Moody's requests the "comments from........>

US MUNIS: Moody's requests the "comments from market participants on a proposed

update to its methodology for rating general obligation debt of US states and

territories. Among other changes, a new scorecard would be expanded to the lower

end of the ratings scale to better reflect the weaker credit quality of US

territories relative to states."

- The ratings agency said the "revised methodology would be titled 'US States

and Territories.' If the proposed methodology is adopted, no ratings will be

placed on review for a possible rating change."

- "Proposed changes include reducing the weight of the governance factor to 20%

from 30% and increasing the weight of the economy factor and the debt and

pensions factor to 25% each from 20% each, to reflect the relative influence of

the state or territory economy and the effect of long-term liabilities on credit

assessments," said one trader.