S&P, 韓 국가신용등급 'AA' 유지…"코로나發 경기침체 일시적"<br /><br />Global credit rating agency Standard & Poor's has left South Korea's credit ratings unchanged at 'double-A' despite the coronavirus pandemic.<br />Even though the country is facing negative economic growth this year,... S&P forecasts the government's stimulus package will boost South Korea's GDP growth rate by up to 5 percent.<br />Kim Hyo-sun reports.<br />S&P has maintained South Korea's credit ratings at their previous levels despite the COVID-19 pandemic.<br />The global ratings firm kept its long-term sovereign credit rating at 'double A,'... and short-term at 'A-plus,'... adding that South Korea's current economic slump is only temporary.<br />S&P also said the country is witnessing its first negative economic growth since 1998 with minus 1-point-5 percent,... but added it's expected to rebound next year.<br />It forecast Seoul's economy will grow at a rate of up to 5 percent backed by a recovery in consumption and the government's stimulus policy.<br />It also lauded South Korea's successful COVID-19 response including swift testing and contact tracing.<br />As for the country's fiscal balance,... S&P predicted the deficit will widen especially due to continued stimulus packages,... before it turns to modest surpluses over the medium term.<br />The global ratings firm,... however,... pointed to North Korea as a possible risk that will affect South Korea's stable outlook.<br />It said there are continued geopolitical tensions as no progress has been made on the North's denuclearization talks.<br />S&P's rating for South Korea has remained unchanged at 'double-A' since 2016.<br />Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News.<br />
