Bangkok--28 Feb--Standard & Poor's The ratings on fewer issuers were positioned to migrate to investment grade from speculative grade in mid February compared with a month ago, according to an article published today by Standard & Poor's. (Global potential rising stars are defined as entities that are currently rated 'BB+' with either a positive outlook or with ratings on CreditWatch with positive implications.) The article, which is titled "Global Potential Rising Stars," says that meanwhile, the count of entities poised to cross over in the reverse direction (potential fallen angels) was appreciably higher: 44. As of Feb. 13, 2008, 28 rated entities globally are best placed to acquire rising star status, four fewer than the number recorded in the last published report but seven more than reported a year ago. These 28 entities account for US$159.03 (?108.78) billion in rated debt, of which US$111.12 (?76.03) billion was attributed to sovereigns. Only one new issuer was added to the potentials list this month. "Rising star activity has not been squelched entirely," noted Diane Vazza, head of Standard & Poor's Global Fixed Income Research Group. "Six entities have migrated to investment grade from speculative grade since our last publication. Four of the six entities are based in the U.S. The remaining two are in Europe." Standard & Poor's, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP), is the world's foremost provider of financial market intelligence, including independent credit ratings, indices, risk evaluation, investment research, and data. With approximately 8,500 employees, including wholly owned affiliates, located in 23 countries, Standard & Poor's is an essential part of the world's financial infrastructure and has played a leading role for more than 140 years in providing investors with the independent benchmarks they need to feel more confident about their investment and financial decisions. For more information, visit www.standardandpoors.com. Media Contact: Mimi Barker, New York (1) 212-438-5054, [email protected] Analyst Contact: Diane Vazza, New York (1) 212-438-2760