Germany's Aaa credit-rating outlook was increased to stable from negative by Moody's Investors Service, which cited increased cooperation among European Union members to reduce economic contagion in the region. Moody's said it affirmed the top rating. Further collective support to other euro area countries, in particular to Italy and Spain, has led to diminished risks to Germany's balance sheet, the New York-based company said yesterday in a statement. Progress with respect to fiscal consolidation as reflected in nearly balanced budgets in 2012 and 2013 and a declining debt- to-GDP ratio were also credited for the improved outlook.