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The global financial system relies on the promise that the US government will always pay back its debts. Although the timing was a surprise, Fitch's downgrade wasn't shocking. This May, Fitch put the country’s perfect AAA rating on watch as the debt ceiling fight raged on. The downgrade, said Fitch, reflected the “expected fiscal deterioration” of the country over the next three years. The rating agency cited the “high and growing” government debt, which currently stands at more than $32 trillion (that’s just under $100,000 for every single person in America).

Persons: Fitch, Read Organizations: Treasury Locations: America

☆ Fitch Downgrades America
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( The Editorial Board | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Journal Editorial Report: But where's the recession everyone predicted? Images: Getty Images Composite: Mark KellyThe decision by Fitch Ratings on Tuesday to downgrade U.S. debt has jolted Wall Street and Washington, but why is anyone surprised? The downgrade to AA+ from AAA may even be an overly optimistic assessment of the U.S. fiscal outlook, and it ought to be a warning to the political class, which will ignore it.

Persons: Mark Kelly Organizations: Fitch, AAA Locations: Washington

☆ Yellen calls Fitch downgrade 'entirely unwarranted' amid US economy's strength
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen speaks during a climate finance roundtable discussion at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, Saturday, July 8, 2023. "Fitch's decision is puzzling in light of the economic strength we see in the United States," Yellen said. "I strongly disagree with Fitch's decision, and I believe it is entirely unwarranted." Fitch had cited a deterioration in U.S. governance that started during the prior Trump administration in making its decision, according to U.S. Treasury officials. The company has a contract to develop scanning technology to convert paper documents so that they can be digitally processed.

Persons: Janet Yellen, Mark Schiefelbein, MCLEAN, Biden, Yellen, Joe Biden's, Fitch, Trump, Richard Francis, Donald Trump, Francis, Biden's, David Lawder, Paul Simao Organizations: Treasury, U.S, Embassy, . Treasury, Fitch, Internal Revenue Service, Reuters, U.S . Capitol, AAA, Republicans, Century Technologies, Thomson Locations: Beijing, Virginia, Washington, United States, U.S, McLean , Virginia

☆ Morning Bid: Triple-A headache
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Four thousand U.S. dollars are counted out by a banker counting currency at a bank in Westminster, Colorado November 3, 2009. On Tuesday, Fitch became the second major agency, after Standard & Poor's in 2011, to strip the United States of its prized triple-A credit rating. Jefferies notes that, with two of the three major agencies listing U.S. debt at AA, U.S. bonds no longer count as AAA in some key indices. However, according to Jefferies, most investors have moved away from some of the stricter criteria around holding triple-A rated debt, given Germany is the only large issuer left with that rating. Chart shows that the U.S.'s long-term foreign currency rating was downgraded by Fitch to AA+ in 2023, following a similar move from S&P in 2011.

Persons: Rick Wilking, Amanda Cooper, Fitch, Jefferies, it's, Dupont Nemours, Kraft, Phillips, Ingersoll Rand, John Stonestreet Organizations: REUTERS, Standard, Capitol, Investors, Treasury, Moody's, Moody's Investors Service, U.S ., U.S, AA, AAA, CVS Health, Entergy, Kraft Heinz, Garmin, Brands, Bunge Ltd, Lincoln National, Occidental Petroleum, ETSY, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Atmos Energy, Equinix, Qualcomm, MGM Resorts, MetLife, Fitch, Reuters Graphics U.S, Thomson, Reuters Locations: Westminster , Colorado, U.S, United States, Aaa, Germany, Exelon, Albemarle, Occidental, Clorox

☆ Stock futures are little changed Wednesday night after U.S. downgrade spurs a sell-off: Live updates
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Brian Evans | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Stock futures were little changed Wednesday as traders contended with Fitch's recent downgrade of the United States' long-term rating. Futures tied to the S&P 500 gained 0.1%, while Nasdaq 100 futures added 0.1%. It marked the worst day since February for the index, as tech stocks tumbled amid a spike in bond yields. Both the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average also closed lower. Fitch Ratings cut the United States' long-term foreign currency issuer default rating to AA+ from AAA late Tuesday, citing "expected fiscal deterioration" over the next three years as well as weakening governance.

Persons: Quincy Krosby, Fitch Organizations: New York Stock Exchange, Stock, Nasdaq, Dow Jones Industrial, chipmaker Qualcomm, Dow Jones, Fitch, AAA, LPL Locations: United States

☆ One-two punch barely fazes Uncle Sam
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Ben Winck | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event in Council Bluffs, Iowa, U.S., July 7, 2023. Fitch Ratings knocked the U.S. government from its perfect AAA grade, becoming the second major ratings agency to demote the country’s debt. Just minutes later, Donald Trump was indicted for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election. Yet despite the latest one-two punch, a resilient economy and the dollar’s global standing make it hard to bet against Uncle Sam. Former U.S. president Donald Trump was indicted on Aug. 1 for his sweeping efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Persons: Donald Trump, George Washington’s “, It’s, Treasury Department ., Uncle Sam, Trump, Peter Thal Larsen, Sharon Lam Organizations: U.S, Republican, Reuters, Fitch, AAA, Bank for International, Treasury Department, Treasury Department . Fitch reckons, Former U.S, Trump, Thomson Locations: Bluffs , Iowa, U.S, WASHINGTON, Washington, American

The yield on the 10-year Treasury was down by around 1 basis points at 4.033% after hitting its highest level since early July on Tuesday. The 2-year Treasury yield was trading about 1 basis point lower at 4.9%. U.S. Treasury yields moved modestly lower Wednesday as investors considered the outlook for the economy after Fitch Ratings downgraded the U.S.' long-term foreign currency issuer default rating on Tuesday. Investors also looked ahead to key economic data that could provide clues about what is ahead for the U.S. economy and monetary policy. In recent months, Fed officials have repeatedly indicated that policy shifts ahead will depend on economic data.

Persons: Fitch, Dow Jones Organizations: Treasury, U.S, Fitch, ., AAA, Investors, Federal Locations: U.S

☆ Fitch just downgraded US debt. Goldman Sachs says it's no big deal.
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Phil Rosen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Fitch downgraded US debt from AAA to AA+ on Tuesday, but Goldman Sachs isn't concerned. The ratings agency downgraded the US's long-term debt from AAA to AA+, pointing to this summer's last-minute debt deal, rising government debt, and suspect long-term management. Here's how Goldman Sachs responded:"Bottom line: the downgrade mainly reflects governance and medium-term fiscal challenges, but does not reflect new fiscal information. Big holders of US Treasury securities aren't going to rush to shed their holdings just because of the downgrade, Goldman maintained. Finally, Fitch did not adjust its "country ceiling" to reflect the downgrade, and that currently still sits a AAA level, according to Goldman.

Persons: Fitch, Goldman Sachs isn't, Goldman Sachs, Jan Hatzius, Goldman Organizations: AAA, Service, AA, Treasury Locations: Wall, Silicon

☆ Gold gets a safety boost as Fitch U.S. downgrade shakes markets
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Bars of gold are seen at the Krastsvetmet company, one of the world's largest producers of precious metals in Moscow, Russia on January 31, 2023. Spot gold was up 0.2% at $1,946.97 per ounce by 0312 GMT, while U.S. gold futures rose 0.3% to $1,984. Gold, which is priced in dollars, is a favored safe-haven investment in times of stress and economic uncertainty. Higher interest rates raise the cost of holding gold, which yields nothing and needs money to store and insure. In other metals, spot silver eased 0.2% to $24.29, platinum dropped 0.5% to $926.18, and palladium was down 0.1% at $1,238.59.

Persons: Gold, Fitch, Edward Meir Organizations: U.S ., United States, AAA, AA, Marex, U.S Locations: Moscow, Russia, U.S

☆ Fitch cuts U.S credit rating to AA+ from AAA
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Emily Wilkins | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailFitch cuts U.S credit rating to AA+ from AAACNBC's Emily Wilkins joins ‘Squawk on the Street’ to report on the latest on Fitch downgrading U.S. long-term rating to AA+ from AAA.

Persons: Fitch, Emily Wilkins, ‘ Squawk Organizations: AAA, Fitch

☆ CNBC Daily Open: Could the market bears be right?
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Yeo Boon Ping | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during afternoon trading on July 18, 2023 in New York City. This report is from today's CNBC Daily Open, our new, international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Asian markets plungeU.S. stocks traded mixed Tuesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average, once again, outperforming other major indexes. Credit rating cutFitch Ratings downgraded the United States' long-term foreign currency issuer default rating from AAA to AA+.

Persons: Fitch, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, That's Organizations: New York Stock Exchange, CNBC, Dow Jones, Nikkei, United, AAA, AA, Stock, Trump Former U.S, Trump, Barclays Locations: New York City, Asia, Pacific, United States, U.S, East

☆ 'A short-term glitch:' Wall Street pros shrug off the effect of Fitch's downgrade on markets
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Sarah Min | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell more than 200 points Wednesday after the downgrade as traders weighed the move. US10Y 1Y mountain 10-year yield 1-year However, Wall Street strategists mostly took the downgrade in stride. The S & P 500's 17% rally this year and the Nasdaq Composite's 33% advance had some traders worrying that equities have surged "too far, too fast." Stovall's S & P 500 year-end target is at 4,575 . Goldman Sachs' Jan Hatzius said Tuesday the downgrade will have "little direct impact" on financial markets.

Persons: Fitch, Janet Yellen, Sam Stovall, Stovall's, Wells Fargo's Christopher Harvey, Goldman Sachs, Jan Hatzius, Steven Zeng, Management's Yung, Yu Ma, Ma, CFRA's Stovall, Deutsche Bank's Zeng, Michael Bloom Organizations: U.S ., Fitch, AAA, Dow Jones, Treasury, Street, Nasdaq, Deutsche, BMO Locations: Washington, U.S, Tuesday's

☆ The last time US debt was downgraded markets plummeted. Will it happen again?
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Nicole Goodkind | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

New York CNN —Fitch Ratings downgraded US long-term debt late on Tuesday from AAA to AA+, citing this spring’s debt ceiling standoff as a major reason. In the midst of the very tense debt ceiling standoff of 2011, Standard and Poor’s downgraded US debt for the first time in history. “My sense is that the Fitch downgrade of the US credit rating is an insignificant development and will not move financial markets or the economy,” said Joseph Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM US. “The majority of our clients’ investments in China are through index funds, and we are one of 16 asset managers currently offering US index funds investing in Chinese companies,” BlackRock said in a statement to CNN. “With all investments in China and markets around the world, BlackRock complies with all applicable US government laws.

Persons: New York CNN — Fitch, Fitch, ”, Joseph Brusuelas, ” Fitch, Larry Summers, Janet Yellen, “, Dow, BlackRock, Larry Fink, Henry Fernandez, MSCI, Mike Gallagher of, Raja Krishnamoorthi, ” BlackRock, ” MSCI Organizations: CNN Business, Bell, New York CNN, AAA, AA, RSM, Federal Reserve, Fitch, Treasury, US, Twitter, Dow Jones, Nasdaq, Tech, Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Congressional, Chinese Communist Party of, BlackRock, CNN, People’s Liberation Army, PLA, Republican, “ Locations: New York, America, United States, States, Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, Illinois, MSCI, China

☆ Here's why Fitch downgraded U.S. long-term rating to AA+ from AAA
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailHere's why Fitch downgraded U.S. long-term rating to AA+ from AAARichard Francis, co-head of the Americas Sovereign Ratings at Fitch Ratings, joins 'Squawk on the Street' to discuss why his firm downgraded the United States' long-term foreign currency issuer default rating to AA+ from AAA, the possibility of mild recession in the near future, and more.

Persons: Fitch, AAA Richard Francis Organizations: AAA, Fitch, United Locations: Americas, United States

CNN —There may not be any lasting major negative ramifications from the surprise US credit rating downgrade by Fitch this week — not for the economy, not for consumers and not for the government’s ability to borrow. Normally, when your credit score as a consumer falls — or your credit rating as a country — there are negative consequences. Here’s why the United States is unlikely to see that kind of impact from the Fitch downgrade. The downgrade wasn’t a huge dropFitch cut its US credit rating to AA+ from what had been a sterling AAA rating. “Fitch’s credit rating is an expression of the probability of a default.

Persons: You’re, Fitch, “, brinkmanship, Marc Goldwein, you’re, ”, Mark Zandi, Yellen, Jamie Dutta, Dutta, ” George Mateyo, ” Mateyo, ” José Torres, Torres, it’s, ” Torres, Uncle Sam, CRFB, – CNN’s Krystal Hur, Allison Morrow Organizations: CNN, Fitch, AAA, Committee, U.S . Treasury, Moody’s, AA, “, Vantage, Key Private Bank, Federal Reserve, Interactive Brokers, Moody’s Investors Service, Treasury, Congressional, Social Security Locations: United States, States, corporates, United

☆ 'Shark Tank' star Kevin O'Leary says US debt-rating downgrade means there's less faith in the dollar and Treasurys
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Filip De Mott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Fitch's US credit-rating downgrade means there's less faith in the dollar and Treasury bills, Kevin O'Leary said. This will push sovereign wealth funds to be weary of holding greenbacks, he told Fox News. Doesn't matter: the more the government goes into deficit spending, the more rating agencies scrutinize the quality of that debt," O'Leary said. This is the second downgrade the US has ever received, preceded by S&P Global's 2011 downgrade. Effectively, the lowered rating also means a higher cost of borrowing for the US, which deepens federal deficit spending.

Persons: Kevin O'Leary, Fitch, O'Leary, That's, Goldman Sachs, Jamie Dimon, Mohamed El, Erian Organizations: Treasury, Fox News, Service, US Treasury, AAA, AA, Wall, CNBC Locations: Wall, Silicon, America

☆ Fitch's downgrade of U.S. debt unlikely to have much economic impact — for now
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Jeff Cox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

While financial markets on Wednesday took a break from their monster rally of 2023, economists largely expect the impact on the economy to be minimal. Some even questioned the timing of Fitch's action, saying it seems to come after the biggest scare to whether the U.S. would meet its debt obligations has passed. Overall, this announcement is much more likely to be dismissed than have a lasting disruptive impact on the US #economy and #markets." It also cited the battles that warring congressional factions have had over the debt ceiling as well as budget standoffs. Goldman also said it does not see a meaningful impact on holders of Treasurys or other government-sponsored or municipal debt.

Persons: Mohamed El, Erian, Fitch, Veronique de Rugy, de Rugy, that's, Goldman Sachs, Goldman, There's Organizations: Poor's, Fitch, Allianz, Twitter, AAA, Mercatus, George Mason University, Treasury, Federal Reserve, Congressional, Moody's, Service Locations: U.S

That deterioration, as well as increased polarization in the country’s political climate, was visible in the Jan. 6 insurrection, which the agency highlighted in meetings with the Treasury ahead of the downgrade. "It was something that we highlighted because it just is a reflection of the deterioration in governance, it's one of many," he said. "You have the debt ceiling, you have Jan. 6. The latest debt ceiling suspension, agreed in June, will last until early 2025, when another political debate around the borrowing limit is likely, he added. "That would just highlight the real political polarization and the kind of deterioration in governance that we've already noted ... to have a two-notch downgrade would be pretty harsh."

Persons: Donald Trump, Leah Millis, Fitch, Richard Francis, Francis, Janet Yellen, Jared Bernstein, “, we've, Davide Barbuscia, Megan Davies, Ira Iosebashvili, Andrea Ricci Organizations: U.S, Capitol, REUTERS, Fitch, Reuters, AAA, Republicans, Hearst, Standard, Treasury, CNBC, Thomson Locations: Washington , U.S, States, United States

☆ U.S. debt downgrade sinks global markets — but economists are not concerned
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Elliot Smith | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Global stock markets tumbled on Wednesday after ratings agency Fitch downgraded the United States' long-term credit rating — but top economists say there is nothing to worry about. U.S. stock futures were sharply lower after the downgrade, pointing to a fall of almost 300 points for the Dow Jones Industrial Average at the Wednesday open on Wall Street. Current Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen described the downgrade as "outdated." Phillips said the downgrade "should have little direct impact on financial markets as it is unlikely there are major holders of Treasury securities who would be forced to sell based on the ratings change." Harvey noted that, ahead of the 2011 S&P downgrade, stocks were in correction territory, credit spreads were widening, rates were falling, and the global financial crisis "was still in the market's collective conscience" — whereas the conditions today are "almost the opposite."

Persons: Fitch, Larry Summers, Mohamed El, Erian, Summers, Janet Yellen, Goldman Sachs, Alec Phillips, Phillips, Wells, Chris Harvey, Harvey, Mark Mobius, they've, CNBC's Organizations: United, AAA, Dow Jones, U.S ., Allianz Chief, Treasury, Wells Fargo Securities Head, Equity, CNBC, ., Mobius Capital Partners Locations: United States, London, Asia, Pacific, Wells Fargo, U.S

☆ Fitch downgrades mortgage giants Fannie and Freddie from AAA to AA+
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Anna Bahney | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —The credit ratings of US mortgage giants Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were downgraded by Fitch Ratings on Wednesday, the day after Fitch cut the US sovereign rating from the top-ranked AAA to AA+. The firm downgraded the mortgage giants’ Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDR) and senior unsecured debt ratings from AAA to AA+. The ratings agency said that as government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac benefit from implicit government support. But this flow of funds could be disrupted if the United States defaults on its debt, Fitch warned. It also said that should the US sovereign debt rating be raised, the GSEs’ rating would move in tandem.

Persons: Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, Fitch, ’, Freddie, Fannie, Fannie Mae’s, Freddie Mac’s, ” Organizations: CNN, Fitch, AAA, AA, Congress, Federal Housing Finance Agency, U.S, Treasury’s Locations: United States

☆ Dollar shaky after US credit rating downgrade
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Rae Wee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

U.S. Dollar banknote is seen in this illustration taken July 17, 2022. "We don't think the Fitch decision is that material. Elsewhere, the Japanese yen was roughly 0.1% stronger at 143.21 per dollar, paring some of its gains from earlier in the morning. "I think the market is still trying to get their head around what this whole thing means," said NAB's Catril. The New Zealand dollar fell 0.23% to $0.6136, after data on Wednesday showed the country's jobless rate hit a two-year high in the second quarter.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Fitch, Sterling, we've, Rodrigo Catril, NAB's Catril, Matt Simpson, Rae Wee, Shri Navaratnam Organizations: REUTERS, AAA, White, U.S, Fitch, National Australia Bank, NAB, Bank of Japan's, Reserve Bank of Australia, Index, New Zealand, Thomson Locations: SINGAPORE, States

☆ Watch CNBC’s full interview with Jefferies’s David Zervos
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailWatch CNBC’s full interview with Jefferies’s David ZervosDavid Zervos, chief market strategist at Jefferies, joins 'Squawk on the Street' to discuss Fitch downgrading U.S. long-term rating to AA+ from AAA and what this means for the market.

Persons: Jefferies’s David Zervos David Zervos, Fitch Organizations: Jefferies, AAA

☆ Mark Mobius says investors will diversify away from U.S. and into equities after Fitch downgrade
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailMark Mobius says investors will diversify away from U.S. and into equities after Fitch downgradeMark Mobius, founding partner of Mobius Capital Partners, discusses Fitch Ratings downgrading the United States’ long-term foreign currency issuer default rating to AA+ from AAA.

Persons: Mobius, Mark Mobius Organizations: Fitch, Mobius Capital Partners, AAA Locations: U.S, States

☆ Here’s what the downgrade of U.S. credit rating by Fitch means for the market
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Share Share Article via Facebook Share Article via Twitter Share Article via LinkedIn Share Article via EmailHere’s what the downgrade of U.S. credit rating by Fitch means for the marketDavid Zervos, chief market strategist at Jefferies, joins 'Squawk on the Street' to discuss Fitch downgrading U.S. long-term rating to AA+ from AAA and what this means for the market.

Persons: Fitch, David Zervos Organizations: Jefferies, AAA

☆ US Treasury yields edge lower after Fitch downgrade
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Kevin Buckland | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/IllustrationTOKYO, Aug 2 (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury yields edged down in Tokyo on Wednesday after ratings agency Fitch lowered the country's top credit rating. The 10-year Treasury note declined about 3.2 basis points (bps) to 4.015% as of 0017 GMT, retracing part of its 9 bps rise from Tuesday. Fitch overnight downgraded the U.S. government's rating to AA+ from AAA, citing an expected fiscal deterioration over the next three years as well as a high and growing general government debt burden. It had placed the rating on watch for a possible cut in May. "This will likely spark risk aversion flows as Asian markets re-open," Tony Sycamore, a markets analyst at IG, wrote in a note to clients.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Fitch, Tony Sycamore, Joe Biden, Kevin Buckland, Jacqueline Wong Organizations: REUTERS, Treasury, AAA, IG, Swiss, Democratic, Republican, Standard, AA, Thomson Locations: Tokyo

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