-->Hertz Corp., the world's largest car rental firm, and radio broadcaster Clear Channel Communications are among 46 companies that probably will be categorized as noninvestment grade, according to credit-rating company Standard & Poor's....

The credit cycle has probably already peaked," said Steve Kellner, head of credit portfolios at Newark, N.J.-based Prudential Investment Management's fixed-income group. The firm manages $163 billion in fixed income, including $13 billion in junk bonds....

Overall, 618 companies are on the verge of having their ratings cut, compared with 318 that are poised for an upgrade, S&P said.

<ul> ~ Quelle</ul>