Core Viewpoint - Scope Ratings has downgraded the United States' credit rating by one level to AA- due to ongoing deterioration in public finances and weakened governance standards, which have increased the risk of policy missteps and reduced the ability of Congress to address structural fiscal challenges [1][2]. Group 1: Credit Rating Downgrade - The downgrade reflects a three-level drop from the highest rating, indicating significant concerns about the U.S. fiscal outlook [1][3]. - Scope Ratings' assessment is two levels lower than its larger competitors, Fitch, Moody's, and S&P Global Ratings, highlighting a divergence in credit evaluations among rating agencies [3]. Group 2: Fiscal Challenges - As of October 21, the total U.S. federal government debt has surpassed $38 trillion, marking a significant increase from $37 trillion just two months prior [2][3]. - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicts that the U.S. general government debt will reach 140% of GDP over the next four years, an increase of 15 percentage points compared to 2025, surpassing the debt levels of any European country [3]. Group 3: Future Outlook - Scope Ratings has maintained a "stable" outlook for the U.S. rating, indicating a balanced risk of upgrades and downgrades over the next 12 to 18 months [2]. - The agency has expressed concerns about the potential decline in the dollar's status as the global reserve currency, which could reduce global demand for U.S. Treasury securities [2].