Inflation concerns continue to be top of mind for many market observers, while growth forecasts are revised downward. The likelihood of rate increases has shifted significantly as the Fed monitors inflation and employment.

A stable end to 2021, New Year's expectations that we will still be dealing with the uncertainties related to the pandemic and Fed policy were confirmed with the release of the most recent Federal Open Market Committee meeting minutes.

Reactions to actions announced upon conclusion of the Federal Reserve's Federal Open Market Committee December meeting, where we might go from here, and what the markets think about it.

The emergence of the omicron COVID variant has certainly garnered much attention in the financial markets, but the center of gravity still revolves around the Federal Reserve and the future of its monetary policy actions.

U.S. Department of Labor reports record number of Americans quit jobs in September; Consumer confidence hits a 10-year low, however, municipal bond yields continue to decline.

A light news cycle in the markets centers on an uptick in consumer confidence as we await a more lively end to the week with possible news out of Washington and next week's FOMC meeting.

September inflation data increases unease, Fed minutes provide some insights on its potential plan for tapering, munis hit 2021 high, and GFOA releases new best practices on ESG disclosures.

Municipal yields remain stable while the demand for new issues increases. A sampling of economic data is released and in Washington, proposals on municipal bond law changes are introduced to assist with infrastructure financing to be included in the proposed reconciliation package.

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's comments last week reiterated a consistent, gradual, and measured approach to achieve the Fed's goals for inflation and full employment. In the municipal bond market, demand remains strong, and yields remain relatively stable.

Fed keeps an eye on economic data and the Delta variant, dismisses 2013 comparisons. Relative stability remains the trend for municipal yields, even as volume slightly increases.