Archive

  • The global trends in insurance investment strategies

    11 May 2016

    Non-US insurers are seeking greater exposure to US securities, while US firms are leading the charge for re-risking, as Benedicte Gravrand reports

  • Allianz resolute in Asian asset strategy despite South Korea sale

    04 May 2016

    Allianz's sale of its South Korean insurance and asset management businesses marked a significant retreat for the insurer. Yet, the company continues to target growth in the region. Sarfraz Thind reports

  • Dipping toes in the high yield bond market

    19 April 2016

    There is a lot in favour of high yield bonds, but investments in such bonds need to be managed with great vigilance. Benedicte Gravrand reports

  • Shift towards unit-linked products is an opportunity for asset managers

    12 April 2016

    As European insurers move away from guaranteed products and towards unit-linked and hybrids, there is space for asset managers to step in, according to Cerulli Associates. Benedicte Gravrand reports

  • US insurers raise exposure to alternatives

    06 April 2016

    US insurers are increasing their exposure to alternative investments at the expense of allocations to non-performing fixed income portfolios, reports Benedicte Gravrand

  • Asian infrastructure both an opportunity and challenge

    16 March 2016

    Asian governments have been looking to spur private investment in infrastructure. But demand is somewhat restrained as tight supply and falling yields make it harder for insurance investors to access local deals. Sarfraz Thind reports

  • Insurers raise allocations to high-dividend equity strategies

    16 February 2016

    Better liability matching, accounting and tax treatments motivate switch, say asset managers

  • Japanese insurers hunt abroad as rates turn negative

    16 February 2016

    Overseas assets, products and acquisitions are proving attractive to a Japanese industry struggling under the burden of low interest rates. B. Gravrand reports.

  • Illiquid assets pull in yield-hungry insurers

    10 February 2016

    As yields in conventional asset classes disappear, insurers are chasing illiquids, says J.P.Morgan. B. Gravrand reports.

  • MetLife embraces utility-scale renewables

    10 February 2016

    MetLife's Stuart Ashton explains why the insurer has included utility-scale renewables, but not residential solar rooftops, among its renewables investments.