Fitch Rating Negative On State Farm

Fitch Ratings said that while it is continuing to give its highest financial strength ratings to State Farm auto and life operations, it is changing its outlook for those companies from "stable" to "negative." Douglas M. Pawlowski, an analyst in Fitch's Chicago office, said the action signals "concern over some negative trends. We see stuff we're concerned over. If these trends don't show favorable progress, then it's possible there could be a downgrade." The change was made for State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Life Insurance Company, and State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company, collectively referred to as State Farm Life. All are currently given Fitch's highest strength level, "AAA." The next level below that is "AA-plus," Mr. Pawlowski said.