Fitch keeps United States at 'AA+', cites economic resilience amid fiscal risks

Aug. 13 (Reuters) - Fitch on Thursday affirmed the sovereign credit rating for the United States at "AA+" with a stable outlook, citing its large economy, high per-capita income and the U.S. dollar's status as the world's leading reserve currency.

The U.S. economy remained resilient despite higher tariffs, government spending cuts, tighter border controls and heightened policy uncertainty, reflecting its ability to absorb shocks and economic flexibility, the credit ratings agency said.

Fitch, however, estimated economic growth of 1.9% in 2026-2027, lower than the 2.8% in 2025, and noted weakening labor demand and a significant slowdown in job creation this year.

Inflation remains a concern, with the agency expecting it to average 3.4% in 2026, above the Federal Reserve's 2% target. Tariffs have added to core goods inflation, though their impact has been less severe than expected.

Fitch expects the general government deficit to widen to 7.4% of GDP in 2026 and remain at that level in 2027, the highest among "AA"-rated sovereigns. Higher military and interest costs, along with rising Medicare and Social Security spending, would limit efforts to reduce the deficit.

Peer S&P Global also maintained its "AA+" rating on the U.S. in June, citing the economy's resilience and strong institutions.

Fitch had downgraded the U.S. sovereign rating by one notch from the top-tier triple-A rating in 2023, pointing to expected fiscal deterioration and repeated down-to-the-wire debt ceiling negotiations.

Moody's downgraded the U.S. by one notch last year, citing rising debt levels and stripping the country of its last remaining triple-A rating.