Lack of cat activity leads to plentiful capacity in reinsurance market

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Reinsurance capital continued to strengthen through the second quarter of 2012 as a result of limited exposure to catastrophe losses in the opening six months of the year.

There have been upward revisions to catastrophe-related losses that hit the US during Q1 2012, according to Guy Carpenter, as well as more storm and wildfire activity across the country in Q2.

Insured losses during the first six months of the year totalled $11bn (£7bn), significantly below the $76bn (£49bn) recorded during the same period last year.

The Guy Carpenter Global Reinsurance Composite's capital position increased by 4% to $184.5bn (£118.7bn) in the first quarter of 2012.

Benign catastrophe activity, continued reserve releases and falling yields on high-grade fixed income securities have played a prominent role in bolstering capital and subduing pricing pressures so far in 2012.

Experts believe these factors will continue to influence the direction of the reinsurance market between now and 1 January 2013.

David Flandro, global head of business intelligence at Guy Carpenter, said: "Catastrophe losses have been relatively limited for the reinsurance sector to date in 2012.

"As a result, we have seen a continued improvement in the sector's dedicated capital position, which has mitigated price increases.

"As we enter hurricane season, we will continue to track catastrophe activity, reserving and asset-side issues in our analysis of pricing trends for the remainder of the year."

The global property market saw unprecedented losses last year, but entered 2012 in approximately the same capital position as at the start of 2011. With a benign start to 2012, 1 July renewals have been described as showing plentiful capacity and moderated pricing trends.

Lara Mowery, head of global property speciality at Guy Carpenter, added: "In 2011 the industry experienced one of its most challenging years, due to the tremendous volume of catastrophe losses across the globe.

"With light losses to date in 2012, 1 July property renewals are marked by disciplined underwriting amid plentiful capacity. Based on the impact of July increases in 2011 and available capacity, pricing trends have moderated."

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