Russia Ratings Affirmed by S&P; Outlook Remains Negative
Oct. 24 (Bloomberg) — S&P expects Russia will maintain a strong net external asset position and moderate net general government debt in 2014-2017.

Outlooks reflects view that we could downgrade Russia over the next 18 months if its external and fiscal buffer
Overview
We expect Russia will maintain a strong net external asset position and moderate net general government debt in 2014-2017.
We are affirming our 'BBB-/A-3' long- and short-term foreign currency ratings and our 'BBB/A-2' long- and short-term local currency ratings on Russia.
The outlook remains negative, reflecting our view that we could downgrade Russia over the next 18 months if its external and fiscal buffers deteriorate at a faster pace than we currently expect--for example due to any further tightening of sanctions as a result of the conflict in Ukraine.
If we see Russia's monetary policy or exchange rate flexibility weakening, we could also lower the ratings.
 Rating Action
On Oct. 24, 2014, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'BBB-/A-3' long- and short-term foreign currency sovereign credit ratings and its
'BBB/A-2' long- and short-term local currency sovereign credit ratings on Russia. The outlook remains negative.
We also affirmed the long-term national scale rating on Russia at 'ruAAA'.