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11 Apr 2017
Fitch affirms U.S. at 'AAA'; outlook stable
US ratings agency Fitch has affirmed United States at 'AAA' rating and its outlook remains "stable".
Key headlines (via Reuters):
- It has affirmed issue ratings on united states' senior unsecured bonds at 'AAA', country ceiling at 'AAA'
- It has also affirmed short-term local- and foreign-currency is at 'F1+' and issue ratings on united states' short-term debt at 'F1+'.
- United States' economy is large, rich and diverse, with GDP per capita (at purchasing power parity), levels of human development above 'AAA' median
- U.S.'s 'aaa' rating is underpinned by sovereign's unparalleled financing flexibility as issuer of world's preeminent reserve currency
- U.S. government debt burden is a relative credit weakness compared with other 'aaa' sovereigns
- There is considerable uncertainty over short-term fiscal and borrowing outlook, but fitch assumes loosening in fiscal policy, led by tax cuts
- Fed to continue to raise interest rates cautiously over forecast period, with two further 25bps rises in 2017 and four in 2018
- 10-year horizon expects U.S. general government debt burden to rise by 12pp of GDP to 113% of GDP
- New U.S. administration's focus on deregulation, tax cuts has spurred higher business confidence and would be positive for growth if carried through