Standard & Poor’s is a global leader in credit ratings and credit risk analysis. Go to its website at standardandpoors.com.

Required:

1. Click on “ABOUT US” then “Key Statistics” under “S&P Rating Services.” About how much debt is covered by Standard & Poor’s credit ratings?

2. Go back to the home page. Click on “RATINGS.” Click on “HOT TOPICS IN CREDIT FINANCE” at the top right of the page. Briefly summarize an item in the news today.

3. Go back to the home page. Click on “S&P INDICES.” Click on “S&P 500.” When did the S&P 500 begin?

4. Go back to standardandpoors.com. Click on the three products and services provided by McGraw Hill Financial. Briefly summarize one of the products.