Moody's: Decline in credit quality of sovereign issuers in advanced economies levels off in 2014
Apr 29, 2015 12:35 pm UTC| Research & Analysis
A study of the rating and default histories of 128 Moodys-rated governments during the last 31 years shows that the decline in credit quality among advanced economies has leveled off, says Moodys Investors Service in a...
Apr 28, 2015 14:25 pm UTC| Research & Analysis
The Netherlands Aaa rating with a stable outlook is based on its highly competitive, diversified and open economy, high level of wealth, sound institutional framework, and track record of reform-oriented and prudent fiscal...
Fitch: Italian Bank Lending Signals Gradual Economic Improvement
Apr 28, 2015 13:49 pm UTC| Research & Analysis
Improving borrowing conditions for Italian companies and consumers signalled in the ECBs 1Q15 euro-area bank lending survey support our view that the countrys prolonged economic slump is gradually easing, says Fitch...
Apr 28, 2015 11:33 am UTC| Research & Analysis
Moodys Investors Service supports the ongoing commitment of the European Central Bank (ECB) to encourage transparency in structured finance markets. Moodys will endeavour to publish performance overviews for eligible...
Apr 28, 2015 02:20 am UTC| Research & Analysis
Moodys Investors Service says that securitization of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) and micro loans (collectively, small loans) -- a sector traditionally underserved by Chinese banks -- is credit positive,...
Fitch: Energy Default Rate Likely to Rise in 2015
Apr 27, 2015 14:03 pm UTC| Research & Analysis
The energy sector default rate is expected to rise above its long-term average of 1.9% in 2015, according to Fitch Ratings. Low oil prices have pressured cash flows and liquidity of smaller, less competitive exploration...
Fitch Downgrades Japan to 'A'; Outlook Stable
Apr 27, 2015 09:13 am UTC| Research & Analysis
Fitch Ratings has downgraded Japans Long-Term Foreign and Local Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) to A from A+. The issue ratings on Japans senior unsecured foreign and local currency bonds are also downgraded to A...
South Africa’s plan to move away from coal: 8 steps to make it succeed
Germany lowers voting age to 16 for the European elections
IceCube researchers detect a rare type of energetic neutrino sent from powerful astronomical objects