Topic
Earnings / Ratings
Flash estimate for insured losses from Hurricane Hermine US$500 million: KCC
September 6, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterThe current flash estimate of insured losses associated with Hurricane Hermine – likely to produce in excess of 50,000 claims – approaches US$500 million, with total economic damages almost US$1 billion, Karen Clark & Company (KCC) reported Friday. “The storm…
Looking Ahead
September 2, 2016 Greg Meckbach, Associate EditorWith property and casualty reinsurance prices showing few signs that downward pressure is ending any time soon, traditional reinsurance looks to be a real bargain for carriers hoping to protect their balance sheets and prepare themselves for future catastrophes. Forward-looking carriers are also recognizing that cost-effective reinsurance can help secure their future profitability.
North American P&C insurers’ operating profitability declines in first half of 2016: Fitch
August 29, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterNorth American property and casualty insurers’ operating earnings decreased in the first half of 2016, as results were challenged by modest underwriting deterioration and low investment yields, according to a new report released on Friday by Fitch Ratings. For a…
ICBC asks for 4.9% increase to basic insurance rates, lower than last year’s 5.5% increase
August 26, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterThe Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) announced on Thursday that it will submit its 2016 basic rate application to the British Columbia Utilities Commission, asking for a 4.9% increase to basic insurance rates – lower than last year’s 5.5%…
Canadian banks shake off oilpatch fears, report better than expected earnings
August 26, 2016 Alexandra Posadzki - THE CANADIAN PRESSTORONTO – Panic about how the oil price shock could affect the banks’ bottom lines has subsided, as several of the country’s largest financial institutions reported better-than-expected third-quarter results. CIBC (TSX:CM) reported that its quarterly profit climbed nearly 50 per…
S&P warns of corporate bond ratings cuts, U.S. firms ‘drowning in debt’
August 25, 2016 Bernard Condon - THE ASSOCIATED PRESSNEW YORK – America has a debt problem, but it’s not what you think. Yes, the federal government owes trillions of dollars more than it did a few years ago. Yes, Americans are still struggling to pay off mortgages and…
Insurance claims & expenses up 15% for TD
August 25, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterThe wildfire in May that resulted in the evacuation of Fort McMurray Alberta is one factor in the 15% year-over-year increase in insurance claims and related expenses for the Toronto Dominion Bank. TD released Thursday its financial results for the…
A.M. Best releases methodology publication on insurance-linked securities
August 18, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterOldwick, N.J.-based ratings firm A.M. Best Company has announced the publication of its new Best’s Insurance-Linked Securities & Structures Methodology (BILSM). The publication follows a public comment period that began on May 16 and closed on June 16, A.M. Best…
Only about 4% of Lloyd’s total business considered at risk from Brexit: Aon Benfield
August 18, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterOnly about 4% of Lloyd’s total business is considered to be at risk from the potential loss of membership of the single European market, following the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union (EU) in June, according to Aon…
Fed minutes: Conditions could ‘soon warrant’ a rate hike
August 17, 2016 Martin Crutsinger - THE ASSOCIATED PRESSWASHINGTON – Federal Reserve officials believed last month that near-term risks to the U.S. economy had subsided and that an interest rate increase could soon be warranted. But they did not indicate when they would likely raise rates. The minutes…
AIG reaches agreement to sell United Guaranty Corporation to Arch Capital for US$3.4 billion
August 17, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterAmerican International Group, Inc. has entered into an agreement to sell its 100% interest in United Guaranty Corporation (UGC) to Arch Capital Group Ltd. for US$3.4 billion, a move in line with AIG’s continuing efforts to streamline operations and better…
Desjardins’ combined ratio up 26.5 points in Q2 2016, Fort McMurray wildfire losses estimated at $30.2 million
August 15, 2016 by Canadian UnderwriterLevis, Que.-based Desjardins General Insurance Group (DGIG) released its second quarter financial results on Friday, reporting an estimated expense of $30.2 million after reinsurance and income taxes related to the Fort McMurray wildfire and a combined ratio of 99.1%. “The…