Credit Ratings Firms Maintain US Debt Grade Ahead of X-Date

As the US approaches its debt limit, credit-rating companies Moody's, Fitch Ratings, and S&P Global Ratings are holding steady on the country's top rating, assuming a deal will be struck to avoid default. However, repeated political tussles are eroding the stability and predictability that support Washington's status as the risk-free standard in world financial markets. While none of the raters have downgraded the US since S&P did so in 2011, the country's credit rating would likely suffer another blow if Congress can't reach an agreement in time.