Sell side

Schools and governments turn to bonds to cover payouts in the wake of a California law that temporarily lifted the statute of limitations on sex abuse claims.

The top suite of firms oversaw deals amounting to more than $139 billion par value across 58% of the market.

The top 10 underwriters for the first half of the year brought in more than $203 billion across nearly 2,000 issues.

The top issuers for the first half of 2025 put out a combined 89 issuances amounting to more than $39 billion in par value.

Soon after it sold $687.3 million of bonds, Chicago returned to market with $82.55 million for housing and economic development in a deal set to close Monday.

Primary bond market volume was up 3.6% year-over-year to $49.9 billion, according to LSEG data.

Chicago goes to market next week with $517.95 million of taxable and tax-exempt general obligation bonds following a downward outlook revision from Fitch.

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.

Issuers routinely refund 5% bonds in year 10, and the resulting savings can be significant. It is notable that although refunding is typically associated with declining interest rates, 5% bonds are refunded even if rates rise.

Samantha Funk will step up as new head of public finance at PNC after Rob Dailey retires at the end of July.