Fitch: Debt Ceiling Fight Could Endanger ‘AAA’ Rating of US

Rating agency Fitch has issued a warning that congressional debate on whether to raise the debt ceiling could threaten the ‘AAA’ rating of the United States.

The warning illustrates how debt ceiling fights – even if they don’t end in default – can spook markets, potentially creating an aversion to risk among investors that could rattle bitcoin.

It also puts into perspective how congressional spats over the debt ceiling threaten the U.S.’ status as the world’s provider of safe-haven assets.

“Fitch believes that the debt limit will be raised or suspended in time to avert a default event, but if this were not done in a timely manner, political brinkmanship and reduced financing flexibility could increase the risk of a U.S. sovereign default,” the agency said.

Fitch’s note is reminiscent of the 2011 debt ceiling fight that caused another rating agency, Standard and Poor (S&P), to downgrade the U.S.’ rating.

Speaking before the House Financial Services Committee on Thursday, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen advocated for abolishing the debt ceiling.