E&S/Specialty

W.R. Berkley Corp. reports Q2 net income of $180 million, up from $116 million in 2013s second quarter, as rate increases continued to outpace loss costs.

XL Group Plc, jumped the most since January after second-quarter profit beat analysts estimates as margins improved.

Insurer's various business units see credit rating upgrades from A.M. Best, Standard & Poor's.

QBE Insurance Group Ltd. slumped the most in seven months after forecasting an 18% decline in first-half earnings due to higher claims in Latin America and competition with other insurers.

Specialty energy insurers and industry captives have managed positive operating results over the last five years, with very strong investment income supplementing more volatile underwriting results, a new report says.

Specialty energy insurers and industry captives have managed positive operating results over the last five years, with very strong investment income supplementing more volatile underwriting results, a new report says.