Financial News

Survey: Double Dip Recession Tops Concerns of Europe’s Business Leaders

The potential for a global double dip recession and its impact on trade in Europe, top the list of risks facing businesses according to new research conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) and co-sponsored by ACE. “Recession also creates …

Fremont Michigan Reports Higher Earnings, Loss Experience in Q2

Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp Inc., a Michigan-exclusive property/casualty insurance carrier, reported revenues of $16 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2010, an increase of 15.6 percent over the second quarter of 2009. Higher loss and loss adjustment expenses (LAE) …

Berkshire Hathaway Profit Down on Derivatives But Insurance Way Up

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. said Friday second-quarter profit fell 40 percent, as declining stock prices depressed the value of his derivative contracts. Operating profit nevertheless soared 73 percent, helped by the February takeover of railroad operator Burlington Northern Santa …

U.S. Captive Insurers’ Underwriting Income Drops; Investments Improve

Net income doubled in 2009 over 2008 for a composite of 195 U.S. captive insurers followed by A.M. Best Co., driven by the recovery of the industry’s investments. Realized capital gains totaled $82 million for 2009, compared with $1.2 billion …

Markel Underwriting Loss Tied to Chile Earthquake, Deepwater Horizon

Specialty insurance company Markel Corp. reported that its combined ratio for the second quarter of 2010 was 103 percent, compared to 99 percent for the second quarter of 2009. The combined ratio was 102 percent for the six months ended …

AIG Posts Q2 Loss; Chartis Insurance Stable Despite Flood, Oil Spill Claims

American International Group Inc. reported a $2.7 billion quarterly loss compared to a net profit of $1.8 billion for the same quarter a year earlier. The second quarter 2010 loss was primarily due to a $3.3 billion non-cash goodwill impairment …

Catlin First Half Profit Falls

Specialty insurer Catlin Group Limited reported a US$86 million profit before tax for the six months ending June 30, 2010. That compares to US$240 million for the half year 2009. The results include a US$227 million underwriting gain for the …

Liberty Mutual Profit Falls in Q2

Boston-based Liberty Mutual Group reported net income of $220 million for the second quarter of 2010, a decrease of $48 million or 17.9 percent from the same period in 2009. Including the impact of catastrophes, the company’s combined ratio for …

Cincinnati Financial Q2 2010 Income Up from Previous Year

Cincinnati Financial Corp. saw net income for the second quarter of 2010 rise to $27 million compared with a net loss of $19 million for the same period in 2009. Operating income for the quarter was $42 million compared with …

Employers Holdings Q2 Net Premiums Written Declined 15.5%, Reducing Workforce

Reno, Nev.-based Employers Holdings Inc. has reported second quarter 2010 net income of $16.5 million compared with $20.3 million in the second quarter of 2009, a decrease of $3.8 million or $0.05 per share. Net income for the six months …