Moody’s Investors Service cut Portugal’s credit rating to A3. Among the reasons for such decision Moody’s named weaker outlook for economic growth, risks to the government’s deficit- reduction plans and a possible need to recapitalize banks.

Portugal is now 4 steps from junk status. The ratings agency said that id the ECB lifts up interest rates it will become more difficult for Portugal to reduce its budget deficit. The nations funding costs as well as the private-sector borrowing costs will increase. The country’s economy has to survive rising taxes and severe spending cuts in more than three decades as the government tries to convince investors’ in its ability to pay all the debts and diminish the deficit.

According to Moody’s, Portugal’s GDP may decline this year showing weak recovery at best in 2012. The Bank of Portugal claimed on January 11 that as consumer demand is decreasing and the government is cutting spending, the country’s economy will lose 1.3% this year. Portugal’s unemployment rose to 11.1% in the fourth quarter, the highest since 1998.

Portugal intends to sell 20 billion euro of bonds in 2011 to finance its budget and cover the cost of maturing debt. Its 10-year bond yield reached euro-era record of 7.70% on March 9. Portugal has to repay 9 billion euro in April and June.

Analysts at Brown Brothers Harriman say that Moody’s negative outlook for Portugal is justified and further cuts seem to be quite likely.