Spain downgraded to near junk despite cuts

"The deepening economic recession is limiting the Spanish government's policy options," it added, as Madrid is trying to avoid for as long as possible having to ask for another bailout on top off the €100 billion earmarked for its banking sector.

Fresh spending cuts to the tune of €13 billion unveiled last month had been praised by the European Commission as a sign of Spain's commitment to reduce its budget deficit and restore its "credibility" on the markets.

But a deepening recession, combined with the highest unemployment rate in the EU and angry protests against the ever-growing austerity are complicating that plan.

In addition, the International Monetary Fund itself - the world's biggest lender to governments risking bankruptcy - warned earlier this week that policies based on too much austerity are wrong.

With Spain's fresh downgrade, the country will now face another spike in its borrowing costs, which had gone down in recent weeks after the European Central Bank announced a potenial bond-buying scheme.

The ratings agency also put Spain under "negative outlook," meaning further downgrades are possible in the future.

Spain's deficit for this year has been revised twice and now stands at 7.4 percent of GDP due to the banking bailout, while its government debt is likely to go beyond 90 percent of GDP next year.