Another series of earthquakes struck Chile. A 6.9 magnitude quake shook the central part of the country, including Santiago, the U.S. Geological Survey reported.

An economic recovery could halt the movement by standard carriers into markets traditionally served by excess and surplus lines insurers, industry experts said.

Liberty Mutual Chief Executive Officer Edmund F. Kelly, said he takes a "bearish" view of the future of the economy with his biggest concern being inflation, which he sees as almost inevitable in a few years.

Risk retention trade groups are urging prompt House action on legislation introduced last week that will allow their members to sell commercial property insurance.