Convertible bonds shine in COVID-19 induced volatility
Market turbulences in H1 2020 may have hit hard the asset side of insurers' balance sheet, but some assets thrive in muddy waters. David Turner looks at convertible bonds.
IAR Americas: Round the world of credit
Insurers examine the impact of COVID-19 on different asset classes in the credit and structured bond universe and how they feel about future performance, during a panel discussion at Insurance Asset Risk Americas. Compiled by Stephanie Harris
Sustainability - the external asset managers' view
Research by Insurance Asset Risk, sponsored by JP Morgan Asset Management, has revealed the sometimes-challenging relationships between insurers and their external asset managers, as well as were both players complement each other. JPMAM's Mark Oldcorn and Jennifer Wu comment on some of the findings. Interview by Vincent Huck
Stress-tested: How COVID-19 put insurers' investments under pressure
The impact of the pandemic on insurers' claims remains unknown, and estimates vary widely. However, market turbulence in H1 has clearly impacted the asset side of insurers' balance sheets. Already, though, underwriters are looking ahead and rethinking investment decisions and ensuring resilience. Vincent Huck surveys the damage done and the plans afoot
Lower-for-longer interest rates opens up EMD opportunities
Emerging market sovereign debt is starting to find a place in insurers portfolios as they scratch around for return in the low rate environment. While still in its early days, insurance investors feel the asset class could become a shining light for insurance asset allocation. Stephanie Harris reports
USA insurers search for the golden age of credit
For the harried insurer, dealing with a projected lifetime of low interest rates, is there any value left in the corporate bond market? Some believe there is, and particularly so in that much-derided BBB segment. Sarfraz Thind reports
Sustainable investing: how to implement what still needs to be defined?
Lack of data and commonly agreed definitions are the main challenges for insurers in implementing their sustainable investment policies, chief investments officers tell Vincent Huck.
It was all 'keep calm and carry on' for insurers in H1, GSAM's Comon says
If insurers were ever characterised as slow to move and tardy to change, Goldman Sachs Asset Management head of insurance for EMEA Etienne Comon has another perspective. He talks to David Walker about the challenges insurers faced in H1 2020 and how their speedy reaction has aided resilience.
Regulators have the sustainability power
JP Morgan Asset Management and Insurance Asset Risk have joined forces to understand what lies under the bonnet of insurers' responsible investment announcements. Findings were compiled in a report. We present some of the key high- level discoveries, with part one focusing on regulation. Vincent Huck reports
Lloyd's - an investor in all but name?
The 330-year-old institution might have made its name with insurance, but in recent years its investments, with the help of third-party asset managers, have countered heavy losses from the liability side of the balance sheet. Is the old dog learning new tricks, David Walker asks