Industry

Securities litigation costs on the rise in the U.S.

In 2002 and the first seven months of 2003, settlements in U.S. securities litigation have continued to rise, according to a new study by PriceWaterhouse Coopers. For the first seven months of 2003, settlements reached US$1.5 billion, on 60 settlements. Average settlement of these cases was US$25.1 million each, although several were over US$50 million.Last […]

By Canadian Underwriter | August 27, 2003

1 min read

U.S. insurer surplus drops on investment decline

Despite premium increases and better underwriting performance, the stock markets are hampering the recovery of U.S. p&c insurers, according to the Insurance Services Office Inc. (ISO).Although 2002 saw the largest premium increase in more than 15 years, industry surplus dropped to US$285.2 billion, a 1.5% decline over 2001. The decline also came despite 2002 seeing […]

By Canadian Underwriter | August 26, 2003

1 min read

Pressure mounts from rating agencies: Swiss Re study

While the opinion insurers hold of rating agencies is generally positive, many feel rating agency standards have become increasingly stringent, says a new study by Swiss Re.In “Insurance Company Ratings”, Swiss Re notes that insurers see rating agencies as “reasonably focused, fair and balanced” but were concerned that through the 1990s ever more stringent standards […]

By Canadian Underwriter | August 25, 2003

2 min read

Rate hikes pay off for Co-operators

Co-operators General Insurance Co. (TSX: CCS.PR.A) says premium increases is starting to show results in bottom-line profitability. For the second quarter ending June 30, 2003, the company reports after-tax net income of $25.3 million, versus net income of $7 million in second-quarter 2002. This brings year-to-date net income up to $19.4 million, compared to $4.7 […]

By Canadian Underwriter | August 21, 2003

1 min read