Chicago, Illinois Bond Deals Cash In on Bond Market Rally

Illinois is leveraging the global debt rally by selling bonds, maintaining a BBB- rating with a stable outlook. The focus is on budget analysis, highlighting risks from a progressive income tax and asset transfer strategy. Illinois' pension obligation bonds, though small compared to its liabilities, carry risks. The market is also discussing other post employment benefit bonds, which share similar risks depending on funding discipline.

What is the current rating of Illinois according to the text?

What is the outlook for Illinois's credit rating as mentioned in the text?

What are some of the risky bets mentioned in the budget analysis?

How does the amount of $2 billion in pension bonds compare to Illinois's unfunded liabilities?

What factors are important in evaluating the risk of pension bonds according to the text?