1.   Also this month, IBCA Ltd., a European rating agency, cut the credit ratings of six major Japanese lenders and put another three on its watch list.

2.   Analysts at rating agencies agreed that the acquisition by Zurich was likely to make the Kemper insurance companies stronger, but could weaken Zurich.

3.   And because the bonds were insured by Financial Guaranty Insurance Co. they are rated triple-A by the major rating agencies.

4.   And while their debate moves in circles, Wall Street bond rating agencies are hinting heavily that city and state credit ratings could be downgraded, raising interest rates.

5.   Anwar said in his speech that the government will seek to form a second rating agency to speed up the rating process.

6.   As a result, solid work from the rating agencies has never been needed more.

7.   As for the rating agencies and Wall Street analysts, Anderson sees them as people who lock the barn door after the horse has bolted.

8.   As a result of the reorganization, debt rating agencies assigned the National Energy Group a solid investment-grade credit rating.

9.   Banks, or perhaps rating agencies, would find it profitable to provide it.

10.   Banc One is also in negotiations with rating agencies.