Moody's

The Treasury Select Committee (TSC) is to investigate corporate tax avoidance amid public pressure for action on companies seen as paying less than their fair share.

Japan's credit rating has been cut to ‘negative' by Moody's on debt level concerns.

Moody's has cut Egypt's debt rating one notch, citing the ongoing political fallout.

Ratings agency Moody's has put Spain's credit rating on review due to concerns over the country's mounting debt.

The UK has maintained its AAA credit rating largely thanks to the austerity measures of the coalition government, although it remains vulnerable over the long term.

The €440bn European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) has been given the highest possible ratings by the three main agencies.

The recession has reduced the time left for 'AAA' rated states including the UK to avert sovereign debt crises as their populations age, Moody's warns.