United States News

Rich/Poor Rifts Stall Progress at UN Climate Talks

U.N. climate talks opened on Monday, exposing familiar rifts between rich and poor countries which delegates said were likely to delay a re-start of formal negotiations. The 185-nation Bonn conference, which will run until June 11, is the biggest international …

Transocean Revises Bid to Limit Liability After U.S. Criticism

The Obama administration told Transocean Ltd. in a letter last week it was “simply unconscionable” for the drilling firm to try to limit its liability in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill accident, prompting the company to revise its court …

Best Affirms RLI Group’s ‘A+’ Ratings; Outlook Stable

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘A+’ (Superior) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “aa-” of RLI Group and its members. Best also affirmed the ICR of “a-” and debt rating of “a-” on $100 …

Best Affirms Hiscox USA Group’s ‘A’ Ratings; Outlook Stable

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘A’ (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “a” of Hiscox USA Group, and its lead member, Hiscox Insurance Company Inc. (HICI), based in Geneva, Illinois. Hiscox USA is …

Ratings Roundup: Infinity, West Bend Mutual

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating (FSR) of ‘A’ (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “a” of Infinity Property & Casualty Group and its operating members. Best also affirmed the ICR of “bbb” and debt rating …

Saft: Lessons for U.S., UK from Japan’s Lost Decade

Deflation and a lost decade can be avoided it seems; all we need are perfect central bankers, sensible politicians, a biddable electorate and cooperative investors. Nothing to worry about there, then. In a speech on Monday, Bank of England Monetary …

World Warms, But Public Cools to Action on Climate Change

This year is on track to be the warmest worldwide since records began in the 19th century, yet voters seem to be cooling to strong action to combat climate change. Their doubts may be quietly sapping the will of governments …

Justice Department Defends Retroactive Liability Limit on BP

The U.S. Justice Department said Tuesday that Congress could retroactively impose a higher liability cap on BP Plc to pay for the damage from its growing oil spill, and the company would likely lose if it challenged the higher cap …

U.S. Trade Chief Urges China to Lower Barriers

Potential Chinese moves to lower trade barriers could be as important as exchange rate reforms in easing economic strains with the United States, Washington’s top trade negotiator said as the two powers entered a second day of talks. Senior officials …

Report: Property, Violent Crimes Drop by 5% in 2009

Crime rates declined in both violent and property crimes in the United States last year, according to the FBI’s Preliminary Annual Uniform Crime Report released today. Preliminary 2009 statistics indicate that violent crime in the nation decreased 5.5 percent and …