Word: sectoral
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Observers say Build America Bonds have lowered borrowing costs for states and other local governments. The bonds have renewed and expanded investor interest in the muni-bond sector. And by getting money into the hands of cash-strapped local governments, the bond program has saved or even boosted jobs, stimulating the economy. Many investors are already lobbying to extend the program, which is not expected to close until...
Many credit BABs with reviving the muni-bond sector. Since the program was announced in mid-February, muni-bond interest rates, which are what local governments have to pay to borrow, have fallen dramatically. The typical municipality is now paying 3.7% when they issue a bond, down from as high as 4.5% in January, before the BABs program was announced, according to Barclays Capital. Some of the drop in yields reflects the improvement in the economy in general, and the easing of the credit crunch. But muni-bond-market observers say BABs have played an important role as well...
...recession has hit small businesses particularly hard during this recession, and government bailout programs have yet to offer significant incentive programs aimed at propping up the battered sector. Although there are some provisions for small companies, "we're not seeing it," says Brennan. "We're always left...
Still, policymakers must tread carefully. With exports improving but still weak, exiting stimulus measures too soon could derail the economy's recovery. Even restraining the property market could affect growth, since investment in the sector - which accounts for a full 10% of GDP - has been a key driver of China's overall economic rebound. Investment in property jumped nearly 18% in the first three quarters of 2009 from the same period in 2008. (Read "China's Own Version of the Real Estate Bust...
...China's policymakers are indicating that pro-growth policies will stay in place. Economists don't expect the central bank to hike interest rates until next year. Instead, analysts think the government will try to avoid a real estate bubble by implementing sector-specific measures in the coming months to cool down property prices, like tightening access to mortgages for buyers of second homes - who are more likely to be purchasing apartments as speculative investments. (Read "Will China's Consumers Save the World Economy...