Fitch may cut largest Japanese banks’ credit ratings


Fitch Ratings on Thursday said it may cut its ratings on Mizuho Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, citing pressure on the banks’ asset quality and capital levels.

«Core business profitability continue to be negatively impacted by the macroeconomic recession to which the major banks, by their size, have a high correlation,» Fitch said in a statement.

Weaker corporate performance, increasing bankruptcies and declining property prices, as well as the weaker domestic and international macroeconomic environment, are all likely to weigh on the banks financial results this year, Fitch said.

Fitch currently rates Mizuho and Sumitomo, and Mitsubishi’s subsidiary banks, all A-plus, the fifth highest investment grade.

The rating reviews will focus on each group’s financial results as well as their mid-term plans, «including capital raising to see whether the groups will take substantial steps to weather ongoing challenges,» Fitch said. (Reporting by Karen Brettell; Editing by Theodore d’Afflisio).

Source: Reuters.

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