[cnbc] Fitch Affirms Its 'AAA' Rating on the US, Keeps Outlook at Negative

A negative outlook gives Fitch 12 to 18 months by which it is expected to make a decision on the U.S. sovereign credit, pushing a decision well beyond the next presidential and congressional election cycle.

"Absent material adverse shocks, Fitch does not expect to resolve the Negative Outlook until late 2013," Fitch said.

Click here to see Fitch's full report. 

Nearly a year ago, rival credit rating agency Standard & Poor's made anhistoric cut to the U.S. rating, dropping it by one notch to AA-plus. Moody's Investors Service holds the U.S. rating at Aaa. All three agencies have negative outlooks with decisions by S&P and Moody's not expected until at least 2013.

Additional risks to the U.S. credit outlook, Fitch said, emanate from the uncertain U.S. fiscal policy as well as Europe's debt crisis and recession. It also highlighted the diminished capacity of U.S. fiscal and monetary stimulus, referring to the near zero interest rate policy instituted by the U.S. Federal Reserve that is expected to remain in place through late 2014.

"In Fitch's opinion, it is likely that all or some of the tax increases and spending cuts implied under current law will be voided or at least temporarily deferred. Fitch's fiscal and economic forecasts are premised on a reduction in the federal budget deficit of around 1.5 percent of GDP in 2013 rather than the 3 percent to 5 percent contraction implied by the 'fiscal cliff'. 

Fitch is forecasting a U.S. economic growth rate of 2.6 percent in 2013 andunemployment falling below 8 percent.