A-plus

The cut on Italy—to A-plus from double-A-minus—leaves the ratings four steps down from the coveted triple-A designation.

Fitch Cuts Spain, Italy Ratings Mia Lamar 2011

Meanwhile, the market took in its stride the downgrade of Italy's sovereign credit rating to A from A-plus by S&P.

European Stocks Rise Andrea Tryphonides 2011

For these four banks, however, S&P kept its closely watched long-term debt ratings unchanged at A-plus.

BNP Paribas Shares Slip After Downgrade Inti Landauro 2011

"On the dance floor, it was an A-plus," Bryant said.

All-Star odd couple steals the show 2009

Dagong Global Credit Rating lowered its rating for U.S. debt from A-plus to A.

Asia Stocks Tumble 2011

Fitch rates Italy at A-plus and France at triple-A.

Italy Called Biggest Euro-Zone Threat Art Patnaude 2012

The ratings firm lowered its long-term issuer default rating to A, five notches into investment grade, from A-plus and removed the ratings from watch for a possible downgrade.

Fitch Lowers H-P Rating One Notch Nathalie Tadena 2011

The International Monetary Fund cut its global and Italian growth forecasts earlier this week, as did Standard & Poor's, which early Tuesday downgraded Italy's sovereign credit rating to A from A-plus, citing weaker growth and the "fragility" of the governing coalition.

Italy Slashes Growth Forecasts Christoper Emsden 2011

The ratings company cut the financial strength and counterparty credit ratings on Chartis to A from A-plus.

S&P Cuts Rating on AIG's Property-Casualty Unit Erik Holm 2011

Dagong Global Credit Rating lowered its rating for U.S. debt from A-plus to A.

Asia Stocks Tumble 2011