Bloomberg Brief Weekly Video 03/17

The video discusses recent market reports, focusing on municipal bonds and state fiscal challenges. It highlights the lack of safety nets for municipal bond investors and the fiscal difficulties faced by states. The Pew report on state reserve levels is analyzed, showing that many states have not rebuilt reserves post-recession. Infrastructure issues, such as the DC metro shutdown, are also discussed, emphasizing the need for repair and investment. The video concludes with a call to action to visit Bloomberg Briefs.

What are the three factors mentioned in the Girton fixed income report that challenge the assumption of a state safety net for municipal bonds?

• States have increased infrastructure spending, reduced debt, and improved credit ratings.

• States have surplus reserves, strong leadership, and a robust safety net.

• States have decreased tax revenues, increased unemployment, and higher inflation.

• States have their own fiscal challenges, ideological opposition to bailouts, and cost concerns.

According to the Pew Charitable Trusts report, how many days could states run government operations with their reserves in fiscal year 2015?

• 35.7 days

• 50.2 days

• 29.1 days

• 41.3 days

What was the main reason for the DC metro system shutdown?

• A strike by metro workers

• Damage to cables and parts causing fire concerns

• A major snowstorm

• A power outage in the city

What was the reaction of the public to the DC metro shutdown?

• It was celebrated as a necessary safety measure.

• It stunned many people and prompted discussions on infrastructure.

• It led to widespread protests.

• It was largely ignored by the public.

What phrase was used in an op-ed piece to describe the neglect of infrastructure?

• Demolition by neglect

• Construction by oversight

• Rebuilding by necessity

• Innovation by design

What is the implication of the phrase 'demolition by neglect' in the context of infrastructure?

• Infrastructure is being actively demolished.

• Neglect is leading to the deterioration of infrastructure.

• Demolition is a planned strategy for infrastructure improvement.

• Neglect is causing infrastructure to become more efficient.

What does the discussion on infrastructure in the final section suggest?

• Infrastructure issues are being adequately addressed.

• There is a need for increased attention to infrastructure problems.

• Infrastructure is not a priority for the government.

• Infrastructure problems are a thing of the past.