U.S. municipalities have filed five bankruptcies this year, and -- next week -- Jefferson County, Ala., could make a sixth. Could city and county defaults shake the muni-bond market just as investors are fleeing to it amid stock-market declines?
Investors and officials in Jefferson County, Ala., are trying to negotiate a deal to avoid bankruptcy by Thursday's deadline. If they're unsuccessful, the county could end up with the largest Chapter 9 filing in U.S. history, which could rattle the $2.9 trillion municipal bond market.
The fiscally struggling state hopes that investors concerns over its troubles will be offset by their desire for yield. Governor Schwarzenegger has called a special legislative session to address a deficit now projected to be more than $25 billion over the next 18 months.