27 Feb 2020

New Zealand maintains AA rating with positive outlook - S&P

7:31 pm on 27 February 2020

Standard & Poor's has confirmed New Zealand's international credit rating and says it does not expect the Covid-19 coronavirus or slower growth to affect its long-term outlook.

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In its latest report, the country has maintained the second highest rating of double-A along with a positive outlook.

S&P said it expected New Zealand's growth to slow because of the virus and the effect on China, our biggest trade partner.

It forecast annual growth of about 2.2 percent this year, but said there was support through low interest rates and wage growth.

The agency also noted a decline in risks to the credit rating due to high external debt, including business and household debt.