S&P, 韓 국가신용등급 'AA' 유지…"코로나發 경기침체 일시적"

Global credit rating agency Standard & Poor's has left South Korea's credit ratings unchanged at 'double-A' despite the coronavirus pandemic.
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.
Kim Hyo-sun reports.
S&P has maintained South Korea's credit ratings at their previous levels despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
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.
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.
It also lauded South Korea's successful COVID-19 response including swift testing and contact tracing.
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.
The global ratings firm,... however,... pointed to North Korea as a possible risk that will affect South Korea's stable outlook.
It said there are continued geopolitical tensions as no progress has been made on the North's denuclearization talks.
S&P's rating for South Korea has remained unchanged at 'double-A' since 2016.
Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News.