Rating upgrades outnumber downgrades for the first time since 2000
Ratings upgrades especially strong among global banking and finance companies
Rating changes have been less frequent for sovereign issuers than for corporate issuers
Low level of defaults reflects strong global economic growth and ample liquidity
Coverage intended to help investors understand debt market trends and related regulatory, legal and tax issues
Excluding financial companies, rating activity across investment grade industrial bonds remained net negative in first quarter
Global default rate will increase to 2.4% by the end of 2007
Bonds stolen in 2001
Investors can now trade bonds of NYSE listed companies with more transparency and efficiency
NYSE Bonds will launch April 23