1.  Analysts at Morningstar Inc., the Chicago fund rating company, examined the bond funds in these two camps.

2.  At the time, Best was the only insurance rating company, and it carried considerable weight.

3.  Bond rating companies are important because they help determine how much municipalities and consumers pay to borrow.

4.  Bond rating companies are important because they help determine how much municipalities and consumers will pay to borrow.

5.  Both rating companies say they may cut that rating again.

6.  Finance Minister Jorge Camet told Congress late Wednesday the government last week contracted the rating company, a typical practice by foreign governments seeking a rating for their debt.

7.  Higher rates may only slow the economy further, ensuring the New York-based rating company makes good on its threat.

8.  In addition to rating companies, she also rates states and foreign countries on their treatment of women.

9.  Investors were entitled to sell the bonds back to the bank after its credit rating was cut by international rating companies.

10.  Lehman will help the fund develop a financing plan and obtain credit ratings from the major rating companies.