Background
Standard and Poor’s (S&P) is one of the principal credit-rating agencies in the United States. It plays a vital role in the financial markets by evaluating the creditworthiness of entities and providing information essential for investments and financial decision-making. S&P also develops widely-regarded stock price indices, including the S&P 500 and the S&P 100.
Historical Context
Founded in 1860 by Henry Varnum Poor, S&P started by providing financial information and credit ratings for railway companies, quickly expanding to various other sectors. Merging with Standard Statistics Bureau in 1941, the company became Standard and Poor’s Corporation, marking a significant milestone in its journey to becoming a cornerstone of the global financial market.
Definitions and Concepts
Credit-Rating Agency: An institution that evaluates the credit risk of debt issued by governments and corporations, assigning credit ratings that influence interest rates and investment decisions.
S&P 500 Index: A stock market index showing the performance of 500 large companies listed on stock exchanges in the United States, representing about 80% of the total value of the NYSE.
S&P 100 Index: A subset of the S&P 500, covering the stocks of 100 large, established US corporations, representing broadly about 60% of the market value of the NYSE.
Major Analytical Frameworks
Classical Economics
Classical economists primarily view S&P’s role in terms of providing essential market information that fosters efficiency and competition.
Neoclassical Economics
Neoclassical perspectives emphasize S&P’s contribution to market equilibrium by ensuring that investors have access to the information required for rational decision-making.
Keynesian Economics
From a Keynesian viewpoint, the stability provided by S&P’s indices, such as the S&P 500, can impact aggregate demand and investment, influencing overall economic stability.
Marxian Economics
Marxian analysis might focus on S&P as an instrument of capitalism that reinforces existing power structures within the financial system.
Institutional Economics
Institutional economists study the regulatory contexts and institutional frameworks within which S&P operates, such as policy decisions affecting corporate governance on ratings.
Behavioral Economics
Behavioral economists investigate how S&P’s rating announcements and index movements influence investor behavior and market psychology, often beyond rational economic predictions.
Post-Keynesian Economics
Post-Keynesians may look at S&P’s role in driving financial speculation and its implications for broader economic inequality and financial stability.
Austrian Economics
A sharp Austrian critique would stress skepticism about the objectivity of S&P’s ratings, citing concerns about the agency’s influence on market cycles and consumer perception.
Development Economics
In the realm of Development Economics, S&P’s impact on emerging markets through credit ratings can affect investment inflows, impacting economic growth and development nuances.
Monetarism
Monetarists look at the effects S&P’s ratings have on monetary policies, given how credit ratings influence lending, interest rates, and currency stability.
Comparative Analysis
When comparing S&P with other major credit-rating agencies like Moody’s and Fitch Ratings, it’s important to note differences in methodology, market influence, and historic reliability. S&P is often noted for its extensive market data and comprehensive analytics.
Case Studies
The Financial Crisis of 2008
S&P faced scrutiny during the 2008 financial crisis for its role in providing higher-than-warranted ratings to complex financial instruments, surfacing debates on the agency’s accountability and methodological transparency.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Credit Rating Agencies and Their Credit Ratings” by Herwig Langohr and Patricia Langohr.
- “Rating Agencies and the Financial Crisis: Lessons for the Future” by Francesco De Collibus.
- “The S&P 500 Cover Call: A Low-Votality Options-Focused Strategy to Target Consistent Improving Returns” by Scott Nations.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Credit Rating: An assessment of the creditworthiness of a borrower in general terms or concerning a specific debt or financial obligation.
- Index Fund: A type of mutual fund designed to mirror the performance of a specific benchmark, such as the S&P 500.
- Securitization: The process of converting assets into marketable securities, often evaluated by credit-rating agencies like S&P.
- Financial Stability: The condition wherein the financial system – comprising institutions, markets, and market infrastructures – is capable of withstanding shocks and the unravelling of financial imbalances.
