Tropical Storm Chantal strengthened slightly on Tuesday as it swept into the eastern Caribbean and moved between the islands of Martinique and St. Lucia, U.S. forecasters said.

Floods in central Europe last month may cost insurance companies $3.5-4.5 billion, only half of one previous estimate but more than was paid out for the last major washout in 2002, the world's second biggest reinsurer said.

Hundreds of U.S. farm and agribusiness groups have urged Republican leaders in the House to try again to pass the $500 billion, five-year farm bill that suffered an historic and unexpected defeat in June.

New York's financial regulator has asked Lloyd's Banking Group and Swiss Re for details about dealings linked to Iran as part of a probe into 20 non-U.S. reinsurance firms.

New York's financial regulator has asked Lloyd's Banking Group and Swiss Re for details about dealings linked to Iran as part of a probe into 20 non-U.S. reinsurance firms.

Bank of America Corp has rejected a bid to re-open negotiations into its proposed $8.5 billion settlement with investors in mortgage securities, indicating it plans to take its chances that a New York judge will approve the deal.

For European insurers frustrated that "cyber crime" policies have so far failed to find a ready market among sceptical companies, hope may be at hand.

For European insurers frustrated that "cyber crime" policies have so far failed to find a ready market among sceptical companies, hope may be at hand.