United States News

World Warming Unhindered by Cold Spells Say Scientists

The pace of global warming continues unabated, scientists said on Thursday, despite images of Europe crippled by a deep freeze and parts of the United States blasted by blizzards. The bitter cold, with more intense winter weather forecast for March …

Ratings Recap: Generali (France), Tokio Marine Pacific, swisspartners

A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of ‘A+’ (Superior) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of “aa-” of Generali Vie and Generali IARD. Best also affirmed the ICR of “a-” of the non-operating parent, Generali France S.A. The …

Florida Recruits First Reinsurer Under Relaxed Collateral Rules

Florida insurance officials have reached an agreement with the first foreign reinsurer to operate under collateral requirements that were reduced in 2008 in an attempt to attract new reinsurers to the state. The Florida Office of Insurance Regulation said it …

Has Flu Pandemic Peaked? ‘Not Quite,’ Say Health Experts

Has the swine flu pandemic peaked globally? Not quite, World Health Organization advisers decided on Tuesday. WHO is taking a big risk in making such an announcement at all, and the wording of WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan’s decision, to …

Maag to Head North American P&C Unit for XL

XL Insurance has appointed Seraina Maag as chief executive of its North America Property & Casualty (P&C) unit. Maag most recently headed the Zurich North America Commercial, Specialties Business Unit, managing all aspects of that operation with offices across the …

Platinum Increases Share Repurchase Plan; Sets Annual Meeting Agenda

Bermuda-based Platinum Underwriters Holdings announced that it has increased the authorized amount under its existing share repurchase program to a total of up to $250 million of its common shares. “This represents an increase of approximately $167 million from the …

Copenhagen: Billions in Aid Seen as Key to Climate Talks Success

The allure of $30 billion in climate aid for poor nations holds the key to helping restore confidence in U.N. talks on fighting global warming and stopping them from unraveling. But there’s only months to figure out a way to …

WTO Envoys Despondent as Prospects for Doha Accord Dim

Gloom and frustration pervaded the World Trade Organization on Monday as the prospects of completing a new global commerce pact this year receded. The WTO’s 153 members had agreed to take stock at the end of March on whether the …

Despite Outrage at AIG Bonuses, Private Sector Still Rewards Failure

To many Americans, it’s a matter of common sense: traders who failed so spectacularly at their jobs that they nearly brought down the global economy should be fired, not rewarded with handsome bonuses. Yet AIG, the fallen insurer, paid out …

U.S. Chamber Names Rashish for Europe, Eurasia Post

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced that Peter S. Rashish has been named the new vice president for Europe and Eurasia. He will lead the Chamber’s International Division in “crafting and implementing strategies to promote the interests of Chamber members …