by Calculated Risk on 6/05/2008 02:23:00 PM

From S&P: Ambac, MBIA Financial Strength Ratings Lowered

Standard & Poor's Rating Services today lowered its financial strength ratings on Ambac Assurance Corp. and MBIA Insurance Corp. to 'AA' from 'AAA' and placed the ratings on CreditWatch with negative implications.

The ratings on the holding companies, Ambac Financial Group and MBIA Inc., have also been lowered to 'A' and 'A-' from 'AA' and 'AA-', respectively, and placed on CreditWatch with negative implications.

The rating actions on the companies reflect our belief that these entities will face diminished public finance and structured finance new business flow and declining financial flexibility. In addition, we believe continuing deterioration in key areas of the U.S. residential mortgage sector and related CDO structures will place increasing pressure on capital adequacy.