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December 11, 2015 at 04:16 AM
The rating and fundamental sector outlook for U.S. life insurers is “stable” for 2016, according to new research.
Fitch Ratings discloses this finding in a report, “2016 Outlook: U.S. Life Insurance.” The study bases its assessment on the industry’s very strong balance sheet fundamentals, strong liability profile and stable operating performance.
These positive factors, Fitch reports, mitigate the credit rating agency’s ongoing concerns over persistent low interest rates that will continue to pressure interest margins and reserve adequacy in 2016. Fitch expects continued earnings pressure in 2016 due to reduced interest margins, which will offset modest growth in fee and underwriting income.
Credit-related investment losses are expected to increase in 2016 under Fitch’s base case scenario but remain somewhat below historical averages and pricing levels. Key credit concerns that could lead to higher than expected losses include continued weak commodity prices, softening global demand, the impact of Fed rate hikes and increasing geopolitical risk.
