Fitch downgrades Egypt’s credit ratings

Firm lowers ranking from B to B-, saying political situation could become even more unstable, further hurting the economy

5 July 2013, 9:29 pm

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Egyptian soldiers are seen deployed near Cairo University, where thousands of Muslim Brotherhood's supporters have gathered to support Mohammed Morsi in Cairo Wednesday, July 3 (photo credit: AP/Manu Brabo)

NEW YORK (AP) — Fitch Ratings is downgrading Egypt’s credit ratings after the country’s military overthrew the civilian government, saying the political situation could get worse and further damage the national economy.

The firm says Egypt’s political situation could become even more unstable, hurting its economy and its creditworthiness and making it harder for the country to make reforms that are needed to secure International Monetary Fund assistance.

On Wednesday the Egyptian military ousted President Mohammed Morsi and suspended the Islamist-drafted constitution.

Fitch lowered Egypt’s issuer default ratings and country ceiling to ‘B-‘ from ‘B’. Both ratings are non-investment grade or “junk” ratings six notches below investment grade. Fitch’s outlook on the country is negative, meaning further downgrades are possible.