As House Republicans prepare a vote on a bill that Nancy Pelosi calls "a bill to default," that increased risk of default draws a downgrade watch:
Fitch Ratings put the US government's "AAA" credit rating on 'rating watch negative' Tuesday, saying that the standstill on the U.S. debt ceiling negotiations risks undermining the effectiveness of the country's government and political institutions.
U.S. stock index futures fell.
"Although Fitch continues to believe that the debt ceiling will be raised soon, the political brinkmanship and reduced financing flexibility could increase the risk of a U.S. default," the rating agency wrote in a statement.
Just a little something for House Republicans to savor as they fight amongst themselves over which hostages to take.