Bonds, Interest Rates & Exchange Rates

How are credit ratings like AAA and BBB classified?

De Nederlandse versie van deze pagina is in voorbereiding. Tot die tijd staat de tekst in het Engels.

For long-term credit ratings, AAA is the highest, followed in descending order by AA, A, BBB, BB, B, CCC, CC, C and D, with + and - used for finer gradations within the same grade.

Generally, BBB- and above is classified as investment grade and BB+ and below as speculative grade. D indicates default, and short-term ratings are expressed separately as A1, A2, A3, B and so on.

Source: Financial Supervisory Service FINE Financial Tips: Wait! Bonds are popular these days, but be sure to check these points before investing! (Basics)
Last updated: 14-10-2026

This answer is general financial information as of 14-10-2026, not investment advice. Rules and tax rates change, so please also check the latest guidance from the source institution.