Insurers have long relied on the pick-up in corporate spreads over sovereigns as a core investment strategy, but today's investment landscape is prompting a strategic rethink for European insurers. As traditional public fixed income loses its edge, private credit is emerging as a powerful alternative. This fast-growing asset class offers insurers a way to tackle key portfolio challenges, boost diversification, and potentially enhance returns. In this paper, we explore how European insurers can harness private credit to help strengthen investment outcomes and build portfolio resilience.
Investment pressures confronting European insurers
Investment-led headwinds are buffeting insurers, creating challenges and complicating asset allocation decisions. An unclear interest rate and inflation environment, together with a need to secure reliable portfolio diversification, has incentivised insurers to consider less familiar investment options. However, important hurdles and challenges remain, which need to be understood.
Yield compression
With corporate bond spreads at their tightest levels since the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), the familiar comfort of public credit markets is no longer as rewarding. This yield compression has significantly reduced the risk-adjusted returns available from corporate bonds, prompting insurers to explore less conventional investment options.
Channels:Outsourcing
Companies:M&G
