes)
Peter Franks, senior municipal analyst at Refinitiv MMD, gives his take on the ongoing volatility in munis — and all markets — with some historical perspectives on where we've been and where we are headed. Lynne Funk hosts. (34 minutes)
Emily Brock, director of the federal liaison center at the Government Finance Officers Association, takes time out to talk with Chip Barnett at The Bond Buyer’s National Outlook Conference about infrastructure spending. She also looks at the possibility of Congress approving the return of tax-exempt advance refundings and the SEC and MSRB’s focus on issuers ESG disclosures. (17 minutes)
North Carolina Treasurer Dale Folwell talks with The Bond Buyer’s Chip Barnett about how the state's economy has remained in financially good health despite dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic as well how the state deals with troubled municipalities. As chair of the debt affordability commission, he chats about bond issuance. He also discusses the ways to reform healthcare and increase transparency. (15 minutes)
Hilltop Securities' Tom Kozlik updates his 2022 outlook for the public finance industry, raising his outlooks on the state and local governments and school district sectors to positive and sees an overall better environment for munis in 2022. Lynne Funk hosts. (32 minutes).
Co-heads of municipals at Baird Advisors, Duane McAllister and Lyle Fitterer, discuss the challenging environment in the first month and a half of 2022 and where risks and opportunities lie in a volatile investing landscape. Lynne Funk hosts. (29 minutes).
Bond Dealers of America's Brett Bolton sits down with Kyle Glazier to discuss the group's latest advocacy efforts and the outlook for legislation critical for the municipal market.
Paul Daley, managing director at BondWave, talks about fixed-income trading in 2021 and looks ahead to what may be in store for trading in municipal bonds this year. Chip Barnett hosts. (12 minutes)
John Hallacy of John Hallacy Consulting LLC sits down with Chip Barnett to talk about what the municipal bond market will face in 2022. He discusses inflation, new issuance volume, and the future of infrastructure this year amid the lingering effects of COVID and Omicron. (19 minutes)
Aoifinn Devitt, chief investment officer at Moneta Group, discusses the Federal Reserve’s plans to raise rates this year, whether this was truly a pivot in Fed thinking, how the market reacted to this change and will how they will respond when rates go up, how new members on the Federal Reserve Board could impact Fed plans and what this all means for investors. Gary Siegel hosts. 28 minutes.
Katherine Craven, chief administrative and financial officer at Babson College, discusses the school's business niche, its bond-rating upgrades amid negative outlooks for higher education overall, and the outlook for the sector in the face of the pandemic. Paul Burton hosts. (Recorded on Dec. 23, 2021 and is 25 minutes long.)
Todd Cipperman, founding principal of Cipperman Compliance Services, talks with Chip Barnett about compliance and disclosure and regulation by the federal government in 2022. (42 minutes)
Jennifer Poree, S&P Global Ratings national sector lead for water and power, and Mark Joffe, a senior analyst with the Reason Foundation, speak with regional editor Keeley Webster about California’s struggles to tackle its water infrastructure backlog.
We discuss the growth in the market for bonds designed to make an environmental or social impact – and the surprisingly sparse requirements for its participants. Peter Keating with guests Emily Brock (Government Finance Officers Association) and Jennifer Brooks (Ballard Spahr).
We discuss energy provisions in the new infrastructure law – how much they will fight climate change, and how far they will move America toward a carbon-free future. Peter Keating with guests Ben King (Rhodium Group), Morgan Hickman (Center for Strategic and International Studies) and Adam Stern (Breckinridge Capital Advisors).
Three kinds of new projects that could benefit from the new infrastructure law – and how state and local officials can leverage its $550-billion bounty to maximum effect. Peter Keating with guests Joung Lee (AASHTO), Erik Olson (NRDC), and Peter Rogoff (Sound Transit).
Peter Keating and guests discuss the state of American infrastructure and how much the Biden Administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will move the needle when it comes to launching new projects.
City historian Larry DiCara discusses the breakthrough election of Michelle Wu as mayor, and recalls crises of yesteryear including the school busing chaos and the Blizzard of 1978. Paul Burton hosts. (26 minutes)
Jennifer Johnston, director of research, municipal bonds, at Franklin Templeton, talks with Chip Barnett about whether a “Great Migration” from cities like New York and San Francisco is really taking place or is it just an urban myth. (19 minutes)
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli discusses his COVID-19 federal funding tracker, and initiatives that range from transparency to pensions. Paul Burton hosts. (28 minutes)
Chuck Stavitski and Elaine Brennan of Roosevelt & Cross and Ken Bieger of the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission talk about how the Canadian border closing due to COVID-19 affected upstate New York issuers. Chip Barnett hosts. (16 minutes)
Jeffrey Cleveland, chief economist at Payden & Rygel, discusses the Federal Reserve’s upcoming meeting, inflation, what taper will mean, when the Fed might decide to lift off, and possible leadership changes. Gary Siegel hosts.
Neeraj Arora of Morgan Lewis explores trends and risks in energy storage and its continued growth during the pandemic. Paul Burton hosts.
Geoffrey Buswick and Todd Kanaster of S&P Global Ratings, talk with Chip Barnett about all things cryptocurrency. They look at why municipalities are getting into blockchain technology and crypto. What are the risks and rewards?
Challenges abound in meeting the needs of both investors and issuers in incorporating environmental, social and governance factors into the municipal market. Jasper Cox, Fixed Income Analyst at the PRI, Principles for Responsible Investment, gives insights into how the market can adapt.
Chris Johns and JT Thompson, portfolio managers at the Aquila Group of Funds talk about the possible return of a BABs-like program and if it’s good or bad news for the tax-exempt bond market. They also discuss infrastructure, tax-exempt advance refundings and monetary policy.
Rachael Fauss of watchdog organization Reinvent Albany has a wish list for New York's new governor, Kathy Hochul, that includes a culture shift in budgeting. "We don't want to see business conducted in the dead of night." Paul Burton hosts. (15 minutes).
With the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks still fresh in our minds, Michael Barasch, managing partner at Barasch & McGarry, says less than 8% of the civilians who were in Lower Manhattan that day and the months after have registered for free federal programs offering health care protections and benefits. Municipal bond industry workers who worked or lived downtown in the several months that followed 9/11 can benefit from these programs too. Chip Barnett hosts. (15 minutes)
On the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, Howard Cure of Evercore Wealth Management and Andrew Rein of the Citizens Budget Commission share memories of that day, how New York managed the crisis and prospects today as the city looks to recover from the pandemic. Paul Burton hosts. (26 minutes)
Cooper Howard, director of fixed income strategy at the Schwab Center for Financial Research, talks with Chip Barnett about what municipal bond investors can expect in the second half of the year – low yields and strong fundamentals. He looks at continuing bond fund inflows, rising taxable issuance and compressed spreads. (14 minutes/Taped Aug. 3).
John Ceffalio, Senior Municipal Research Analyst at CreditSights, talks with Chip Barnett about what to expect in the second half of the year. He discusses municipal bond market fundamentals, credit and climate disclosure. And he looks at the pandemic’s long-term risks for U.S. cities as the work-from-home culture becomes stronger and how higher education will cope with a new reality. (18 minutes)
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear talks with Chip Barnett about economic progress the Commonwealth has made this year and how the state-local government partnership strengthened during the pandemic. He describes the heartbreaking human cost of the virus, the deadly toll it took on residents and why the Delta variant is a continuing cause of concern. (14 minutes)
Deputy budget director David Womack explains what generates investor confidence in the city. Paul Burton and Chip Barnett host. (14 minutes)
Joe Kalish, chief global macro strategist at Ned Davis Research, discusses his thoughts on when the Federal Reserve will announce it will cut back on its asset purchases, the possibility of Chair Jerome Powell’s renomination and what to expect from the Jackson Hole summit. Gary Siegel hosts (27 minutes)
New York City budget director Jacques Jiha says proactive moves such as building reserves helped the city weather COVID-19 fiscal challenges. Paul Burton and Chip Barnett host. (23 minutes)
Ed Moya, senior market analyst for the Americas at OANDA, talks with Bond Buyer Managing Editor Gary Siegel about the upcoming FOMC meeting, inflation, the possibility of tapering and the future make-up of the Fed in a wide-ranging discussion on the economy and monetary policy. (31 minutes)
S&P’s Tiffany Tribbitt and Geoffrey Buswick talk with Chip Barnett about what municipalities can do to counter the growing threat of cyber attacks and what steps cities and states can take after an incident happens. (15 minutes)
Joseph Krist, publisher of Muni Credit News, explores state budgets, federal aid, climate change and cybersecurity. Paul Burton hosts. (34 minutes)
State Treasurer Shawn Wooden discusses the state's across-the-board bond rating upgrades, its immediate challenges and initiatives such as "CT Baby Bonds." Paul Burton hosts. (19 minutes)
John Hallacy, founder of John Hallacy Consulting LLC, talks with Chip Barnett about the pandemic’s lingering credit impacts on state finances in a wide-ranging discussion of the many issues affecting the municipal market today. (17 minutes)
Adam Andrzejewski, CEO and founder of transparency organization OpenTheBooks.com, pinpoints examples of wasteful government spending and "filthy rich" communities and institutions getting federal bailout money. Paul Burton hosts (15 minutes).
In Part 2 of this special series, Northeast Regional Editor Paul Burton and guests Anthony Figliola, Andrew Rein and Nicole Gelinas discuss what the next New York mayor will inherit and what's needed to win back businesses and tourists. (11 minutes)
In Part 1 of this special series, Northeast Regional Editor Paul Burton and guests Nicole Gelinas, Anthony Figliola and Andrew Rein explore what this year's New York mayoral race means for the city and its people, investors and business leaders. (15 minutes)
Todd Cipperman, founding principal of Cipperman Compliance Services, talks with Chip Barnett about the rise of cryptocurrencies and how cities like Miami are looking to integrate them into day-to-day functions. He also talks about the regulatory outlook for cryptocurrencies. (15 minutes).
Sheila King of Eagle Asset Management talks with Chip Barnett on the growing importance of environmental, social and governance issues for municipal governments. She gives examples of what works and what doesn’t and why it matters. (14 minutes)
Eli Dvorkin of the Center for an Urban Future suggests how New York City can save millions by improving its capital construction process. He also examines the city's tech growth. Paul Burton hosts. (23 minutes)
Tom Kozlik of Hilltop Securities explores federal guidance over rescue aid use, whether states and local governments are ready to allocate the funding, and how a "golden age" could loom for public finance. Paul Burton hosts. (20 minutes)
Andrew Rein of the Citizens Budget Commission and Howard Cure of Evercore Wealth Management dive into the city's operating and capital budgets. Paul Burton hosts. (38 minutes)
Regina Egea, president of the Garden State Initiative, analyzes New Jersey's fiscal landscape, including the proposed state budget, unfunded pension liability and deficit borrowing. Paul Burton hosts. (20 minutes)
Jim Robinson, portfolio manager of the Robinson Tax Advantaged Income Fund at Liberty Street Advisors, talks about the changing ways investors should view stocks and bonds. Within the municipal bond market, closed-end municipal bond funds may represent a particularly attractive opportunity. Robinson notes that at a time when the cost of leverage is falling, discounts on closed-end funds are high. Lynne Funk hosts.
Natalia Quintero of the Partnership for New York City discusses the Transit Tech Lab accelerator program, which involves the MTA and other regional transportation agencies. Paul Burton hosts. (14 minutes)
Roddy Devlin, a partner at Nixon Peabody, explores President Biden's $2.3 trillion bill, which he says "dwarfs anything we've seen for decades." Paul Burton hosts. (23 minutes)
Jack Janasiewicz, senior vice president, portfolio manager and portfolio strategist at Natixis Investment Managers Solutions, DISCUSSES inflation and why there is disagreement on whether it will become an issue this year. He discusses how stimulus money and the employment situation factor in. Gary Siegel hosts. (Taped March 9) 30 minutes.
Susan Courtney, head of the Municipal Bond Team at PGIM Fixed Income, talks inflation, muni credit in COVID times and infrastructure. Lynne Funk hosts.
Sam Turvey of ReThinkNYC explores ways to make New York's Pennsylvania Station complex more functional and aesthetic. Paul Burton hosts (17 minutes).
Veneta Dimitrova, senior U.S. economist at Ned Davis Research, says the COVID pandemic showed us the government has more fiscal space than thought. She also discusses inflation, housing, the manufacturing sector, global supply chain challenges and the Fed’s balance sheet. Hosted by Gary Siegel. Taped Feb. 24. (32 minutes)
Alan Rubin of Blank Rome Government Relations examines the Texas grid fiasco and resilience concerns nationally, including California and the Northeast. Paul Burton hosts. (17 minutes)
The rise of machine learning. Continued growth of electronic trading. Intensifying automation. Stephanie Sparvero, Global Head of BVAL Evaluated Pricing at Bloomberg talks about these issues and more in how the muni market is charting a changing muni landscape. Lynne Funk hosts. (30 minutes)
Paul Gray, co-founder of IronHold Capital, links the unfunded liability problem to bad public policy decisions and bad hedge-fund actors. Paul Burton hosts (13 minutes).
Hank Smith, head of Investment Strategy at Haverford Trust, discusses the upcoming Federal Open Market Committee meeting, the coronavirus pandemic, inflation, and economic growth. He says, “at some point the Fed will have to acknowledge the economy may really take off.” (Taped March 2. 26 minutes)
The pandemic has caused some special circumstances for state and local governments in juggling their finances. Jeffrey Previdi, the vice-chairman of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board who spent more than 20 years of his career at Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, talked to us about what his regulatory organization has done to assist them. Previdi also talked about how GASB influences how state and local governments spend taxpayer money on such things as schools, firehouses, water treatment plants, and other infrastructure.
A year after COVID disrupted the markets, Sylvia Yeh and Scott Diamond, co-heads of fixed income at Goldman Sachs Asset Management discuss their strategies for 2021 and the important role of retail, consider the new regime in Washington, and contemplate where ESG fits into their portfolio as the muni market incorporates the burgeoning investor interest in it.
Greg Sullivan of Boston's Pioneer Institute explores the migration from Massachusetts and Connecticut to lower-tax states, and the ripple effects of a lawsuit regarding cross-state remote employees that could reach the U.S. Supreme Court. Paul Burton hosts. (13 minutes).
In a wide-ranging conversation, Manulife Investment Management Global Chief Economist & Global Head of Macroeconomic Strategy Frances Donald discusses the COVID pandemic, inflation, how the markets may be misreading the Fed, why economic indicators may not be telling economists what they need to know, ESG and green spending, and the economy. Gary Siegel hosts. (35 minutes)
Jonathan Bowles of Center for an Urban Future explores how New York City could benefit from a green public works program. He also calls for unlocking the potential of CUNY and improving the city's capital construction process. Paul Burton hosts (17 minutes).
From the return of advanced refundings to a direct-pay bond option, Michael Decker and Brett Bolton highlight the work the Bond Dealers of America are focused on in 2021, and the challenges and ultimate resilience of the municipal market since the onslaught of COVID.
Howard Cure of Evercore and Maria Doulis, formerly of the Citizens Budget Commission, explore New York City's fiscal variables amid the pandemic. Paul Burton hosts. (30 minutes). Recorded Jan. 26.
From ESG to infrastructure, regulation to legislation, SIFMA's President and CEO, Ken Bentsen and Managing Director and Associate General Counsel, Leslie Norwood discuss what SIFMA members are prioritizing on Wall Street and in Washington when it comes to munis.
Tom Kozlik of Hilltop Securities examines variables related to President Biden's first-stage rescue package, including market reaction, state-local aid, and vaccine rollout. Paul Burton hosts; Recorded Jan. 27. (19 minutes).
Lumesis' president, COO and co-founder Tim Stevens talks about how AI complements the company’s pricing and scales software to predict the shape of a deal-specific municipal yield curve based on the structural and credit-characteristics and to use that predicted shape to fill-in portions of a yield curve that cannot be built from traditional means. Lynne Funk hosts. (35 minutes).
Lee Igel of New York University's Tisch Institute for Global Sport explores what's behind the mad scramble among states to legalize sports betting. Paul Burton hosts. (15 minutes)
Climate change should be the focus for investors and issuers in 2021 as the need for addressing the problems it causes is more pressing than ever. Sean Kidney, CEO of Climate Bonds Initiative, lays out the case. Lynne Funk hosts. (35 minutes).
Nicole Gelinas of the Manhattan Institute explores New York MTA's structural deficits, a capital program on hold and federal rescue needs amid while ridership has cratered during the pandemic. Paul Burton and Andrew Coen host (21 minutes). Recorded Jan. 4.
Robin Marshall, director of fixed income research at FTSE Russell, talks about what investors should be paying attention to during the coming year. He looks at inflation prospects, possible Central Bank actions and the continuing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chip Barnett hosts. (15 minutes)
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez talks with Chip Barnett of The Bond Buyer about what makes the Magic City so appealing to companies and investors alike. He discusses the attractiveness of its business climate, the city’s financial strengths, efforts to fight climate change and the diversity and resilience of its residents. (7 minutes)
KC Mathews, executive vice president & chief investment officer at UMB Bank, discusses how the coronavirus pandemic has affected the economy and what he expects going forward. He speaks about what the incoming Biden administration and the Democrats' control of Congress will mean for the economy; and the Federal Reserve's stance and role in recovery. Gary Siegel hosts. (Recorded Jan. 7, 28 minutes)
Hempstead, N.Y., Supervisor Donald X. Clavin Jr., talks about the town’s receipt of $133 million of CARES Act federal funding and the subsequent credit rating upgrade by Moody’s during the COVID-19 pandemic. He speaks about how the town’s conservative budgeting helps bolster its financial position during tough economic times. Andrew Coen hosts (24 minutes).
John Hallacy, founder of John Hallacy Consulting LLC, talks about the most important opportunities and challenges the municipal bond market will face in 2021. He gives his estimate on where muni volume may be headed, discusses the possibility of a federal infrastructure program and talks about what to expect under a Biden Administration. Chip Barnett hosts. (Recorded Dec. 22; 22 minutes)
Paul Herman and Adam Mason of HIP Investor examine environmental, social and governance risks, ratings disconnects, transparency needs and HIP's deep dive into hospital systems. Paul Burton hosts. Recorded Dec. 14. (25 minutes).
Dominick D'Eramo, head of fixed income at Wilmington Trust Investment Advisors, talks with Chip Barnett about how the municipal bond market did in 2020 and what may be on tap for munis in the new year. (12 minutes)
Philip Howard, chairman of nonprofit Common Good, calls on the incoming Biden administration to improve public agencies, schools and hospitals by reducing cumbersome red tape. Paul Burton hosts. (18 minutes)
Like in the industries its reporters cover, the lack of Black representation in business and financial media has created blind spots. Predominantly white newsrooms often miss stories about systemic racism or fail to reach an audience of more than one demographic. In the wake of this summer's Black Lives Matter protests, there are serious implications for financial services, the reporters covering them — and an emerging group of professionals creating their own media. What can journalists like us learn from these Black voices?
Washington Bureau Chief Kyle Glazier discusses what is in store for munis in 2021, how the SEC and MSRB will function under a Biden administration and what Janet Yellen in the Treasury seat might mean.
Eric Enderlin, president of the New York City Housing Development Corp., discusses the agency's programs and bond activity, its work with NYCHA on Section 8 conversion and prospects for change at the federal level. Paul Burton hosts. (18 minutes)
Michael Ruvo, president and CEO of BondWave, talks about how he thinks technology changes — and the data that enables those changes — will help with market transparency and make for a more efficient market overall. Lynne Funk hosts. (21 minutes).
Ken Lind, leader of Nixon Peabody's project finance and public finance group, breaks it down by sectors and financing instruments. He also examines virus-related SEC disclosure guidance plus the planned phaseout of Libor. Paul Burton hosts. (38 minutes). Recorded Dec. 2.
Dave Rudd, president of 280 Capmarkets and Prescott Nasser, co-founder and chief technology officer, talk about how technology is changing the municipal landscape, the need for the market to focus on ESG and how the industry has made it through COVID and 2020.
Dave Rudd, president of 280 Capmarkets and Prescott Nasser, co-founder and chief technology officer, talk about how technology is changing the municipal landscape, the need for the market to focus on ESG and how the industry has made it through COVID and 2020.
Jonathan Ballan, co-chair of the public and project finance team at Cozen O’Connor, calls for new categories of tax-exempt bonds to help urban areas redevelop from COVID-19. He also makes a deeply personal appeal to tighten cybersecurity laws. Northeast Regional Editor Paul Burton hosts. Recorded Nov. 19. (27 minutes)
Asset and capital allocations often exacerbate systemic racism across the financial services in some surprising ways. Innovators in the fields of asset management, banking, impact investing and pensions suggest there are also many ways to disrupt the cycle. Shifting the flow of capital could help reduce or eliminate institutional barriers and racial discrimination.
Morgan Stanley's Michael Zezas, managing director, head of public policy research and municipal credit strategy, discusses how muni credit strategy and analysis has adapted in a volatile year, what a Biden administration means for munis, and where opportunities lie for investors and issuers alike. (30 minutes).
Stephen DeGroat, Rockland County commissioner of finance, explains how the large suburban municipality north of New York City turned budget deficits into surpluses through deficit financing, staff reductions and closing a county-run hospital. Andrew Coen hosts. (14 minutes)
Michael Chalker, portfolio manager and senior analyst at LM Capital Group, talks with Chip Barnett about the fixed-income markets and the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. (16 minutes)
Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board CEO Mark Kim talks about his priorities after recently being named CEO in October, changes to its reduced board size and transparency of the board. Sarah Wynn hosts.
The lack of Black representation in the financial services stems from two interconnected problems. Black professionals face significant hurdles once they break into the industry. And the presence of nearly 175,000 Black financial professionals displays that their widespread absence at the upper executive ranks isn’t a product of there being an insufficient talent pool.
Sarah Mitchell, CFA and a portfolio manager at Mondrian Investment Partners, talks with Chip Barnett about one of the hottest sectors in the municipal bond market today – green bonds – and the possibility of the U.S. government issuing a sovereign green bond. (20 minutes)
Neal Zuckerman, a New York MTA board member, tells The Bond Buyer's Paul Burton how takeaways from that era relate to today's transit funding crisis. "History doesn't repeat itself, but it rhymes." (24 minutes). Recorded Oct. 30
John Hallacy, founder of John Hallacy Consulting LLC, and Andrew Coen, Bond Buyer northeast regional reporter, talk about next week’s $4 billion COVID-19 emergency GO and taxable social bond sale by New Jersey. Chip Barnett moderates the discussion on what it means for the state and whether the bonds will become muni bond market benchmarks with an extra appeal to international investors.
Rachael Fauss of watchdog Reinvent Albany discusses the importance of transparency amid the pandemic. She also explores state-agency debt and the Fed's Municipal Liquidity Facility. Paul Burton and Andrew Coen host. Recorded Nov. 2 (19 minutes)
Racism at the branch and in the workplace makes it harder for Black Americans to gain access to financial services. In the second episode of the Access Denied podcast, innovators and researchers from the fields of human resources, banking and wealth management explain how industries leave people out — and what needs to be done to change it.
Lynne Funk and Gary Siegel discuss how the election results will affect the municipal market, how the Fed moves forward and some winners and losers with bond ballot measure results and muni advocates who held onto their seats in Congress. (21 minutes).
Michael Roth, managing partner at Next Street, talks with Chip Barnett about how Black and Brown businesses are doing during the coronavirus pandemic. He looks at what our industry can do to help – from capital delivery to investment and beyond the usual solutions, so small businesses and entrepreneurs in communities of color can succeed in an inclusive economy. (22 minutes) For more on this topic, see: Arizent's 'Access Denied' podcast series.
Sowjana Sivaloganathan, director of fixed income at Intercontinental Exchange, and Patrick Smith, director of municipal evaluations at ICE Data Services, talk about how ICE and its Muni Curve has evolved in the muni space, the challenges COVID has presented and the transparency measures they have undertaken. Lynne Funk hosts. (30 minutes)
Squire Patton Boggs partners Rodney Slater and Alethia Nancoo view the landscape from the ground and the skies with Northeast Regional Editor Paul Burton. Slater is a former U.S. transportation secretary. Nancoo’s practice focuses on public, private and project debt finance. (31 minutes)
In this featured episode from the Arizent special series, net worth disparities and the roles housing and mortgage discrimination play in Black homeownership show how it's impossible to close the gaps without eliminating racism.
In this Rising Stars installment, Amanda Stephens of Orrick and Jeffrey Lack of Fitch Ratings explain how they launched their public finance careers, what motivates them and who inspired them. Paul Burton hosts. (20 minutes)