41.   They bridle at how quickly credit rating agencies have lowered the debt ratings of companies, leaving many hovering at levels that are barely investment grade.

42.   UBS is the more solid of the two financially, though, analysts said, as it is one of a handful of banks with a top debt rating.

43.   Two stocks gained after their debt ratings were raised.

44.   Waite thinks the debt rating should be even higher.

45.   With a higher debt rating, a company can pay bond buyers a lower return.

46.   Yesterday, London-based IBCA Ltd., another rating agency, cut its debt ratings of four Japanese major banks including Sumitomo Bank Ltd.

47.   A lower debt rating could make it more expensive for Sony to borrow in the future.

48.   But its latest rating of A-plus is still two notches below the national average of state debt ratings.

49.   DaimlerChrysler has faced its own problems of late, including a slumping stock price, slowing Chrysler sales, shareholder lawsuits and a reduced debt rating.

50.   In other words, investors may be taking their cues from stock prices rather than debt ratings.