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 Baa3 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 the very bottom of investment-grade bond ratings, and is only one grade above a junk bond rating. Risk-averse investors must therefore exercise caution on BBB- investments, especially if the rating was recently downgraded.