David Walker

Ageas sells credit and blames spreads for jump in market risk in 2017

A jump in market risk off the back of worsening credit spreads was the main factor in the increase of Ageas's solvency capital requirement (SCR) during 2017, the Belgian insurer said during its full-year results conference this morning.

Allianz could boost equity exposure using volatility-mitigating measures

Allianz has said its use of measures to mitigate against equity market volatility gives it comfort to commit 9% of investments to the class, and it could expand its holdings.

Dutch insurer NN explains investment strategy in volatile markets

Lard Friese, chief executive of Dutch insurer NN, says the group's balance sheet is "well positioned" and prudently managed to navigate the volatile markets of recent weeks.

MetLife raises investment income in 2017 despite weaker alternatives

MetLife has reported a 3% rise in net investment income to $17.4bn for 2017, despite crystallising $1.1bn of net losses on derivatives and other securities.

Italian regulator demands more explanation of sovereign bond risk

Italy's insurance regulator has told insurers to improve their explanations of how they manage government bond risk, in their own risk and solvency assessment (Orsa) documents.

Anbang mulling selling Waldorf Astoria back to Blackstone, reports say

Trophy-property hunting Chinese insurer Anbang Insurance Group is reported to be discussing selling New York's iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel back to private financiers Blackstone Group for an undisclosed sum.

Fair value for euro interest rates is 3% to 5%, says GDV

SimCorp adds Solvency II risk function to investment software

Product helps insurers model solvency requirement for allocations

Mapfre boosts funds and shares allocation while fixed income drops

Spanish group also highlights €300m move into alternatives

Munich Re will hold steady on equities despite market volatility

Chief financial officer says 10-year bunds at 1% would not be abnormal