Six Canadian Banks Downgraded

The Canadian Press
Published Friday, Dec. 14, 2012 8:53AM EST

TORONTO -- Standard & Poor's has downgraded the ratings of six of Canada's financial institutions by one notch.
The credit ratings agency cites a softening economy, low interest rates and pressure from the headwinds facing Canada's economy.
"We believe that the Canadian banking sector is encountering incremental pressure from headwinds facing the Canadian economy, which is heightening economic risk in the banking system," S&P said in announcing the downgrades.

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It added that it expects intensifying competition for loans and deposits "will lead to pressure on profitability growth, especially in banks' retail businesses."
The firm lowered its ratings by one notch on Scotiabank (TSX:BNS) to A-plus. National Bank of Canada (TSX:NA), Laurentian Bank of Canada (TSX:LB), Central 1 Credit Union , Caisse centrale Desjardins and Home Capital Group (TSX:HCG) were also lowered one notch.

Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/business/s-p-downgrades-six-canadian-financial-institutions-1.1079170#ixzz2F2GWRfkR

 The agency put Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO), Bank of Nova Scotia, Caisse Centrale Desjardins, CIBC (TSX:CM), National Bank of Canada and Toronto-Dominion Bank under review.

Royal Bank was not included on the list.
Moody's had already cut Royal Bank's long-term deposit rating to Aa3 from Aa1 in June as part of a move to cut the credit ratings of 15 of the world's largest banks, including Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup and Goldman Sachs.

Read more: http://www.ctvnews.ca/business/s-p-downgrades-six-canadian-financial-institutions-1.1079170#ixzz2F2H3Nfes