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Global rating outlooks remain on an improving trend and are on balance less negative than at the start of the year across most rating sectors, Fitch Ratings says in its latest global Credit Outlook report. However, the improving outlook for global credit quality is underpinned by years of loose central bank monetary policy, including quantitative

At the mid-way point in the year, we are assessing the performance of our Power and Renewables key themes for 2017 as outlined in December 2016 ( see 'Key Themes For Power & Renewables In 2017', December 2 2016). All of the themes we had identified have played out in a number of guises across the global power and renewables sector.

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The partnership between Norwegian Air Shuttle (NAS) and easyJet shows the low-cost business model is gaining momentum in European long haul, Fitch Ratings says. This could eventually lead to similar transformational changes to European network carriers' long-haul markets as it did to short haul. We do not expect near-term rating actions for

The near collapse of private bank Otkritie will not pose a systematic risk to the Russian banking sector, supported by central bank interventions aimed at ensuring stability. However, the failure highlights that some smaller players remain vulnerable amid an in increase in risk aversion. This is turn will encourage further consolidation

Lego posted disappointing results in the first half of 2017, pushing the world's largest toymaker to cut 1,400 jobs and simplify its complex organisation structure. To boost its sales and revenue we believe Lego will have to delve deeper into leisure experiences such as virtual-play, online gaming and theme parks/movies in line with changing

Plans to expand US sanctions on Hizbullah, which would have had a negative impact on the Lebanese banking sector, have been watered down, in a positive development for the sector. This will enable banks to continue to grow deposits and assets at a robust pace, driven by improving confidence in the economy and a loyal depositor base.

We believe

Despite the launch of two new models, we believe that iOS 11 will have more impact than the new iPhones, because it will include AR apps. We see AR as the greatest differentiator for Apple, whose scale can drive the development of the ecosystem, boosting its long-term services revenue growth and its attempt at greater diversification.

During its

A hypothetical rapid rise in Amazon's U.S. apparel market share could have significant credit implications for existing retailers, REITs and CMBS transactions. Sharp declines in retailer revenue and margins and accelerated store closings would likely drive significant cash flow erosion and weaken credit profiles for apparel-focused retailers, mall

BMI View : We are revising our passenger car production forecast to a contraction of 0.8% in 2017, down from growth of 1.7% previously, as a downturn in car demand in one of the country's key export markets, the Middle East, weighs on local autos manufacturing.

Having previously expected a revival in domestic vehicle sales and robust demand

Heightened tension over North Korea's nuclear weapons programme could have a substantial impact on South Korea's economy and cause broader effects if it disrupts trade relations, most notably between China and the US. Nevertheless, the risk of an outright conflict, while rising, is still low

The North Korean issues are long-standing and have shown