Construction Bonds, Series 2022 | $5,965,000 | 10/25/2022

General Obligation Bonds, Series 2022A | $63,825,000 | 10/26/2022

The Labor Department reported that <strong>initial jobless claims</strong> increased to a six-week high. The increase was partly due to Hurricane Ian as claims rose by 10 thousand in Florida. Despite the gains, claims are still near their historical low levels, indicating continued strength in the labor market. Claims in regular state programs increased 9,000 to 228,000 for the week ending October 8th, after reporting 219,000 initial claims the prior week. The four-week moving average climbed to 211,500 from 206,500 the prior week. The total number of people continuing to receive regular ongoing state benefits, a report which is lagged one week, increased 3,000 to 1.368 million for the week ending September 24th.

Adam Ward, a Senior Vice President in the Fixed Income Sales &amp; Trading team at Stephens, has been at the firm for 16 years – his first job out of college. He reflects on the advantages to working at a private firm, what makes a seemingly staid part of the business exciting, and the opportunities available to someone looking to build their career for the long-term.

Hurricane Ian’s path of destruction—from Cuba to Florida and then on to South Carolina—wiped out $67 billion-worth of real estate and infrastructure. As residents of the hardest-hit areas assess the damage and clear away debris, what’s undoubtedly on the minds of many of them is how to rebuild stronger and better.

Elizabeth Daniel, Senior Vice President at Stephens Investment Banking, was the lead banker on the sales of Woodson Incorporated and West Tree Service to the vegetation management services company GUNNISON, which is a portfolio company of Warren Equity Partners. In this Q&amp;A, Daniel explains how she and the Stephens team contributed value to our clients.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) released September numbers with an increase of 0.4% on a seasonally adjusted basis after rising only 0.1% in August.

Business First Bancshares, Inc. Announces Underwritten Public Offering of Common Stock. Stephens served as Sole Book Running Manager on the offering. | $50 Million | 10/12/2022

First Bancshares of Texas, Inc. has merged with Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. Stephens served as exclusive financial advisor to First Bancshares of Texas, Inc. and rendered a fairness opinion to its Board. | $342 Million | 10/11/2022