SECURITIES

SEC Restricts Contributions in Muni Bond Dealings: Stock market regulators approved restrictions on the campaign money Wall Street firms can give to local government officials. The new rules approved by the SEC are among the strongest reforms ever to reach the $1.2-trillion municipal bond market. The rules generally prevent muni bond dealers from doing business with local jurisdictions for two years after they make a political contribution to a local officeholder or candidate. The move comes amid investigations of charges that major Wall Street firms may have engaged in political influence-peddling and conflicts of interest related to the lucrative muni bond business. The rules are expected to go into effect in about a week.