It argued that a slowdown would do little damage to the credit standing of many of the region's governments.

ECONOMIST: Asian bonds

While the current ratings of bond insurers lend nothing to the credit standing of the bond issuer, most insured issues should still be viewed as having viable insurance backing in case of distress.

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Even smaller firms are beginning to see the importance of a respectable credit standing.

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Rating agencies have been hastily lowering their assessments of the country's credit standing.

ECONOMIST: South Korea��s meltdown

The standing of the fund relies on the credit of the countries that back it, including France, which is threatened with a two-notch downgrade to its AAA credit rating by Standard and Poor's.

ECONOMIST: Europe��s economies

This strong reaction by Western credit markets contrasts sharply with the long-standing practice of Free World suppliers who, as demanded by Moscow, formerly agreed to conduct virtually all trade on an "open account" basis.

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The Leader-Call deserves credit for standing by a legitimate story that infuriated part of its readership.

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The settlement will do little to repair the long-standing effects on consumers of being placed into foreclosure, such as damaged credit.

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Others issue lines of credit that set a maximum borrowing amount over a college career, provided the borrower remains in good standing.

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