Overview

• Moody's Investors Service has directed its China-based staff to work from home, seen as a safeguard against possible government inspections following the credit rating decision.
• Moody's recently lowered China’s sovereign credit rating outlook from neutral to negative, citing risks from a slowing economy and a property sector crisis.
• Analysts from Moody's in Hong Kong have been advised to avoid travel to the Chinese mainland for the time being.
• Chinese officials and various government agencies have publicly criticized Moody's downgrade as 'disappointing,' 'flawed,' and 'unnecessary.'
• Western companies operating in China, including Moody's, are facing increasing pressure amid rising tensions between the US and China.