The History of US Credit Rating Downgrades

The US Credit Rating: A Brief History

The United States has enjoyed a high credit rating for most of its history. This is primarily because of its strong economic performance, political stability, and the global dominance of the US dollar. However, throughout this history, there have been significant periods of economic uncertainty and political gridlock that have tested the nation’s creditworthiness.

Credit rating agencies such as Standard & Poor’s (S&P), Moody’s, and Fitch Ratings have been responsible for assigning credit ratings to countries, including the US. These ratings are crucial as they determine the interest rates that countries pay to borrow money. A high credit rating implies a low risk of default, which in turn leads to lower borrowing costs.

Historically, the US has held a top-tier credit rating. Since 1941, when S&P began assigning ratings, the US had always maintained a AAA rating. This changed in 2011 when S&P downgraded the US for the first time. Another downgrade occurred on Tuesday, August 1st  2023.

The First U.S. Credit Rating Downgrade: 2011

The first downgrade of the US credit rating in 2011 was triggered by a political standoff over the debt ceiling, which led to concerns about the government’s ability to pay its debts. The debt ceiling is a legal limit on the amount of money that the US government can borrow. In 2011, the Republican-controlled Congress and the Obama administration were unable to agree on a way to raise the debt ceiling, which led to a government shutdown and a near-default on US debt.

The downgrade was a significant event, as it was the first time that the US credit rating had been downgraded since 1917. The downgrade led to higher interest rates, which made it more expensive for regular Americans and businesses to borrow money. It also led to a decline in consumer confidence, which slowed economic growth.

The downgrade was a wake-up call for the US government, and it led to a number of reforms that were designed to improve the country’s fiscal health. However, the downgrade also highlighted the challenges that the US faces in managing its debt and in ensuring its long-term economic stability.

Here are some additional details about the 2011 downgrade:

• The first downgrade was announced on August 5, 2011, by Standard & Poor’s (S&P).
• S&P downgraded the US credit rating from AAA to AA+.
• The downgrade was due to concerns about the government’s ability to pay its debts and the political gridlock in Washington.
• The downgrade led to higher interest rates, job losses and a decline in consumer confidence.
• The downgrade was a wake-up call for the US government, and it led to a number of reforms that were designed to improve the country’s fiscal health.

Sequestration and Political Gridlock

The first downgrade of the US credit rating occurred in August 2011 when S&P lowered it from AAA to AA+. The downgrade was a result of political gridlock over the federal debt ceiling and the subsequent decision to implement sequestration – a series of automatic, across-the-board cuts to government spending.

Why did Republicans choose Sequestration?

Republicans, who controlled the House of Representatives at the time, chose sequestration as a way to force spending cuts. They believed that reducing government spending was crucial for long-term economic health. However, the decision caused a political standoff with Democrats, leading to a protracted debate over the debt ceiling.  The damage to the reputation and economy of the United States that followed was far greater than the long-term concerns that Republicans may have originally been trying to prevent.

Cause of Budgetary Gridlock

The budgetary gridlock that led to the downgrade was not just about spending cuts. It was also about broader issues of fiscal policy, including tax reform and entitlement spending. The inability of Congress to agree on these issues created a climate of uncertainty that ultimately led to the downgrade.

Recession and a Slow Economic Recovery

The 2011 downgrade also came in the wake of the Great Recession, which had severely impacted the US economy.

Lower Tax Revenues

The recession led to lower tax revenues as businesses closed and unemployment rose. This put further pressure on the federal budget, making it even harder to reach a consensus on fiscal policy.

Longest Jobless Recovery in History

The recovery from the recession was also slow, leading to what some have called the longest jobless recovery in history. This further strained the federal budget and contributed to the climate of economic uncertainty that led to the downgrade.

Lasting Effects of the 2011 Credit Downgrade

The 2011 downgrade had a lasting impact on the US economy. It led to higher borrowing costs, which in turn put further pressure on the federal budget. It also created a climate of uncertainty that may have slowed economic recovery.

The Second Downgrade: 2023

On August 1st, 2023, Fitch Ratings downgraded the US credit rating from AAA to AA+. This was due to concerns about the country’s high and rising debt levels. This second downgrade further highlighted the ongoing challenges facing the US economy.

The Impact of Downgrades on the US Economy

Credit rating downgrades can have significant impacts on a country’s economy. They can lead to higher borrowing costs, as lenders demand higher interest rates to compensate for the increased risk of default. This can put further pressure on a country’s budget and potentially lead to a cycle of further downgrades and higher borrowing costs.

What Does the Future Hold for the US Credit Rating?

The future of the US credit rating depends on a number of factors, including the country’s economic performance, its fiscal policy, and the global economic environment. If the US can maintain strong economic growth, reduce its debt levels, and avoid political gridlock over fiscal policy, it may be able to regain its AAA rating.

How to Protect Yourself from a Credit Rating Downgrade

Individuals and businesses can take steps to protect themselves from the impacts of a credit rating downgrade. These include diversifying investments, maintaining a strong personal or business credit rating, and staying informed about economic and political developments.

Conclusion

The US credit rating has been downgraded twice in its history, in 2011 and 2023. These downgrades were a result of political gridlock, economic uncertainty, and high debt levels. However, with sound economic management and fiscal policy, the US has the potential to regain its AAA rating in the future.

The downgrade is likely to have a number of implications for regular Americans and Businesses.

• Higher interest rates: The downgrade is likely to lead to higher interest rates. This is because investors will demand a higher risk premium for lending money to the US government. Higher interest rates will make it more expensive for people and businesses to borrow money, which could lead to job losses and increased foreclosures and evictions.
• Decline in investment: The downgrade could also lead to a decline in investment. This is because investors may be less willing to invest in the US economy if they are concerned about the government’s ability to repay its debts. A decline in investment could lead to slower economic growth, less innovation and significant job losses.
• Damage to the US reputation: The downgrade could also damage the US reputation as a safe haven for investors. This could make it more difficult for the US government to borrow money in the future. It could also lead to a decline in foreign investment, which could hurt the US economy for decades to come.

The Biden administration has expressed disappointment with the downgrade, but it is unclear what steps the administration can take to address the concerns that led to the downgrade. The administration has said that it is committed to reducing the debt burden and addressing the political dysfunction in Washington. However, it is unclear whether the administration will be able to take any meaningful steps to address these problems, especially as the Republican circus has gone into full swing to defend the former President Trump.

The downgrade is a reminder of the challenges facing the US government. The government is facing a growing debt burden, and there is a lack of political consensus on how to address it. The downgrade is also a reminder of the importance of fiscal discipline. If the government does not take steps to reduce the debt burden, it could have serious consequences for the US economy and for jobs, housing, food prices and consumer goods.

In addition to the economic implications, the downgrade could also have a number of political implications. For example, it could make it more difficult for the Biden administration to pass its agenda through Congress. It could also lead to increased calls for fiscal reform.

The downgrade is a significant event, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out in the coming months and years.