DCR Lowers Fremont General

Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co. (DCR) has made several ratings changes for Fremont General Corp. Fremont’s senior debt rating was lowered from “BBB” to “BBB-” while the preferred securities of Fremont’s subsidiary, Fremont General Financing I, were raised from “BBB-” to “BB+.” The claims paying ability rating for Fremont Compensation Insurance Group fell from “A” to “A-.” DCR reaffirmed the group’s short-term ability rating of “D-1” and also said the rating outlook is stable.