soft market 2016 News

Is Soft Market Bottoming? A.M. Best Points to Some Promising Signs

Some observers believe the bottom of the reinsurance market may be in sight because brokers are having greater difficulty filling out underpriced programs and further concessions in terms are difficult to obtain, according to a report published by A.M. Best. …

Reinsurers Can Expect Another Difficult Year, Seeking Price Stabilization: Willis Re

Despite a 50 percent increase in insured losses from natural catastrophes during 2016, the global reinsurance industry achieved profitable results for the third quarter and remains on track to close out another profitable full year, according to a report published …

Reinsurance Prices May Be Bottoming but Outlook Remains Negative: A.M. Best

The outlook for the reinsurance sector is being held at negative by A.M. Best, which cited continuing market challenges that will hinder the potential for positive rating actions and may eventually bring negative rating pressures. The strain on profitability is …

Lloyd’s Insurers Urged to Focus on U/W Discipline as 2016 Losses Loom

Underwriters at Lloyd’s of London lost money in 2016, driving the 90-plus syndicates in the insurance market to be more selective in the risks they take on and forcing Lloyd’s to cut its subscription rates. To tackle the downturn in …

Ratings Agencies Expect Reinsurance Premiums to Continue Dropping in 2017

Reinsurance premiums are likely to continue to fall next year, ratings agencies said on Tuesday, following years of weaker prices due to competition in the sector and a lack of natural catastrophe losses. Reinsurers act as a financial backstop for …

EU Passporting Essential for Lloyd’s Market Position in Post-Brexit World: Fitch

The UK’s exit from the European Union, or “Brexit,” could lead to a loss of business for Lloyd’s of London unless the UK government is able to negotiate passporting arrangements to maintain access to the European Economic Area (EEA)*, according …

Low Prices Ultimately Could Bite London Market Insurers: A.M. Best, PwC Reports

The business outlook for the London insurance market is a familiar one across other global markets: underwriting profits are under pressure as ongoing soft market prices begin to take a toll. In separate reports on the London market, both A.M. …

Soft Prices May Bring Reinsurer Losses when Typical Cat Levels Return: Execs

It won’t take another Hurricane Katrina for reinsurers to face losses from covering the cost of storms and earthquakes. Competitors such as hedge funds have eroded prices so much that a typical year of claims could move the industry into …

Reinsurers May Reassess Cat Exposures When Normal Claims Levels Return: S&P

Most global reinsurers have been able to maintain underwriting discipline despite the ongoing soft market, but there is a danger that their profits could be hit if the current benign period of natural catastrophes returns to normal levels, according to …

Reinsurance Cycle Is Not Dead Yet so Buyers Need to Put It to Good Use: JLT Re

Despite proclamations by some observers that the reinsurance cycle is dead, JLT Re says, reports of its demise are greatly exaggerated – and now is the time for buyers to use the cycle, and reinsurance, to their advantage. Rates are …