Commercial-lines rate increases continued moderating in July,increasing 1.5% year-over-year, compared to a 2% increase inJune.

In its latest Market Barometer, MarketScout says small accountsled the way for increases, up 3% in July. Medium accounts were up2%, large accounts were up 1% and jumbo accounts were flat.

By line, commercial auto and BOP led the way, up 3%. Businessinterruption, inland marine, workers' comp, D&O, EPLI,fiduciary, crime and surety were the most competitive lines, all upjust 1%.

The contracting and transportation industries saw the steepestincreases at 3%. Manufacturing, services, habitational and energywere up 2% and public entities were up 1%.

MarketScout's analysis follows the Council of Insurance Agentsand Brokers' release of Q2 survey results in which brokers reportedessentially flat rates for the period (down 0.5%).

Personal lines

Personal-lines rates were up 3%, down from 4% in June.Homeowners rates for homes valued both over and over $1 millionincreased 3%, as did auto. Personal-articles rates were up 2%.