South Africa’s credit ratings affirmed

22 June 2009

Ratings agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has affirmed South Africa’s long term rating at BBB+ and foreign currency issue rating at A+ with a negative outlook.

The National Treasury has welcomed the rating, particularly in the current economic climate, in which global ratings are dominated by rating downgrades.

“The affirmation of South Africa’s rating reflects confidence in our credit position and future policy direction, thanks in large part to a record of prudent execution of macroeconomic policies,” the Treasury said in a statement last week.

Changed outlook

S&P last upgraded South Africa in August 2005, and changed the outlook on South Africa’s credit to negative in November 2008 as a result of the global financial crisis.

S&P indicated that the affirmation reflects the country’s prudent macroeconomic policies, moderate debt burden and stable political institutions.

Japanese rating

This follows an affirmation by Japan-based rating agency Ratings and Investment Information, earlier this month, of South Africa’s foreign currency issuer rating of A-, negative outlook, and domestic currency issuer rating at A, negative outlook.

“The convergence of monetary and fiscal policy, as reflected in the recent interest rate cuts and fiscal expansion, are expected to soften the impact of the global economic crisis, while the massive infrastructure investment programme will ensure that South Africa’s economy grows even faster when the global economic cycle turns,” the Treasury said.

SAinfo reporter