SJBP's improved bond rating helps in sale Jul 18, 2009
St. John Parish bond attorney Hugh Martin told the St. John Council that a new rating from Standard and Poor s Rating Services helped the parish secure a larger number of quality bids for the parish s bonds. Martin said the parish s new rating was a two-step increase of a rating that was good to begin with. (L Observateur, LA)
Alabama will win the wild, wild SEC West Jul 15, 2009
The rating services like him yes as we know that can turn out either way. He has made some very nice throws in the limited playing time he has had. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Firms looking to bank loans for financing Jul 8, 2009
PETALING JAYA: Many businesses are looking to bank loans for financing given the relatively cheaper rates and the speed to market, says RAM Rating Services Bhd chief executive officer Liza Mohd Noor. Such trend was not new as similar practices were seen in the previous downturn, she told StarBiz in an email, adding that the corporate bond market was unlikely to bounce back to pre-crisis level anytime soon. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
CIMB takes centrestage at RAM League Awards Jun 27, 2009
RAM Rating Services Bhd chief executive officer Liza Mohd Noor said the awards celebrated the achievements of financial institutions and Malaysian corporates in raising the bar and advancing the domestic bond market. They have now become a challenge to market participants, symbolising the laudable accomplishment of excellence and ingenuity, she added. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
More rating downgrades of firms likely in second half-year Jun 25, 2009
According to RAM Rating Services Bhd chief executive officer Liza Mohd Noor, the overall credit quality of its rated portfolio, though resilient in 2008, will trend downwards for the remainder of the year. While there are some hints of the global economy coming back to life, we believe the road to full recovery, defined as gross domestic product trend growth of 5% to 6%, will likely be gradual, possibly taking up to two years, she told StarBiz. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
ICRA to boost non-rating revenue Jun 21, 2009
81 crore, of which rating services was Rs 88. 51 crore. (India Times)
Bill Gross: Who Will Buy All This Debt? Jun 5, 2009
Gross points out that five more years of 10 percent of GDP deficits will quickly raise Americas debt to GDP level to over 100 percent, a level that both rating services and markets recognize as a point of no return. . (Newsmax)
Metro gets lower borrowing cost Jun 4, 2009
Earlier this year, boosted Metro s bond rating to an A1 and s Rating Services raised it to an A.. The bonds will be used to cover repairs to platforms, tracks and trains. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
New sukuk scheduled despite sluggish market outlook Jun 4, 2009
RAM Rating Services Bhd CEO Liza Mohd Noor, who also sees a subdued outlook for the sukuk market, said the company currently had close to RM20bil worth of rated corporate sukuk in the pipeline, largely from the financial services and infrastructure sectors. How much of that would actually be issued really depended on financial market conditions, she added. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Freddie Mac Attack May 28, 2009
Instead of going with Moody's and S&P, the industry standard, Freddie will have AAA ratings from Fitch and Canadian agency Dominion Bond Rating Services on its 1B deal. According to people familiar with the matter, Moody's and S&P lost the Freddie mandate because the ratings method they applied was considered too rigorous. (New York Post -- Business)
Outlook for sukuk remains healthy May 25, 2009
Standard s Rating Services (Sdit analyst Mohamed Damak said in a recent report that the outlook for asset-backed sukuk is positive despite the doubts raised by the disruption in global financial markets and in structured finance. . (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
PIMCO's Gross: U.S. at risk of losing top AAA rating May 22, 2009
The United States will face a downgrade in "at least three to four years, if that, but the market will recognize the problems before the rating services -- just like it did today," Gross told Reuters. Gross, the co-chief investment officer of Pacific Investment Management Co. and manager of the Pimco Total Return Fund, which has 154 billion in assets, earlier had told Reuters via email that market declines on Thursday were due to investor fears that the United States is "going the way of the UK... (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
OECD says world economy "out of free fall" May 22, 2009
The United States will face a downgrade in "at least three to four years, if that, but the market will recognize the problems before the rating services -- just like it did today," Gross, co-chief investment officer of Pacific Investment Management Co, told Reuters. Standard #39;s on Thursday lowered its outlook on Britain to "negative" from "stable," threatening its top AAA rating. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Downgrading of Malaysia's sovereign ratings unlikely May 18, 2009
He was responding to a report by Standard s Rating Services (St said Malaysia, Taiwan and India were expected to be able to fund large fiscal deficits entirely from domestic sources as they had done in the past. Tan told StarBiz that the domestic market is liquid enough and easy enough to raise debt with five-year debt having a yield averaging 3. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Online interbank business upswing May 16, 2009
RAM Rating Services Bhd head of financial institutions ratings Promod Dass says that based on Bank Negaras Financial Stability and Payments Systems Report 2008, the total value and volume of Internet banking transactions have been tracking phenomenal growth. In 2008, the total value of transactions grew by 50% to RM624bil from RM418bil the previous year. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Danajamin starts ops May 16, 2009
Danajamin has been rated AAA by RAM Rating Services Bhd and Malaysian Rating Corp Bhd, the countrys two risk assessment companies. Bonds insured by Danajamin would enjoy a AAA rating and the move would ensure the flow of credit in the financial system to businesses, it said. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
MICROSOFT to raise $3.75B in first debt offering... May 12, 2009
Standard & Poor's Rating Services gave Microsoft an "AAA" corporate credit rating. The authorization came just before interest rates soared. (The Drudge Report)
RAM says the economy has started to stabilise in second quarter May 7, 2009
RAM Rating Services Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Liza Mohd Noor expects RM20bil to RM25bil bonds to be issued by companies this year. We are looking at the lower end, probably about RM20bil will be issued this year. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
S&P warns of Constellation downgrade May 2, 2009
Rating Services said Wednesday it is eyeing 's pending deal with , still possibly considering downgrading the company's BBB bond rating if the transaction is snagged. The S&P said Thursday it is continuing to hold Constellation (: CEG) on its CreditWatch list with negative implications. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
Bond issuers should look at retail market too Apr 20, 2009
They used to be popular for one to two years but the interest died since the stock market was more exciting with its high-risk and high-returns profile, RAM Rating Services Bhd deputy chief executive officer Chong Kwee Siong told StarBiz in Kuala Lumpur recently. In the region, Hong Kong and Singapore have more of such offerings, which received good take-up rates. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
South Koreans keen on ringgit bonds Apr 20, 2009
MALAYSIA remains an attractive financial market in the region to raise funds, says RAM Rating Services Bhd deputy chief executive officer Chong Kwee Siong. He said many South Korean companies were coming to Malaysia to issue ringgit-denominated bonds to raise funds. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
GM said to be preparing for bankruptcy Apr 13, 2009
On Friday, Rating Services lowered its debt ratings for Chrysler and GM, and added that bankruptcy is likely and could lead to the break-up of Chrysler. The that it was lowering the debt ratings because of the increased possibility of bankruptcy if the two automakers don t meet deadlines set by President Barack Obama s administration, according to numerous media reports. (Dayton Business Journal, OH)
S&P cuts GM, Chrysler debt ratings on bankruptcy fears Apr 12, 2009
Rating Services lowered its debt ratings for and , and added that bankruptcy is likely and could lead to the break-up of Chrysler. The agency issued the warning Friday, saying it was lowering the debt ratings because of the increased possibility of bankruptcy if the two members of Detroit s Big Three automakers don t meet deadlines set by President Barack Obama s administration, according to numerous media reports. (Dayton Business Journal, OH)
Deposits may surpass loans growth this year Apr 11, 2009
RAM Rating Services Bhd head of financial institutions ratings Promod Dass, however, says based on the current trends, he feels deposits growth is unlikely to surpass loans growth. Balancing act. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Investors seek govt bonds rather than private firms' bonds Apr 7, 2009
In contrast, RAM Rating Services Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Liza Mohd Noor believes that there will not be any crowding-out effect from the increased issuance of MGS going forward due to the ample liquidity in the financial system. Moreover, the papers are catered to different segments of investors. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Eastman Kodak Gets Credit Line of up to $500M Apr 4, 2009
In March, Standard s Rating Services said the company was burning through cash and cut its ratings on the company further into junk territory, lowering the creditworthiness rating one notch, to B- from B.. Eastman Kodak in February warned that sales would decline between 12 percent and 18 percent this year, partly because of slumping digital camera sales. (ABC News -- Wire)
Ratings for insurers Apr 3, 2009
Expressing similar views, RAM Rating Services Bhd head of financial institutions ratings Promod Dass said: Ratings promote market transparency. Many corporates and banks in Malaysia, and their counterparts in other countries, are rated. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
S&P cuts ratings on cruise lines Mar 28, 2009
Shares of and PLC and were down in morning trading after s Rating Services hit the cruise lines with a double whammy credit rating downgrades and negative outlooks for 2009 and 2010. Carnival (NYSE: CCL) was dropped to a BBB+ from an A- rating, while Royal Caribbean (NYSE: RCL) dropped to BB- from BB. The existing debt of both companies also was lowered one notch. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
MARC to offer syariah ratings soon Mar 27, 2009
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Rating Corp Bhd (MARC) will introduce syariah-compliant rating services in the second half of this year as part of its diversification plan ... Currently, the company derives about 90% of its income from rating services for private debt securities and the remainder from the ratings of foreign currency, financial institution and takaful as well as from the provision of educational courses. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Cobb maintains high credit rating Mar 26, 2009
The county has been rated AAA by Standard #8217;s and Fitch rating services, and Aaa by Moody s. The services assign the ratings as a financial indicator of credit worthiness, using factors such as the municipality s management and the economy. Recent headlines. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
NorthWestern Energy Prices First Mortgage Bond Offering Mar 24, 2009
The Bonds are expected to be rated by Standard & Poor's Rating Services, Moody's, and Fitch Ratings as A-, Baa1, and BBB+, respectively. All three ratings are investment grade for the Bonds. (PR Newswire)
RAM views human capital as important for rating business Mar 23, 2009
In fact, RAM Ratings may increase the number of new intakes this year in anticipation of a successful roll-out of the recently announced FGI (Financial Guarantee Institution) which is expected to boost demand for rating services, Liza told StarBiz. The Government recently proposed the setting up of the FGI that is slated to act as a bond guarantee agency that can provide guarantees for the bonds issued, thereby helping to raise the credit ratings of these issuers. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Bond market facing new challenges Mar 7, 2009
RAM Rating Services Bhd chief executive officer Liza Mohd Noor says that while there is still a healthy pipeline of rated-but-not-issued debt papers in RAM Ratings portfolio, there is currently a pricing gap between the rates that borrowers are willing to pay against what investors are willing to accept. Until this gap can be narrowed to tolerable levels, we expect the issuance of these proposed debt issues to be deferred, she says. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
RAM Ratings CEO to focus on governance of credit rating agencies Mar 7, 2009
There are also still quite a number of blue oceans in the local market that could benefit from rating services, she adds. RAM Ratingss share in the sukuk and conventional bond markets is quite well-established, with a 90% share of bank ratings. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Uptick in corporate financing defaults Mar 7, 2009
RAM Rating Services Bhd chief executive officer Liza Mohd Noor says there is already an emerging trend that overall corporate credit quality as measured by net rating activity, is turning negative (for the first time since 2004). Negative rating actions for weaker credit profiles are possible, particularly for companies in the more volatile sectors such as those in the export-oriented manufacturing, retail and hospitality sub-sectors, says Liza. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Foundations of Financial Management Mar 4, 2009
Organizations like Standard and Poor s or Moody's and Fitch are rating services that rate the quality and safety of a bond. The is based on the company s financial condition or the strength of its finances. (Suite101.com)
Banks' performance in first half expected to be weaker Mar 2, 2009
RAM Rating Services Bhd financial institutions ratings head Promod Dass concurred that the overall profits for commercial banks in particular would be shaved given that interest income was very much a core income stream. Interest income will be squeezed, therefore banks will be trying to partially compensate for it through fee and transaction-based income, he said. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
The pursuit of excellence Feb 28, 2009
Its bonds have also been ascribed pretty strong ratings of at least A2, and all with stable outlook, by RAM Rating Services Sdn Bhd. Meanwhile, like all corporate players, Malakoff is just waiting for sanity to return to the market, and then, the company is ready to charge full-force with its expansionary plans. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Islamic banking rising but impact is minimal Feb 23, 2009
RAM Rating Services Bhd financial institutions ratings head Promod Dass is confident that Islamic banking will continue to grow in the next five years. His optimism is supported by the fact that nearly all the banking groups in the country are expanding their business via Islamic banking subsidiaries and Bank Negara is aggressively pushing the Islamic banking business by positioning the country as an Islamic financial hub. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Bad news for UGA fans: Florida is just getting started Feb 8, 2009
We can argue this till we re both blue, but the AP and coaches polls and 5 out of 6 BCS computer rating services agree that the Gators are number one ... It s interesting to read your defense of the BCS computer rating services when you ve done just the opposit in the past ... FLA DAWG You ve apparently confused my somewhat nuanced stance regarding the merits of the 6 BCS computer rating services (Anderson & Hester, Billingsley, Colley Matrix, Massey, Sagarin, Wolf) with someone else. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
