The credit quality metrics of Brazil-based midsize bank Banco Fibra S.A.'s new loan portfolio, which is composed of loans originated after the implementation of the bank's revised business plan, has significantly deteriorated during the first half of 2015. Furthermore, the bank's overall nonperforming loans (NPLs) spiked to 11.1%, which is much worse than its peer average amid declining economic activity and more challenging conditions in Brazil. As a result, we are lowering our long-term global scale credit rating on the bank to 'B-' from 'B' and our national scale rating to 'brB-' from 'brBB-'. The negative outlook reflects our view that the bank's financial profile could further deteriorate and pressure the bank's capital and liquidity position. On Sept. 8, 2015,