Puerto Rico’s Uncertain Future Leaves Investors in Limbo

Posted on August 14th, 2015 at 12:55 PM
Puerto Rico’s Uncertain Future Leaves Investors in Limbo

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law LLC: 

After Puerto Rico slipped into default status on their $72 billion debt, U.S. municipal bond fund investors were left exposed to a crumbling financial situation. While almost half of all U.S. muni bond mutual funds are exposed to the Puerto Rican debt, market analysts have been watching this financial system unravel for several years.

As stated by Scott Colyer, chief executive of Advisors Asset Management, “Whether or not they’re in default today, they’ve telegraphed and publicly stated that they intend to default.” Puerto Rico failed to pay its August 1st payment of $58 million to holders of Public Finance Corp. bonds.  However, because Puerto Rico is only a U.S. commonwealth, it cannot legally file for bankruptcy.

Most mutual funds are holding their Puerto Rican bonds. Morningstar Inc. has 52% of all muni bond funds, with some exposure to Puerto Rican debt. Another major company, OppenheimerFunds, holds 18 of the top 25 spots. 

The attorneys of Eccleston Law LLC represent investors and advisers nationwide in securities and employment matters. Our attorneys draw on a combined experience of nearly 65 years in delivering the highest quality legal services.

Related Attorneys: James J. Eccleston

Tags: James Eccleston, Eccleston Law Offices, Morningstar Inc, OppenheimerFunds

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

I am grateful to have found an outstanding law firm that specializes in securities matters. My lawyers were extremely knowledgeable, diligent, and are skilled litigators. No stone was left upturned. As a result of their experience and tenacity, the arbitration proceeding was dismissed in my favor.

Michael E.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

January 23, 2025
Barred Advisor Continues Pattern of Settlements at Western International Securities

Chris Kennedy, a barred advisor formerly associated with Western International Securities, has agreed to a $2.1 million settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over allegations of high-volume trading, or churning, in client accounts.

January 22, 2025
FINRA to Revise Outside Business Activities Rules

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is seeking to overhaul its rules on outside business activities (OBA) and private securities transactions.

January 21, 2025
FINRA Orders $8.2 Million in Customer Restitution Over Mutual Fund Fee Errors

FINRA has required Edward Jones, Osaic Wealth, and Cambridge Investment Research to reimburse customers a combined total of more than $8.2 million for improperly charged mutual fund sales fees.