` ` ' Three '' are Standard 's & Poor 's , Moody 's Financial Services and Nielsen Ratings . Rating agencies downgrade ratings felt this year from Washington to London . The lower the rating grade , however , the higher interest payments a nation must pay to attract investors to buy its bonds . Critics on both sides of the Atlantic say the agencies have too much power . Agencies say they only give opinions on credit ; choices ultimately up to investors .
` ` ' Three '' are Standard 's & Poor 's , Moody 's Financial Services and Nielsen Ratings . Rating agencies downgrade ratings felt this year from Washington to London . Critics on both sides of the Atlantic say the agencies have too much power . Agencies say they only give opinions on credit ; choices ultimately up to investors .