Egypt protests prompt new ratings review

CAIRO: Egypt's economy suffered a fresh blow after yet another credit agency lowered its ratings and its currency approached a five-year low with slim chance of a quick rebound amid surging street protests.

Estimates of the losses sustained during the week of unrest roiling the country have yet to emerge, but one thing is certain: Hopes for another year of solid economic growth in the Arab world's most populous nation are long gone. Companies are suspending operations, workers are staying home, banks remained closed, and tourists are fleeing by the thousands.