Public-opinion polls in Latin America show far higher approval ratings for President Obama than those of his predecessor,George W.Bush.

VOA: standard.2009.04.15

It was the mass-issuance of mortgages to consumers with poor credit ratings that led to a rash of mortgage defaults and home foreclosures beginning in late 2007.

VOA: standard.2009.10.01

In face of sagging approval ratings, Russia's president also disciplined underlings.

VOA: standard.2010.08.10

Political analysts say Mr.Obama has little choice but to try and restart the debate over health care since his poll ratings have gone down in recent months, both personally and in terms of his handling of the health care issue.

VOA: standard.2009.09.04

Ratings agencies, which Mr.Fillon said helped fuel the crisis, must adopt rules for dealing with conflicts of interest and offshore banking centers, which often allow clients to evade paying taxes in their home countries, need to be vigorously regulated.

VOA: standard.2009.03.24