Missouri Order Refunding Bonds (Orbs) are financial instruments issued by the state of Missouri to fund the refunding of existing debt obligations. These bonds are typically used to reduce the interest costs associated with the state's outstanding debts. Missouri Orbs are considered a form of municipal bonds, issued by the State of Missouri, which are exempt from federal and state income taxes for residents of Missouri. They are backed by the full faith and credit of the state, making them relatively low-risk investments for bondholders. There are different types of Missouri Order Refunding Bonds, including: 1. General Obligation (GO) Bonds: These are backed by the state's taxing authority and are paid back from general revenues. GO bonds are considered the safest type as they have a strong guarantee of repayment. 2. Revenue Bonds: These bonds are issued to finance specific projects or facilities and are repaid from the revenue generated by those projects. Revenue bonds are typically used for infrastructure improvements, such as highways, bridges, or public utilities. 3. Taxable Bonds: While most municipal bonds are tax-exempt, taxable bonds, as the name suggests, are subject to federal and state income taxes. Missouri may issue taxable Orbs in certain cases, usually when the refunding proceeds are intended for non-governmental entities or purposes. 4. Fixed-Rate Bonds: These bonds carry a fixed interest rate throughout their term. Investors receive regular coupon payments at a predetermined rate until the final maturity date. 5. Variable-Rate Bonds: Also known as auction-rate bonds, these bonds have interest rates that are periodically reset through an auction process. The interest rate adjusts according to market conditions, providing investors with the potential for higher returns but also introducing more risk compared to fixed-rate bonds. Missouri Order Refunding Bonds play a significant role in the state's debt management strategy. By refunding existing debts at lower interest rates, the state can reduce its borrowing costs, free up funds for other purposes, or improve its overall financial position. The various types of bonds allow the state to tailor its debt offerings to meet specific funding needs, whether for essential infrastructure projects or general state expenditures.