Credit rating agency

Fitch rating agency affirmed Turkey's credit rating at "BB" with a stable outlook on Feb. 21.

Greece will return to the investment grade group of countries as early as this summer, according to estimates by Citigroup, which expects Fitch Ratings to give the country a two-notch upgrade on July 24, when the agency's next assessment of the Greek economy is scheduled to take place.

Greece will return to the investment grade group of countries as early as this summer, according to estimates by Citigroup, that projects Fitch Ratings to perform a double-notch upgrading on July 24 at the agency's next assessment of the Greek economy.

Straight on the heels of a Greek 10-year bond issue with a record low one percent yield (compared to 45 percent one decade ago), Bloomberg is singing the praises of the prospects of the Greek economy and government and touts the once unthinkable possibility of Greek bonds returning to investment grade (even though they are still at the junk level).

The Greek economy continues to improve and chances are rising that the European Central Bank will eventually buy its debt under its asset purchase scheme, ECB President Christine Lagarde said on Thursday.

Fitch Ratings and the European Commission have given their vote of confidence in the policies the Greek government is pursuing, as the particularly positive climate at the annual conference Fitch organized in Athens on Tuesday regarding the country's credit outlook and the progress recorded since last summer's election showed.

Greece is preparing for a new bond issue, after its credit rating was upgraded by one of the three main rating agencies, the country's finance minister said on Monday.

Greece on Monday mandated six banks to act as joint lead managers for a 15-year bond, maturing in February 2035. It will be the first bond foray for Greece this year.

Greece on Monday announced that it had appointed banks for a new 15-year bond issue after its credit rating was upgraded by one of the three main rating agencies. 

It will be the first time Greece is tapping with a markets whose expiry date is after 2032, the year in which long-term measures for the relief of Greece's debt burden are due to expire.  

Despite the exceptional performance of Greek bonds during 2019, Societe Generale and Citigroup analysts believe that Greek yields will fall even further this year. They note that rating agencies' cautious moves to date will be succeeded by several upgrades, starting with Fitch Ratings on January 24.

Moody's downgraded the UK credit rating from "stable" to "negative" on Friday, Reuters reported.

The reason for the decision is that Brexit has triggered an "erosion in institutional strength" that threatens the UK's financial credibility.

The Agency confirms the UK's assessment of AA2.