In brief: Ohio Treasury Account Boasts Big Increase

Investment income from Ohio's state treasury account increased by more than 155% in 1995, after the state treasurer initiated an investment strategy that banned investments in certain derivative contracts.

Treasurer J. Kenneth Blackwell, a leader in a national movement to limit the use of complex derivatives by municipalities, said 1995 income on the $3 billion portfolio was up by about $113.6 million over the previous year.

The treasurer said that in 1994, more than half the portfolio was tied up in Treasury strips - long-term bonds that pay no interest until maturity. "Through careful management, all Treasury strips not earning current income were sold without a loss," Mr. Blackwell said.

Mr. Blackwell, who is backing investment reform legislation for municipalities in Ohio, said the state's treasury portfolio was managed in accordance with the proposed law.

For reprint and licensing requests for this article, click here.
MORE FROM AMERICAN BANKER