Allstate Corp aims to grow its share of the U.S. home and auto insurance markets without the need for "abnormally large" rate increases, its CEO said, after the company's profit more than doubled in the fourth quarter.

Radian Group Inc, the biggest U.S. private mortgage insurer, reported a quarterly profit after four straight losses as fewer homeowners defaulted on their loans in a recovering housing market.

A new judge presiding over Bank of America Corp's proposed $8.5 billion settlement with investors in soured mortgage securities on Tuesday postponed entering a final judgment in the case, raising the possibility of additional legal maneuvers.

The U.S. Senate gave final congressional approval on Tuesday to a nearly $1 trillion farm bill that trims food stamps for the poor, expands federal crop insurance and ends direct payments to farmers, and sent it to President Barack Obama for his expected signature.

Munich Re, the world's biggest reinsurer, hiked its dividend after a surprise rise in 2013 profit, lifting hopes it can cope with an influx of new competitors and falling prices

Hartford Financial Services Group's quarterly profit exceeded analysts' average expectation as it benefited from lower disaster losses, and the insurer announced a new $2 billion share buyback plan.

A New York state judge on Friday approved most of Bank of America Corp's $8.5 billion settlement with investors over toxic mortgage securities, but left a caveat that could complicate the bank's efforts to implement the deal.

Property and casualty insurer Chubb Corp reported a better-than-expected quarterly profit as its claims fell 30% and announced a $1.5 billion share buyback.