- Moody's Investors Service
Moody's Investors Service cut credit ratings of ING Groep NV, KBC Groep NV, and Rabobank on concern that the debt crisis makes them vulnerable.
"Dutch banks will face difficult operating conditions throughout 2012 and possibly beyond," Moody's said in the statement. The Netherlands "is affected by the ongoing euro area debt crisis and regional economic weakness," it said.
"If a Greek exit became Moody's central scenario, further rating actions on European banks could well be needed," it added.
European stocks gained on Friday. The Stoxx Europe 600 Index rose 0.98 per cent to 244.21. Germany's DAX Index edged higher 1.48 per cent and France's CAC 40 Index increased 1.82 per cent.
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