August 2007/2

Despite initially falling 10 percent in early trading, shares in Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc have recovered from a low of 362.25 to 408p at time of going to press, as markets responded to credible numbers...

Unlike its peers, CNA Financial Corporation shares were hit by disappointing second quarter results that included net investment losses of $91mn, with $20mn attributable to securities "with exposure to subprime mortgage collateral".

The Travelers Companies and The Hartford Financial Services Group both resolved legacy disputes in July, and reported strong second quarter results.

Berkshire Hathaway's (re)insurance operations contributed heavily to second quarter profits up almost 33 percent, but the investment conglomerate also highlighted increased competition in the business.

With Lloyd's results season due to kick off in earnest over the next six weeks, the market's listed (re)insurers prepare to report in unforgiving conditions as shares continue to suffer from widespread uncertainty driven by the US sub-prime crisis.

Bermudian giants ACE Ltd and XL Capital announced catastrophe charges of $88mn and $30mn respectively for the UK, US and Australian floods in their Q2 results.

Despite strong half-year 2007 operating performance across the (re)insurance sector, shares fell indiscriminately as equities suffered severe jitters over the global credit crisis.

The UK's Court of Appeal has upheld the decision that broker JLT Risk Solutions (JLT) owed Australian insurer HIH a "duty to inform" post-placement in a decision which is seen as...

London market reinsurers led by Allianz will continue their High Court battle with the North Korean national insurer over a controversial EUR44.3mn claim despite a setback in a pre-trial hearing last month.

Although the majority of the $25bn of insurance-linked securities (ILS) issued to date have been brought to market by reinsurers, recent research by William Hawkins, analyst at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods (KBW) shows that...

UK composites confirm rate rises after heavy flood losses

There was time when marketing to a Lloyd's underwriter often meant a convivial lunch when their clients came to London for their annual visit. The rest of the year syndicates were often content...