Fed Holds Amid Mixed Signals
This week included the much-anticipated Federal Open Market Committee meeting concluding on July 29th. The Federal Reserve held its policy rate at 3.5%-3.75%, with three officials dissenting in favor of a quarter-point hike. The official press release announcing the decision was abbreviated, highlighted strong productivity growth and capital investment, and noted the impact of energy […]
Webinar Replay: How to Read Your Investment Statement
Understanding your investment report is essential to making informed decisions and confidently communicating results to your governing board. This educational webinar is designed specifically for public agency finance professionals. Presenters Alaynè Marie Sampson, CTP, Portfolio Strategy Manager, and Scott Stitcher, CFA, CMFC, Senior Portfolio Strategist, break down the key components of an investment report and […]
Whitepaper: Commercial Paper Overview
Commercial paper (CP) is a high-quality, short-term credit instrument used in money market funds and local government investment pools (LGIP) to enhance portfolio yield, maintain liquidity and diversify holdings. This paper provides an overview of the commercial paper market, examines the different types of commercial paper and describes the role it plays in the portfolio […]
Markets Digest Divided Fed Minutes
May 22, 2026 The minutes from the April 29 Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting were released Wednesday, confirming what the divided 8-to-4 vote had signaled. Officials acknowledged that the energy shock from the conflict with Iran had raised near-term inflation risks but were split on whether the impulse would prove transitory. Several participants noted […]
Inflation Surges, Markets Stay Resilient
May 15, 2026 Kevin Warsh was finally confirmed by the Senate as the new chair of the Federal Reserve this week by a narrow 51-45 margin. For market participants, however, inflation data took center stage, reinforcing concerns that the energy price shock from the conflict with Iran is filtering into the broader U.S. price complex. […]
Iran Conflict, Oil, Jobs, Rates
The conflict with Iran and elevated oil prices continue to dominate market sentiment. The U.S. proposed a memorandum of understanding which would lead to the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and lifting of the American blockade on Iranian ports. The plan includes provisions for the removal of sanctions on Iran and a moratorium […]
Rates Steady, Inflation Signals Persist
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) held the federal funds rate at 3.50% to 3.75% on April 29, an outcome consistent with expectations but accompanied by data that complicated the path forward for both investors as well as the FOMC. The decision produced the most divided vote since 1992. One policymaker favored a cut, while […]
Whitepaper: New Ethics Training Rules (SB 827)
With evolving regulations like California’s SB 827 ethics training rules, it’s important for public officials and finance professionals to understand what’s required, what’s changed, and how to stay ahead. Our latest white paper breaks it down: – Who needs to complete ethics training – Key requirements and timelines – Practical steps to ensure compliance Whether […]
Markets Climb as Fed Shifts
Kevin Warsh’s Senate Banking Committee confirmation hearing for Federal Reserve Chair on April 21 placed the central bank’s upcoming leadership transition in focus. Warsh, nominated to succeed Chair Jerome Powell when his term expires May 15, emphasized his commitment to operational independence and stated he had made no prior commitments on the direction of interest […]
April 2026 Monthly Bond Market Review
Recent economic data point to moderating growth alongside rising inflation pressures, as the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran that began on February 28 drove a sharp spike in crude oil prices, flattening of the Treasury yield curve, and broad declines across equity markets. Headline inflation held at 2.4% year-over-year in February and the unemployment rate […]