Now Moody's downgrades France

It doesn't feel very good when your teacher gives you a lower grade in school than what you got previously. This is exactly what a certain European nation must be feeling right now. France is the latest nation to face the humiliation of a debt downgrade. Credit rating agency, Moody's recently downgraded France's credit rating from Aaa to Aa1. The agency cited three main reasons. These include a weak long-term economic growth outlook, uncertain fiscal outlook and inability to withstand further shocks within the zone. The nation has seen a sustained loss in economic competitiveness and structural rigidities don't help matters much. France also doesn't have access to a national central bank for debt financing in the event of a market disruption. Given the current negative outlook on the nation's sovereign rating, an upgrade is unlikely over the medium term. However if France successfully implements reforms and fiscal measures, this may strengthen growth prospects. The protracted Euro debt crisis needs a resolution. Soon.