Moody's Eyes FSA, Assured Guaranty

Moody's Investors Service has put on review for possible downgrade some triple-A ratings of Financial Security Assurance, New York, and Assured Guaranty Ltd., Bermuda, citing risks that include residential mortgage exposure. Robert P. Cochran, chairman and chief executive officer of Financial Security Assurance Holdings Ltd. and FSA, said: "We take note of the concerns Moody's has expressed, and we will work closely with them to re-establish our Aaa-stable claims-paying ratings." Dominic Frederico, president and CEO of Assured Guaranty Ltd., said: "Moody's decision to re-evaluate industry ratings during a time of unusually high market volatility and lack of liquidity in many credit markets could have been accomplished in a different manner without affecting municipal and other policyholders."