The market is beginning to turn, Swiss Re executives say, as the global reinsurer reports that its 2011 second-quarter net income rose to $960 million, compared to $812 million in the 2010 second quarter.

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., is warning that the federal government needs to do more to respond to growing demands for disaster assistance in the wake of “stronger weather events.”

Standard & Poor’s has lowered PMI Mortgage Insurance Co.’s financial-strength ratings to CCC-minus from B-minus, saying statutory insolvency and/or regulatory action on the company is possible by the end of the year.

Brower Insurance puts a premium on technology and has traditionally spent additional funds on the technology side to help its staff be more efficient, according to Dan Driskell, a principal for Brower, a regional agency in southwest Ohio.

MarketScout says insurance premium rates are in their third month of moderation, indicating that a pricing “correction” is finally going on as some lines of business are showing price increases.

MarketScout says insurance premium rates are in their third month of moderation, indicating that a pricing “correction” is finally going on as some lines of business are showing price increases.

The specialty lines insurance industry has been a hotbed of merger-and-acquisition activity over the past year, with deals for niche specialty brokers and managing general agents getting the most attention. PropertyCasualty360 takes a look back at some of the observations dealmakers and consultants have shared this year about the abundance...

Specialty insurance company Argo Group International Holdings Ltd. said Thursday that its net income fell in the second quarter as catastrophe losses rose.