December 2003/2

Benfield is likely to report lower than expected results because of the weak US dollar, according to the broker's latest trading update.

Marketform Acquisition Company Limited has attracted £15mn of equity finance from Caledonia Investments plc as it continues to capitalise on the strong rates for non-US medical malpractice and other specialty liability insurance.

Inhabitants of the Caribbean and the US East Coast should expect another active Atlantic hurricane season next year, weather experts have warned.