Europe Hit by Downgrade Speculation (Washington Post)

The euro hit its lowest mark in over a year Friday on fears of a widespread European downgrade, in a sour end to what had been one of Europe's brightest weeks since the debt crisis intensified. Markets across Europe fell in afternoon trading Friday on reports that rating agency Standard & Poor's was poised to downgrade the debt of several countries in the eurozone and talks in Athens between the Greek government and private investors failed to reach agreement on a crucial debt swap.