Analysis

  • IAR survey: Insurers split on likelihood of a second COVID-19 wave

    08 June 2020

    Insurance Asset Risk surveyed the market on the shape of the COVID-19 recovery and found insurers divided on the likelihood of a second wave of the pandemic, though more positive about the recovery than third-party asset managers helping them. Vincent Huck reports

  • Webinar Q&A: The evolution of the GA

    04 June 2020

    Insurance Asset Risk and FactSet held a webinar on 21 May on considerations for insurers investing amid the current market volatility and on how COVID-19 might create a 'new normal' for insurers' strategic asset allocation. Panellists tackle the questions left unanswered on the day due to time constraints, after the initial discussion. Compiled by Vincent Huck

  • Shift to investing in APAC, particularly China, not going away with COVID-19

    02 June 2020

    The pandemic and its effect on the economy and markets will not affect allocation trends towards emerging markets and in particular increased interest in Chinese opportunities. Invesco head of EMEA for fixed income Nick Tolchard discusses the reasons why China remains a land of opportunities. Interview by Stephanie Harris

  • COVID-19: Investing in pyjamas

    26 May 2020

    The shift in working practices has gone smoothly, they say. Investors are still contacting clients, though tieless, via the numerous video conference calls they are now undertaking. But the virtual world doesn't cut it when it comes to relationship building. Sarfraz Thind reports

  • Where is the G in ESG?

    20 May 2020

    In the second piece of this two-part interview, Michael Morosi, global equity manager at Mapfre, unwraps the concept of good governance and how his fund makes investment decisions accordingly. Interview by Vincent Huck

  • Insurers' social investing takes the spotlight in battle against COVID-19

    18 May 2020

    If the pandemic has any silver lining, it is in boosting the prominence of the social aspect of environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing. David Walker investigates this 'elevation', and whether it will outlast the virus it is being rallied to combat.

  • Moody's reveals potential impact of downgrades on Solvency ratios

    14 May 2020

    The rating agency has run stress tests on European insurers' corporate bond portfolios and reveals that, in the most extreme scenario, solvency ratios could decrease by up to 50 percentage points. Vincent Huck reports

  • Interview: EU rethinks regulatory priorities in light of COVID-19

    12 May 2020

    Elizabeth Gillam, head of EU government relations and public policy at Invesco, discusses the European Union re-prioritisation of work streams in light of the COVID-19 crisis, and why sustainability will come out on top. Interview by Vincent Huck

  • Insurers update SCR ratios hit by investment market falls

    06 May 2020

    Dividend revisions, capital raisings and delays to Part VII transfers also explained in SFCRs. David Walker reports

  • Mapfre turns to offence

    04 May 2020

    In the first of a two part interview, Michael Morosi, global equity manager at Mapfre, explains the change of regime the market is currently undergoing and where the opportunities lie for long term investors. Interview by Vincent Huck