High-Grade Muni Bonds Post Gains

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Municipal bonds were unable to continue yesterday's fast pace, but the high-grade sector did post mild gains in what amounted to a quiet close to a volatile week.

New issues were minimal today, save for one large retail order period from a New York issuer. Next week's supply grows again, creating anxiety for some participants.

In terms of day-to-day total returns:

-- The high-grade, short end of the curve showed a total return of positive 0.06%, according to Municipal Market Advisors (MMA) data.

-- The high-grade, intermediate part of the curve showed a total return of positive 0.05%.

-- The high-grade, long end of the curve showed a total return of positive 0.07%.

The high-grade marketplace of bonds rated double-A or better was quiet today. After the large advances made yesterday, traders were content to call it a week. There was some activity in the 10-year range that made for some modest increases again today in that range.

In the non-investment grade sector of non-rated bonds or single-A and lower, there was even less trading. The only notable theme was several accounts clearing out old California inventory with the expectation to purchase the state's new deal coming next week.

The new-issue market today had the New York State Environmental Facilities Corp. offering revenue bonds to retail customers. It will do the same on Monday.

Major deals priced today:

-- $361 million state clean water and drinking water revolving funds revenue bonds for the New York State Environmental Facilities Corp.; Aa1/AA/AA+; retail only.