looking at averages only make sense, when there is a statistically significant difference. In this case the standard error is so high, that the difference is not significant.

__________________
Человек, который почувствовал ветер перемен, должен построить не щит от ветра, а ветряную мельницу

it's not something u can agree or disagree with.. it's mathematics/statistics...

__________________
Человек, который почувствовал ветер перемен, должен построить не щит от ветра, а ветряную мельницу

better, correct..
however there does not seem to be a strong correlation between rating and bond yield at this level.
Remember, S&P is also the organization that stamped AAA on CDOs

__________________
Человек, который почувствовал ветер перемен, должен построить не щит от ветра, а ветряную мельницу

"That impact on Treasury rates is significant,” Belton,global head of fixed-income strategy at JPMorgan, said during the call. “That $100 billion a year is money being used for higher interest rates and that’s money being taken away from other goods and services.”.. AGREE?

The minute you start downgrading away from AAA, you take small steps toward credit risk and that is something any country would like to avoid,” ... AGREE?

A U.S. credit-rating cut would likely raise the nation’s borrowing costs ... AGREE?

The outlook on the new U.S. credit rating is "negative," S&P said in a statement, indicating another downgrade was possible in the next 12 to 18 months...
We'll see in 12-18 months ...

Treasury bonds, once indisputably seen as the safest security in the world, are now rated lower than bonds issued by countries such as Britain, Germany, Canada or France.

we have actual data right NOW.. to see what happened 3 months later. Or you think 3 months is not enoug

__________________
Человек, который почувствовал ветер перемен, должен построить не щит от ветра, а ветряную мельницу

not enough for market to process the new information of rating change provided by S&P?
Why look at "likely"? Why not look at actual?

__________________
Человек, который почувствовал ветер перемен, должен построить не щит от ветра, а ветряную мельницу