Regulation
Moody’s: Kentucky Pension Reform Is a Negative for State’s Credit Rating
Credit agency says the reform only pushes costs into the future. Gov. Bevin says he’s ‘not surprised.’
Tag: Moody’s
Corporate Debt Binge Will Ebb, Moody’s Predicts
Earnings slowdown expected to propel a movement away from heavy borrowing.
Big BBB Downgrade Damage Ahead? Maybe Not
Why the anxiety about this overstuffed bond category may be overdone.
Passive Investing to Overtake Active in 2021, Says Moody’s
Indexes now make up a bit more than one-third of funds, but will reach 50% in two years, the agency says.
Moody’s Downgrades Rise, Amid Towering Corporate Debt
Downgrades continue to outnumber upgrades, although interest coverage seems stable enough, for now.
Regulation
Moody’s Cautiously Upbeat on Brexit Extension
Ratings agency says allowing more time for EU talks would be ‘credit positive,’ though it isn’t upgrading Britain now.
Straw in Wind? Near-Junk Ratings Dominate US Corporate Bonds
Baa–rated issues reach record, although defaults at this stage are not worrisome, Moody’s data indicates.
Newsmakers
Moody’s Takes Dim View of Kentucky Due to Pension Reform Mess
Ratings agency doesn’t downgrade the state but puts it on ‘credit negative’ status, which could portend trouble ahead.
Weak 2016 Returns Spur Unfunded State Pension Liabilities
However, Moody’s says strong 2017, 2018 returns will lead to a drop in liabilities.
Newsmakers
Moody’s Calls Minnesota’s Pension Reform ‘Far From a Cure All’
Credit rating agencies say fixes for the severely underfunded retirement system don’t go far enough.
Research
Increased Leverage Raises Risk for Canada’s Pension Funds
Leverage of six largest funds in country has risen to 24% from 19% in 2009.
Newsmakers
U of Louisville’s Endowment Returns 12.6%
Scandal-plagued university, foundation face Moody’s downgrade.
Moody’s: US State Pension Liabilities Spike to $1.3 Trillion in FY 2016
Illinois, Alaska, and Connecticut among largest unfunded liabilities.
Moody’s: NJ State Lottery Pension Law “Slightly Positive,” More Work Required
Report indicates while the law is a step in the right direction, lottery floor covers 25% of state pension’s ARC.