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...
Moody's: Australian housing affordability steady; falls in Sydney, Melbourne
Apr 27, 2015 00:19 am UTC| Research & Analysis
Moodys Investors Service says that low mortgage interest rates have helped keep Moodys Australian Housing Affordability Measure steady at the national level over the past year, offsetting the impact of higher property...
Johannesburg in a time of darkness: Ivan Vladislavić’s new memoir reminds us of the city’s fragility
Economist Chris Richardson on an ‘ugly’ inflation result and the coming budget
Labour can afford to be far more ambitious with its economic policies – voters are on board
Sudan: civil war stretches into a second year with no end in sight