Insights

These views and opinions are those of the authors at the time of writing, may be subject to change, are for informational purposes only, and they should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation for the purchase or sale of securities by Conning. The information may not be current and Conning has no obligation to provide any updates or changes. Individual portfolio management teams for Conning may have views and opinions and/or make investment decisions that, in certain instance, may not always be consistent with the views and opinions expressed therein. While any third-party data used is considered reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed.

COVID-19 Effect on the Insurance Industry

04/06/2020

While the insurance industry is well suited to weather the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, rating agency stress-testing is expected to result in both ratings downgrades and requirements for additional capital for certain insurers.


Portfolio Income Opportunities Amid Market Distress

03/24/2020

Insurers may wish to take advantage of the current market dislocation to potentially enhance portfolio income without having to invest new cash or assume a significant amount of additional risk.


Pension Funded Status Tracker February 2020

03/20/2020

The funded status of the average U.S. corporate defined benefit pension plan fell 5% from 91% to 86% funded, between the beginning to end of February 2020. The asset portfolio fell in value despite mixed performance in the hedging and growth portfolios and liabilities increased in value, driven by a drop in interest rates.


Four Regulatory & Accounting Updates: What Life/Annuity & Health Insurers Need to Know

03/11/2020

A new year often means new regulatory and accounting changes for insurers, and 2020 is no exception. Conning has analyzed the four major updates, which will most likely affect life/annuity and health companies, and shares our insights.


Seeing the Big Picture: Managing Total Investment Risk in the General Account and DB Pension Plan

03/03/2020

Insurers may be missing opportunities to improve net income, pension plan funding and their bottom line because of a blind spot. These companies may not see the full investment risk of their general account and defined benefit (DB) pension plan separate account. Missing the big picture may weaken enterprise risk management and lead to inefficiencies in investment strategy, possibly affecting the insurer’s balance sheet. Conning has developed a solution, based on our deep understanding of insurance and pension asset management, aimed at providing insurers a comprehensive view of general account and DB assets.


Conning 2020 Industry Outlook

02/20/2020

Conning’s 2020 U.S. Insurance Industry Outlook webinar offers insight on how insurers may wish to prepare for the year ahead. 


Pension Funded Status Tracker January 2020

02/14/2020

The funded status of the average U.S. corporate defined benefit pension plan dropped by 2% from 93% to 91% funded, between the beginning and end of January. The asset portfolio increased in value due to positive hedging portfolio performance and liabilities also increased in value, mostly driven by a drop in interest rates.


Client Case Study: Pension Strategic Asset Allocation

02/05/2020

Valida Vorsorge Management utilizes Conning software to explore ideal asset allocation strategies based on their risk/reward profile