credit ratings

SEC Sues Morningstar Over CMBS Ratings
Risk & Compliance

SEC Sues Morningstar Over CMBS Ratings

The firm allegedly made undisclosed changes to its ratings model that allowed issuers to shortchange investors on interest.
By Matthew Heller | February 17, 2021
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Machine Learning Accuracy Assessment and How to Improve Outputs
Technology

Machine Learning Accuracy Assessment and How to Improve Outputs

Those who trust too much and those who don’t trust machine learning enough will both miss out on potentially better accuracy.
By Devin Rochford and Chandu Chilakapati | July 27, 2020
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Fitch Lowers Outlook for Consumer Finance Sector
Credit & Capital

Fitch Lowers Outlook for Consumer Finance Sector

Loan forbearance offers to coronavirus-hit consumers are "prudent" but lenders' credit performance could “deteriorate rapidly” once they expire.
By Matthew Heller | March 30, 2020
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Virus Expected to Slam Retail, Restaurant Sales
Risk & Compliance

Virus Expected to Slam Retail, Restaurant Sales

S&P expects "very significant disruptions and sales deterioration" through the second quarter due to store closings and economic contraction.
By Matthew Heller | March 24, 2020
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What Kind of Problems Can Machine Learning Solve?
Technology

What Kind of Problems Can Machine Learning Solve?

Understanding how to work with machine learning models is crucial for making informed investment decisions.
By Chandu Chilakapati and Devin Rochford | October 28, 2019
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Manipulate Cash Flow to Boost Credit Ratings?
Credit

Manipulate Cash Flow to Boost Credit Ratings?

The role of credit-rating agencies in determining interest costs on bank loans leaves much to be desired, a study finds.
By David McCann | November 29, 2018
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Moody’s Fined $16M Over Rating Deficiencies
Risk & Compliance

Moody’s Fined $16M Over Rating Deficiencies

The SEC says Moody's failed to ensure the accuracy of statistical models and apply rating symbols consistently.
By Matthew Heller | August 28, 2018
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Moody’s Names MassMutual’s Kaye as CFO
People

Moody’s Names MassMutual’s Kaye as CFO

Mark Kaye "has an impressive record of success as a financial steward and senior executive at leading financial services companies," Moody's CEO says.
By Matthew Heller | August 2, 2018
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Ratings Analyst Accused of Insider Trading
Risk & Compliance

Ratings Analyst Accused of Insider Trading

The SEC says two friends of the analyst made nearly $300,000 in illicit profits on tips he gave them about a client's impending acquisition.
By Matthew Heller | June 27, 2018
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Will Ratings Agency Downgrades Haunt Connecticut?
Risk

Will Ratings Agency Downgrades Haunt Connecticut?

'Connecticut has less flexibility to meet unanticipated revenue shortfalls,' said Standard & Poor's.
By Matthew Heller | May 19, 2016
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Gap’s Credit Rating Downgraded to Junk
Strategy

Gap’s Credit Rating Downgraded to Junk

Fitch Ratings expresses doubts about Gap's cost-cutting strategy, saying earnings will fall this year even with $100 million in expense reduction.
By Katie Kuehner-Hebert | May 11, 2016
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Fitch Downgrades Staples to Junk on Weak Sales
Financial Performance

Fitch Downgrades Staples to Junk on Weak Sales

As a standalone company, Staples has "limited ability to reverse declines in sales and EBITDA over the forecast horizon," Fitch warns.
By Katie Kuehner-Hebert | April 8, 2016
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Junk Bond Defaults Seen Rising Again in 2016
Risk

Junk Bond Defaults Seen Rising Again in 2016

The credit ratings agency forecast that the junk default rate will be 4% this year, up from 3.5% in 2015.
By Matthew Heller | March 2, 2016
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DuPont Layoffs Dent Delaware’s Credit Outlook
Risk

DuPont Layoffs Dent Delaware’s Credit Outlook

Moody's says the job cuts will reduce DuPont's Delaware workforce by a “significant” 24% and are a credit negative for the Wilmington area.
By Matthew Heller | January 19, 2016
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Banks With Weak Cybersecurity Could Be Downgraded: S&P
Technology

Banks With Weak Cybersecurity Could Be Downgraded: S&P

Given banks' function as key nodes in the global financial system, S&P views banks as "natural targets facing a high threat of cyber-risk."
By Katie Kuehner-Hebert | September 29, 2015
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