Overview
- S&P reaffirmed the United States' long‑term AA+ and short‑term A‑1+ ratings on June 26, 2026, and said the stable outlook signals a low probability of a near‑term downgrade.
- The agency projects net general government debt will approach 100% of GDP over the medium term as rising interest expenses and higher costs for an aging population push borrowing up.
- S&P cited several offsetting factors that supported the affirmation, including a roughly $5 trillion increase to the federal debt ceiling, broad revenue buoyancy including tariff income, and effective monetary policy.
- The ratings call noted strong AI investment as a key source of future growth but warned that longer‑term productivity gains from AI remain uncertain, leaving upside potential unclear.
- Market analysts say the stable S&P view and the lifted debt ceiling should reduce immediate Treasury market volatility, though higher long‑run borrowing costs could pressure fiscal choices for households and public services.