BBB

BBB

A credit rating used by the S&P and Fitch credit agencies for long-term bonds and some other investments. It is equivalent to the Baa2 rating used by Moody's. A BBB rating represents a relatively low-risk bond or investment; banks are allowed to invest in BBB rated bonds. However, it is toward the bottom of investment-grade bond ratings, being only two grades above junk bond ratings. Risk-averse investors must therefore exercise caution on BBB investments, especially if the rating was recently downgraded.

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BBB

A medium grade assigned to a debt obligation by a rating agency to indicate an adequate ability to pay interest and repay principal. However, adverse developments are more likely to impair this ability than would be the case for bonds rated A and above. A BBB rating is the lowest rating a bond can have and still be considered investment-grade. Also called Baa.