Fitch Ratings
To list or not to list? More Chinese insurers tipped to seek IPOs in 2013
Chinese insurers have started to raise money from equity issuance in the past two years as regulations and market appetite make the option more attractive, writes Andrew Tjaardstra.
UK motor profits could take fresh hit as reinsurers mitigate exposure to PPOs
The prevalence of periodic payment orders is expected to undermine underwriting profitability in the motor market in 2013, as reinsurers become increasingly reluctant to take on a rising number of variables.
Gender directive will prompt insurers to make one-off rate increases
The EU ruling prohibiting insurers from setting premiums along gender lines will provide insurers with a one-off opportunity to raise rates, according to Fitch Ratings.
Japanese insurers vulnerable to stock market downturns
Japanese non-life insurance groups are likely to maintain adequate capital buffers at the group level, underpinned by robust capital from life subsidiaries, according to Fitch.
China's non-life sector stable
China's non-life insurers could see operating margin constrained by capital market volatility and higher acquisition expenses, but declines in operating margins are unlikely to be substantial, Fitch said today.
Government support needed for affordable UK flood cover
Affordable flood cover for UK homeowners is unlikely to be available in the future without some form of government support, rating agency Fitch said today.
Chinese insurers turn to equity as they approach debt ceiling
Chinese insurers are increasingly likely to favour equity issuance over incurring debt to support growth, as they get close to the debt ceiling imposed by the domestic regulator, according to Fitch.
Reinsurers remaining risk averse in investment, says Fitch
Rating agency Fitch has said that a barren investment climate is forcing reinsurers to be cautious in their investment strategies.
Plumeri puts Sandy industry losses at $50bn
Outgoing Willis chairman and chief executive Joe Plumeri believes that insured losses arising from superstorm Sandy could be up to 10 times higher than the early industry estimates of $5bn (£3.15bn).
Fitch issues negative outlook for Italian insurers
Fitch Ratings has issued the Italian insurance industry with a negative rating outlook for 2013, indicating an elevated risk of downgrades for Italian insurers over the next 12 to 24 months.
Sterling Insurance keeps stable rating
Fitch Ratings has confirmed the financial strength of Sterling Insurance and Sterling Life at BBB+ with a stable outlook.
US firms hit by Sandy could face claims battle
Business losses triggered by superstorm Sandy are expected to be exacerbated by the fact that few firms have policies to cover loss of income when their operations are disrupted by a supplier’s poor fortune.
Analysts predict 'superstorm' Sandy will strike primary insurers hardest
Lloyd's will avoid major losses relating to 'superstorm' Sandy, if early estimates that the primary insurers will absorb the bulk of the losses are correct.
Primary insurers to bear brunt of Sandy, says Fitch
Losses related to Hurricane Sandy will be largely borne by primary insurers, according to Fitch Ratings.
Indonesia to see steady premium growth in 2012
Indonesia's life and non-life insurance sectors are in a stable position, underpinned by a developing domestic market, sustainable growth in premiums and strengthening regulatory requirements.
AIA's acquisition of ING will have no affect on rating
The national insurer financial strength rating with stable outlook for American International Assurance Company and its Thailand branch will not be affected the company's planned purchase of ING Malaysia.
Pricing and claims improving in French GI sector
The French general insurance sector's outlook is stable, despite weak volume growth over the past 12 months, according to Fitch.
UK non-life insurance sector remains stable
Fitch Ratings has maintained a stable outlook on the UK non-life insurance sector, even as fundamental indicators remain weak.
Germany's GI sector stable, says Fitch
The rating outlook for the German non-life insurance sector remains stable, with motor rates expected to continue recovering in 2013, according to Fitch.
Groupama sale to Ageas unlikely to improve either group's rating prospects
The acquisition of Groupama Insurances by Ageas UK should "end uncertainty" among brokers over Groupama's financial strength and creditworthiness in the UK, but will have little impact on the 'negative' rating outlooks of either parent company, analysts…
Fitch cuts Axa IFS outlook from stable to negative
Concerns about Axa's ability to improve profitability were cited for the move by Fitch Ratings to revise the outlook of the firm’s Insurer Financial Strength rating from stable to negative.
Fitch affirms Tugu Pratama's 'AA-' IFS rating
Fitch Ratings has affirmed PT Tugu Pratama Indonesia's national insurer financial strength rating at 'AA-' with a stable outlook.
Outlook for Italian insurance sector remains negative despite improved profitability
The Italian insurance sector's rating outlook remains negative, according to ratings agency Fitch.
Morningstar to offer Fitch data with web tools
Morningstar, the independent investment research provider, is now offering Fitch Credit Ratings data in its bespoke suite of website tools and data feeds that help institutional clients conduct credit risk analysis and meet regulatory reporting standards.