Moody's survey shows the largest global banks are beefing up their risk governance practices to comply with tougher international standards.
Speculative-grade companies spent an amount equal to four times their discretionary cash flow on dividends and buybacks in 2014, says Moody's.
Acquisitions and combinations will continue to be attractive to companies as low interest rates make financing inexpensive.
Morgan Stanley is among the beneficiaries of a new methodology that rewards higher volumes of senior debt.
The fall in oil prices is expected to fuel an increase in the oil and gas default rate from 2.7% to 7.4% by March 2016.
Moody's report finds that 75% of investment-grade spinoffs avoided drop into speculative-grade territory.
Still, given the fall in energy prices, Moody's expects the speculative-grade default rate to rise to 3.1% in 2016.
Pent-up consumer demand and falling unemployment is expected to increase purchases of home appliances, furniture, and other goods.
By demanding share buybacks and dividends, which are paid out of cash reserves, activists threaten debt repayments.
The sea-side gambling town gets an extension on a $40 million loan from the state of New Jersey.
New elements of the methodology are designed to help determine how different creditor classes are likely to be treated when a bank fails.
Moody's Investors Service revises its outlook on the money market fund industry to negative from stable, based on several factors.
