Moody's Investors Service, Inc.

Moody's Investors Service

A financial services company that primarily offers credit ratings for different kinds of bonds. That is, it serves as a credit ratings agency and a research firm. It is one of only ten firms the SEC recognizes as a credit rating agency; though, like other CRAs, its methods have been subject to criticism. For example, it gave the nation of Iceland a near top rating until its bankruptcy in 2008. It is based in New York and was established in 1909.

Moody's Investors Service, Inc..

Moody's is a financial services company best known for rating investments. Moody's rates bonds, common stock, commercial paper, municipal short-term bonds, preferred stocks, and annuity contracts.

Its bond rating system, which assigns a grade from Aaa through C3 based on the financial condition of the issuer, has become a world standard.