info, Author at Ranson Financial Group LLC

Confusion reigns on the Fed and long-term muni purchases

info2020-04-08T08:03:37-05:00April 7th, 2020|

Municipal market participants are confused, to say the least, about the Federal Reserve and its ability to buy long-term municipal securities. And there’s a good reason for the puzzlement. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act authorizes the Fed to purchase munis through a $454 billion Economic Stabilization Fund, and $150 billion is earmarked for direct federal aid to states and municipalities. But, the language in the CARES Act is subject to interpretation, and can be misleading. ... Steven Skancke, chief economic advisor at Keel Point, isn’t convinced the law allows the Fed to buy longer-term munis. The Fed, [...]

Municipal bond rates fall again on Fed hopes, potential coronavirus plateau

info2020-04-07T08:50:20-05:00April 7th, 2020|

The municipal market again saw yields fall across the curve, dropping as much as eight basis points on the short end Monday and up to 15 on the long end. The market is anticipating the Federal Reserve to step in as a buyer of last resort for munis, though how much, which credits, and what durations are still cloudy. The Fed has already begun to buy variable rate demand obligations and has helped the short end of the market recover after massive mid-March losses of at least 2%. “The overall dynamic of the market has been helped by the opening of [...]

Municipal Bond Trends for April 6, 2020

info2020-04-16T08:06:25-05:00April 7th, 2020|

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. Every issuer's credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.

Reno County releases ’self-reporting’ form for residents who suspect COVID-19

info2020-04-07T08:37:24-05:00April 6th, 2020|

With its second case of suspected community transmission of the COVID-19 virus in Reno County, yet no expected immediate increase in ability to locally test people, the Reno County Health Department has released a new form asking people to self- report if they believe they may have the disease. “Community transmission” means the individual contracted the disease from an unknown source while out in the community, indicating it is more widespread than test-confirmed cases might indicate, which health officials have long suspected. All the other cases in the county before those two were related to travel to places that had outbreaks [...]

Siemens Gamesa to furlough 200 in Hutchinson

info2020-04-07T08:38:11-05:00April 6th, 2020|

Siemens Gamesa confirmed Monday that employees at both its Hutchinson and Ford Madison, Iowa, plants will be furloughed for three or four weeks. The company cited issues with its international supply chain. Employees were informed Monday, according to a statement from the company, though it didn’t indicate when the furloughs would begin. (Read more: Local - The Hutchinson News)

Playing by the rules: Self-monitoring, strict guidelines keep golf courses open

info2020-04-07T08:38:23-05:00April 6th, 2020|

Golf has long had the moniker of being a “Gentleman’s Game.” The terminology more than likely began in reference to the gender of those playing the sport. But over the years, it’s come to define the etiquette and self-policing — or self-monitoring — that take place in a sport where there are no referees or umpires watching every move. Now more than ever, those who play the sport know that adhering to guidelines laid out by courses nationwide allowing them to stay open for play during the COVID-19 pandemic is of utmost importance. (Read more: Local - The Topeka Capital-Journal)

Social distancing map rates most SW Kansas counties at a D or lower

info2020-04-07T08:38:43-05:00April 6th, 2020|

A map released by Unacast rates how well states and counties are at social distancing. The information is gathered by tracking the GPS on phones, but for those in Southwest Kansas, this may not be the grade deserved. In Southwest Kansas, many may be practicing social distancing but it’s also a hub for Agriculture. “There still seems to be a lot of activity in rural America particularly in the midwest but there’s a reason because farming and ranching can not stop, especially this time of year,” said KSN Agriculture Correspondent John Jenkinson. This map from Unacast shows how well the state [...]

Miss out on SBA loan program? You have other options

info2020-04-07T08:41:12-05:00April 6th, 2020|

Not everyone is going to be able to get a relief loan from the Small Business Administration. But don’t worry, plenty of other options remain. Dan Friederich, managing director of CBIZ MHM LLC in Kansas City, said businesses instead can take advantage of tax credits. A biggie to pay attention to is the employee retention credit, which is available only if you don’t accept a relief loan from the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Friederich said. (Read more: Kansas City Business Journal - The Business Journals)

Gov. Laura Kelly warns of shortage of medical supplies as FEMA fails to fulfill requests

info2020-04-07T08:41:31-05:00April 6th, 2020|

Gov. Laura Kelly said Monday the state’s health care providers are nearing a critical shortage of personal protective equipment, and her seven requests to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for additional supplies have gone unanswered. Additionally, the governor said, the state received just 90% of its allotment of PPE from the Strategic National Stockpile, which was divided among states based on figures from the 2010 U.S. census. The state is left scrambling to secure millions of masks, gloves, gowns and other supplies at inflated prices from from private markets, Kelly said, and may not have enough to meet demand as the [...]

Insurance Commissioner warns Kansans of potential scams

info2020-04-07T08:42:04-05:00April 6th, 2020|

Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt, today, put out a warning to Kansas consumers and investors about potential scams in the insurance and securities industry related to COVID-19. “Scammers don’t take breaks,” Commissioner Vicki Schmidt said. “While Kansans are adjusting to their new everyday lives, scammers are out there looking to take advantage of the situation.” The department’s warning can be found on the home page of the Kansas Insurance Department’s website insurance.kansas.gov. It advises Kansans of nearly a dozen fake insurance scams and potential securities schemes including fake coronavirus insurance, bogus travel insurance, off-market securities and get-rich quick schemes. (Read more: Hiawatha World [...]

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