In a handy bar graph, Moody's makes clear that government "systemic support" is still a significant factor that elevates the credit rating of every big bank in its review.

WSJ: Review & Outlook: The Dodd-Frank Downgrade

Vic Tanon, chief simplicity officer at Emplicity, an organization that consults in hiring practices across the U.S., says a bad credit rating is likely to be more of a factor in certain industries like financial services.

FORBES: A Bad Credit Score Affects A Lot More Than Credit

One factor weighing on advertisers' minds are the rating shortfalls that many networks have suffered this season.

WSJ: Signals Weak for TV-Ad Market

Moody's, for example, said doubts about the political sustainability of future cuts were a big factor that might lead them to downgrade the UK's credit rating even further.

BBC: Budget 2013: The domino theory of deficit reduction

Fitch said after Mr Osborne's announcement that the government's policy framework had been a key factor helping the UK to hold on to to its top AAA credit rating, and the loss of the debt rule had weakened both the coalition's credibility and the rating.

BBC: Autumn Statement: What has changed?