Analytics, Financial Services, Investments, Lithuania, Rating

Moody’s decision was driven by competitiveness and resilience of Lithuania's economy, continuation of the Government's fiscal consolidation and country's membership in the euro zone.

Moody’s has become the third of the main credit ratings agencies to return Lithuania to the highest rating levels in its sovereign credit history. Standard & Poor's (S&P) upgraded Lithuania's long-term borrowing rating from BBB to A- in April 2014, Fitch upgraded the rating form BBB+ to A- in June 2014.

"Lithuania's ability to withstand shocks emanating from Russia, in particular relating to trade, reflects the economy's strong resilience. Nominal export growth slowed materially in 2014 in light of a challenging external environment, notably developments in Russia. However, we expect demand for exports to remain resilient, benefitting from the proven ability of Lithuanian exporters to diversify into new markets in Europe and the United States. A weaker euro will also support exports to markets beyond the euro area. Lithuania's economic resilience also reflects the diverse nature of the economy's industrial and export mix," Moody’s said in a report.