Esoteric ABS: Spreads Suggest Opportunity but Manager Experience, Focus May be Valuable
09/16/2020
Paul Norris, Head of Structured Products, explains the current market dynamics behind the wider spreads in esoteric ABS and why manager experience in both the collateral and ABS structures can be valuable to take advantage of potential opportunities.
New Frontiers: A View of Opportunity, Risk and the Unique Dynamics in Frontier Markets Debt
09/10/2020
Christian Mejrup, Deputy CIO for Global Evolution, the Conning affiliate that specializes in emerging market (EM) debt, discusses the market dynamics, opportunities and risks in frontier markets, the smaller, less economically developed nations in the EM sphere.
FHLB: Membership, Collateral and Innovative Uses of a Financing Resource for Insurers
09/03/2020
Conning has assembled ideas on ways to leverage Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) financing programs to help insurers make the most of the resource. Insurance membership continues to grow in the FHLB and, while it has long been a resource for larger insurers, smaller and mid-size insurers may also benefit from its capabilities.
Pension Funded Status Tracker July 2020
08/18/2020
The funded status of the average U.S. corporate defined benefit pension plan dropped from 81% to 80% in July. The asset portfolio increased in value as both hedging and growth portfolios witness gains.
Pandemic Furthering Decline in Life Annuity Book Yields and Offering Lessons in Managing Risk
08/06/2020
While the pandemic will likely lead to even lower book yields for life-annuity insurers, Conning suggests that scenario planning – stress-testing portfolios against historical market downturns – may help insurers better understand the range of risks they face.
Q&A: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Conning Holdings Limited (“Conning”)
08/05/2020
A discussion of Conning’s journey to address diversity, equity and inclusion, from its impetus and lessons learned to the important work ahead, with Board member Meryl Hartzband and CEO and Chair of the Board Woody Bradford.
P/C Book Yields Surplus May Slip Further Due to Pandemic Fallout
08/04/2020
While the pandemic will likely lead to even lower book yields for property-casualty insurers and possibly impact surplus, Conning suggests that scenario planning – stress-testing portfolios against historical market downturns – may help insurers better understand the range of risks they face.
Conning ConnText Podcast: Quarterly Investment Outlook
07/30/2020
In his Conning ConnText podcast for the third quarter, Rich offers his insights on capital markets in the “year of incredible contrasts.” He is joined by Steve Webersen, Head of Conning’s Insurance Research group, who discusses how market conditions and industry trends are affecting various insurance industry sectors.
Webinar: Insurers on the Road to Omnichannel
07/28/2020
Conning insurance industry analysts Alan Walters, Rebekah Humphrey and Alan Dobbins offer insight on developing omnichannel capabilities, i.e., a multiplatform channel that allows a seamless customer experience. In this presentation as part of the NAMIC Management Conference, Conning's industry experts highlight the companies that are making good progress, the struggles of those trailing, and the ever-important value of a human touch.
Pension Funded Status Tracker June 2020
07/28/2020
The funded status of the average U.S. corporate defined benefit pension plan improved to 81% in June, a monthly gain of 1%. The asset portfolio increased in value but liabilities also increased, mainly due to a decline in the effective discount rate.