Corporate balance sheets face pressure from rising interest costs
Earnings to remain under pressure as the sector faces slow growth and elevated costs
Core inflation is now higher than the headline rate
Economy, rate environment are the main risks to issuers' finances
New rating, AA+, is still considered well into investment grade
Banks' net interest income to suffer under financial and economic pressure, Fitch says
Emerging markets faring better, thanks to their smaller pandemic responses
North American revenues and margins expected to grow even as recession looms
Still-rising rates have governments' interest expenses surging
Regulatory, financial and economic headwinds all weigh on deal activity