Buoyant domestic demand and PPP implementation spur on investment growth.

With the main ratings agencies differing in their assessments of credit risk, identifying countries ripe for a future investment grade rating is a complicated task, Jeremy Weltman reports.

Investment associated with the natural resource extractive industries remains a key driver of economic growth.

The US, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands have all lost their AAA-equivalent credit ratings, according to Euromoney Country Risk data, yet all remain in the prized club thanks to positive scores from at least two rating agencies.

Bond sale boosts government confidence; fear unorthodox policies might follow

Charm offensive from overseas investors; junk rating threat remains

Moody’s move to strip the UK of its AAA rating was long-anticipated by ECR analysts.

ECR analysis paints a more bullish outlook, compared with Fitch and Moody's, thanks to favourable debt and growth prospects relative to similarly-rated sovereigns.

The assassination of an opposition politician and deepening deadlock risks destabilising Tunisia’s economic reforms, and prompts a downgrade from S&P

Germany still the strongman of Europe - but its risk score is weakening.

An ESM bailout for Cyprus could lead to fears among investors of contagion in Spain and Italy.

Agreement should be followed by a positive credit rating action.

Brazil, Chile and Colombia continued their long-term ascents in Euromoney’s global rankings in 2012, despite having their scores shaved, mostly by reduced Chinese demand for raw materials and manufactures, Jeremy Weltman reports.

As the country enters a crucial election cycle, fears arise about the government's ability to stay on course with its all-important fiscal consolidation.

Electoral reform should reduce the chances of political violence in the upcoming Kenyan election, analysts say, but Euromoney Country Risk data provide reasons for caution.

Call it the Berlusconi premium. Italian political risk has jumped ahead of the late-February national elections, leaving only Greece riskier.