Issues

Underlying loss ratios in the fourth quarter increased at all but one of the P&C (re)insurers in our study, highlighting the prevalent trend of loss-cost inflation running ahead of earned rate.

Recent commentary from early reporters points to optimism that growth momentum is improving.

Though a small sample size, the initial data points from early reporters point to more pressure at Bermudians and better trends at US carriers.

Validus' AlphaCat asset management unit contributed more than half of the group's $120.8mn of fourth quarter notable losses.

Fourth quarter expense ratios at early reporters have shown some year-on-year improvement, although the US tax reforms had a negative impact at some firms.

The P&C (re)insurance industry experienced another cat-heavy quarter in the three months to 31 December, as a series of wildfires ravaged California.

The themes that have emerged in the early part of the Q4 reporting season have been in line with expectations.

As another earnings year draws to a close, we take a look at some of the big issues concerning top underwriting executives, as outlined on their Q4 calls with analysts.

On a wall of the Insider offices is a framed piece of original artwork that was published on the front cover of the fourth issue of the then London Insurance Insider.

RenaissanceRe's third-party capital platforms have engaged in substantial fundraising following hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, the carrier revealed in its Q4 results.

Total return reinsurers have been caught off guard as changes in US tax law threaten to redefine offshore affiliates as investment managers and not reinsurers.

Markel Catco has placed 41.5 percent of net assets in its London-listed Reinsurance Opportunities Fund into side pockets connected to the 2017 losses, the retro manager said in an update on its 2018 portfolio.