what AA- really means

[rdking647]

not much in reality. Japan has a credit rating of AA-. their bonds trade at much lower yields than ours. In addition after s&p's performance on mortgage bonds how much credibility do they have left.
what the US should do is remove s&p as a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization. they shouldnt do it immediately but they can do it in a few months after a "review". in addition this will make it much easier to sue s&p for their performance as the government will no longer cover their asses.

[malaise]

1. Actually it's AA+ n/t

[rdking647]

2. japan is AA-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12533405

[Ruby the Liberal]

3. But we aren't

[Ruby the Liberal]

4. Japan also has a manufacturing base

and exports greater than imports.

There are a lot of factors that go into determining credit. We are the only nation with a debt 'ceiling', we have proven that our government is completely dysfunctional and capable of being held hostage over ideology, and we are a consumer driven economy coupled with out of control unemployment. Lots of factors Japan doesn't have to deal with.