Standard
Standard & Poor's (S&P) affirmed its `AAA´ long-term and `A-1 ´ short-term sovereign credit ratings on the Republic of Finland. The outlook on the long-term rating is negative.
According to S&P, the effectiveness, stability and predictability of European policymaking and political institutions - with which Finland is closely integrated - have not been as strong as are called for by the severity of a financial crisis in the eurozone. Finland´s competitive economy and the government´s prudent fiscal policy record have supported high levels of prosperity and a strong public sector balance sheet with low levels of net debt. According to S&P, these strengths continue to offset the weakening European policy environment.
The negative outlook indicates that the rating may be lowered during 2012 or 2013.
Further information: Jukka Pekkarinen, Director General, tel. 358 9 160 33191