Safeguarding the Safety of Public Funds: Safekeeping vs. Custody
Too many times the terms “custody” and “safekeeping” are used interchangeably, these services differ significantly. Local government investors should understand these distinctions and select the service level that best meets their needs. As we know, the priority for government investment management is the safety of public funds. A critical safeguard against fraud is the separation … Continued
Learning the Fed: Tips for Investing in a Falling Rate Market
On September 18th, 2024, the Federal Reserve lowered rates by 50 basis points. This was a long-anticipated move the markets had desperately sought. This has a material impact on prudent positioning of liquidity investments given further rate cuts may also ensue. We will share insightful tips on how to most optimally invest in a falling … Continued
Positioning for Value: Capturing Yield as Rates Begin to Fall
For the past few years, the Federal Reserve has steadily raised interest rates to combat post-pandemic inflation, a process that has taken longer and has required higher rates than initially anticipated. This in part has led to an inverted yield curve, where shorter-term or cash investments have a higher yield than longer-term treasuries. However, we … Continued
Understanding Arbitrage Rebate: Ensuring Compliance with Tax-Exempt Debt Regulations
Navigating the complexities of arbitrage rebate is crucial for any borrower involved in tax-exempt and tax-advantaged debt. Established by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, these rules aim to prevent the abuse of tax-exempt borrowing — a subsidy from the federal government intended to be used responsibly. In recent years, the financial landscape has seen … Continued
The Strategic Value of Cash Flow Forecasting in Public Fund Management – Texas
Annual budgeting is one of the most important times of the year for public finance professionals. This process provides insight into the year ahead, allowing for confident navigation and circumvention of any upcoming financial obstacles. But when done right, budgeting sessions can illuminate revenue patterns that then create investment opportunities — making for more wiggle … Continued