SA downgraded again as Fitch moves us further into junk

Fitch downgraded SA from 'BB+' to 'BB' in another blow to the country's economy.
Fitch downgraded SA from 'BB+' to 'BB' in another blow to the country's economy.
Image: REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/Files

SA was dealt another blow late on Friday when Fitch Ratings downgraded the country further into junk, just a week after Moody’s Investors Service stripped the country of its last remaining investment grade. The rand extended its losses and crashed through R19/$.

Fitch said it had cut SA one notch to BB from BB+ because the country lacked a “clear path towards” stabilising its debt position, a situation that would be worsened by the effect of the Covid-19 shock on economic growth and public finances.

It maintained a negative outlook, meaning the next move is more likely to be further down the junk scale.

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