Five states that are tops in financial strength, per Morgan Stanley. What it means for investors seeking tax-free income

Morgan Stanley Investment Management recently issued a ranking of the 50 states and Puerto Rico, based on their financial strength.

This top U.S. economist puts the chance of a ‘stagflationary’ recession at 65% April 18, 2025
A leading economist contends a recession is now more likely than not due to the Trump administration’s trade wars, and that the U.S. could suffer the biggest “stagflationary” shock in decades.
Jeffry Bartash
Want to make college a worthwhile investment? First answer these 5 questions. April 18, 2025
“College does not pay off for everyone,” according to a new report from the New York Fed.
Venessa Wong
The Treasury market is tipping its hand. Stock investors aren’t seeing it. April 18, 2025
Watch what smart players like Warren Buffett and Jeff Gundlach are doing.
Charlie Garcia
Dow sees first ‘death cross’ since 2023 — but here’s the good news April 18, 2025
On Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average became the latest major U.S. equity-market gauge to experience a “death cross.”
Joseph Adinolfi
‘It’s just not done’: Why Trump firing Powell could rock U.S. financial markets April 18, 2025
Removing the chair of the central bank would have severe consequences for markets and the economy, strategists warn.
Joseph Adinolfi
This Tesla and Alphabet earnings play could profit from stock-market volatility April 18, 2025
Both of these stocks often see big postearnings moves. Meanwhile, the broader U.S. market is struggling to find its footing.
Lawrence G. McMillan
Why the comfy appeal of binge-watching may make Netflix tariff-proof April 18, 2025
Netflix’s stock rises after hours Thursday as the streaming giant blows past Wall Street’s expectations.
Lukas I. Alpert
Google parent Alphabet dealt another antitrust blow — but investors shouldn’t sweat it April 17, 2025
A judge ruled parts of Google’s ad-tech business to be monopolistic, but an analyst notes the latest case concerns a relatively small portion of Google’s empire.
Emily Bary
It looks like Intel may have to go it alone. Can CEO Lip-Bu Tan fix the company solo? April 17, 2025
Another rumored partner has dismissed the prospect of an arrangement with Intel, suggesting the company won’t get outside help with its turnaround.
Therese Poletti
Bonds struggle since ‘liberation day’ tariffs, but Fed is in no rush to cut rates April 17, 2025
The U.S. bond market has been in rough patch since President Donald Trump announced “Liberation Day” tariffs.
Christine Idzelis