[l33t]

Note: Moody's "A3" rating is the highest possible rating, equivalent to S&P's "AAA" rating.

No A3 is equivalent to A-. Aaa is Moody's equivalent to triple-A.

[AIG]

Nope, take a look at Moody's ratings definitions: National Scale Long-Term Rating Definitions

You have to know about how sovereign ratings work a little bit too, but "A3" is Moody's shorthand for "AAA."

[maui_hawaii]

arguing with that guy is like arguing with a wall. he is bent.

You are right. A3 is not the highest. Aa1 would be the highest. A3 is the next thing to a B grade, but without being a B, which is a subjective judgement in my book.

[maui_hawaii]

Maybe I should have said "next thing to a Baa rating"