Monday, January 16, 2012

Standard and Poor's Rating and Credit Rating

Before the collapse of Lehman's Brother, S&P's gave Lehman's Brother a rating of at least an 'A'. This was a relative good rating. Subsequently as each and everyone know Lehman's Brother failed and led to a financial meltdown. Did S&P's successfully give an indication of the dire situation of Lehman's?

In the current situation, S&P's had been like a frightened bird (惊弓之鸟). For the past few months, they have been downgrading credit rating of major western soverign entities, including US and Europe nations. The latest being on 13 Jan 12 downgrade of France and other nations' credit rating.

Instead of doing job when they are supposed to (as in Lehman), these credit rating agencies seem to be pressing the panic button currently, causing widespread fear and worries to the global financial markets(落井下石). It may turn out that through these negative market sendiments, it may cause the event to occur.

The question to ask is whether credit ratings are necessary, if so, how accurate they are and most importantly are they contributing to the world's financial well-being.

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