Standard & Poor's | featured news

Japan’s sovereign-rating outlook was cut to “negative” by Standard & Poor’s as the nation’s reconstruction needs following last month’s earthquake will likely add to what’s already the world’s biggest debt load.

U.S. stocks rose, sending the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index to its highest level since June 2008, as companies from United Parcel Service Inc. to Ford Motor Co. and 3M Co. beat analysts’ profit estimates.

Ratings agency Standard & Poor's downgraded two of the euro zone's most troubled member states, citing fears that the pair may have to restructure their debt after 2013.

The total cost to rescue and then overhaul mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac could reach $685 billion, according to estimates by Standard & Poor's.

The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller index shows a modest 1% gain over May figures, with prices in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco increasing.

Moody's Investors Service downgraded Greek debt by four notches to junk status. It follows Standard & Poor's, which put the debt-laden country in the speculative-grade camp almost seven weeks ago.

The move by Standard & Poor’s on Tuesday deepened Europe’s debt crisis, and investors sold off government bonds amid fears of a default.

U.S. single-family home prices rose in May from April, the first monthly increase in nearly three years, suggesting prices may be stabilizing, according to Standard & Poor's/Case Shiller home price indexes on Tuesday.

Standard & Poor's called for global regulatory changes to eliminate conflicts of interest and require more disclosure on rating methodologies.