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    News and Articles on Rating Services



    More robust loans growth seen  Nov 7, 2009
    RAM Rating Services Bhd head of financial institutions ratings Promod Dass expects loans growth to be around 7% to 8% for this year. In line with our forecast of 4. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)

    Checking out DaRick Rogers, and other fun stuff  Nov 5, 2009
    Well as usual everyone is just head over heels in love with all of the 5 stars kids according to the experts at the rating services. Time will tell how they will pan out. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)

    Sabah to be first state to issue bonds  Oct 30, 2009
    The Sabah government yesterday held an investor presentation of its proposed inaugural bond issue which has been accorded the highest long-term AAA rating by RAM Rating Services Bhd. The state government intended to utilise the proceeds of the five-year bond issue to part-finance the state s working capital requirements and general investment activities, a statement said yesterday. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)

    Stable outlook for PAAB unit’s Islamic notes  Oct 30, 2009
    PETALING JAYA: RAM Rating Services Bhd has assigned long and short-term ratings of AAA (stable outlook) and P1 respectively to Pengurusan Air SPV Bhd s Islamic medium-term notes programme of up to RM20bil in nominal value and Islamic commercial papers programme of up to RM20bil in nominal value. The facilities have a combined limit of RM20bil in nominal value. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)

    PAAB seeks amicable understanding with Selangor water concessionaires  Oct 27, 2009
    RAM Rating Services Bhd has placed a long-term rating of triple-A and short-term rating of P1 for the medium-term notes and commercial papers programmes respectively. Nazir said debt paper programmes launched this year totalled about RM79bil, of which RM40. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)

    MARC in tie-up with Bangladesh credit rating agency  Oct 21, 2009
    ECRL is expected to tap MARCs rating experience and benefit from the latters track record of providing credit rating services in Malaysia over the last 12 years ... There is vast potential for credit rating services in Bangladesh, a key driver of which has been local banking regulatory requirements such as bank loan ratings, mandatory credit ratings for initial public offering purposes and financial institution ratings under Basel II requirement, said MARC in a statement ... ECRL managing... (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)

    Genting to issue RM1.6bil notes  Oct 9, 2009
    In a filing on behalf of the company, CIMB Investment Bank Bhd said the MTN would be guaranteed by Genting and had been assigned a long-term rating of AAA(s) by RAM Rating Services Bhd. The proposed MTN programme is on a need to basis over a period of 15 years provided that the first issuance of the MTNs takes place within two years from the date of approval by Securities Commission, CIMB said. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)

    Gradual pick-up in interest for bonds seen  Oct 7, 2009
    PETALING JAYA: RAM Rating Services Bhd has observed a gradual pick-up in interest vis--vis the domestic bond market despite the lacklustre issuance of private debt securities (PDS) in the third quarter. The firm said there had been markedly more rating enquiries in the last few months, complemented by sizeable rating mandates in the pipeline. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)

    Sukuk investors position amid defaults  Oct 3, 2009
    By RAM Rating Services. ONE of the more contentious topics in the market today is the rights of sukuk holders in the event of non-payment or default. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)

    Shaw Group Extends Credit Facility to October 2012  Sep 26, 2009
    The credit agreement will become unsecured once Standard s and Moody's rating services designate the facility as investment grade. Shares fell 9 cents to $30. (ABC News -- Wire)

    Getting the most out of home insurance  Sep 16, 2009
    To find a reputable insurance company, check with independent rating services such as A.M. Best Company and Standard & Poor s. Friends and family are often a valuable resource for insurance company recommendations, especially if they have had experience filing claims. Laws regarding homeowners insurance vary by state, so be sure to consult with a knowledgeable agent who can help you review your insurance needs and state requirements. (Bolton Common, MA)

    Town's bond rating increased  Sep 10, 2009
    According to a report published on Aug. 25, 2009, Standard & Poor's Rating Services has raised its ratings on the general obligation (GO) bonds issued by 29 municipalities (including Littleton) in Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania whose ratings have been previously constrained by their small size or remote location. The bond rating is sort of like a report card for the Town s financial management, said Town Administrator Keith Bergman. (Littleton Independent, MA)

    The Consumers' Waterheater Income Fund Announces Decision to Discontinue Stability Ratings  Aug 14, 2009
    TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 13, 2009) - The Consumers' Waterheater Income Fund (the "Fund") (TSX: - ) today announced it has advised DBRS Limited and Standard & Poor's Rating Services (the "Rating Agencies") to discontinue the stability ratings of the Fund. For clarity, the ratings of The Consumers' Waterheater Operating Trust's publicly-traded debt will be continued without interruption. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)

    Fireman's Fund Insurance Company Expands Entertainment Division with Addition of New Music Underwriting Director Specializing in Insuring Musical Artists  Aug 11, 2009
    It is rated AA by Standard s Rating Services. Firemans Fund is a member of the Allianz Group (NYSE: - ), one of the worlds largest providers of insurance and financial services. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)

    Breaking down the Coaches Poll  Aug 11, 2009
    If the polls were started several games into the season, and everyone came in after the dust settled so that the rating services actually had a chance to see the teams in action prior to starting their rankings, then maybe, just maybe, we d start to see a more honest ranking of the teams week-to-week. I also think strength of schedule should be considered in the ranking selections. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)

    What the Fed Could Do If Inflation Ramps Up  Aug 11, 2009
    Standard s Rating Services Chief Economist David Wyss says the added liquidity has mostly just offset the liquidity that has drained out of the private sector because companies haven't had access to traditional lending. But as that traditional lending becomes more accessible to the private sector, the Fed will need to squeeze out whatever excess liquidity remains in the system. (BusinessWeek)

    Bond market improves on better sentiment  Aug 8, 2009
    New corporate bond issuance rated by RAM Rating Services Bhd stood at RM6. 8bil as at end-July, of which RM5. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)

    Meeting the challenges  Aug 8, 2009
    Stressing the importance of ICT, RAM Rating Services Bhd head of financial institutions ratings Promod Dass says he foresees demand for Internet banking to grow as the current younger generation enters the workforce. Dass adds that Malaysias broadband penetration needs to grow exponentially to support wider usage of e-banking and to put the industry on a stronger footing. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)

    A3 rating for AmBank securities programme  Aug 8, 2009
    PETALING JAYA: AmBank (M) Bhd s proposed RM500mil Tier-1 capital securities programme has been assigned an A3 long-term rating by RAM Rating Services Bhd. This reflects the gradual advancement in the bank s fundamentals after the entry of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd in May 2007 as a strategic partner and substantial partner of the bank s parent, AMMB Holdings Bhd. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)

    Liberalisation to remain key theme  Jul 25, 2009
    RAM Rating Services Bhd financial institutions ratings head Promod Dass expects any new financial sector master plans or regulatory strategies to accentuate the progress of the Islamic banking and insurance segments. Liberalisation would also continue to be a key theme. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)

    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)


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