International News: Agricultural insurance shelters farmers in grain belts

China’s fledgling agricultural insurance sector has buffered farmers against greater losses after hail, pest outbreaks and a massive typhoon hit China’s breadbasket, the northeastern provinces of Heilongjiang and Jilin, a local official said.

“Agricultural insurance has proven instrumental in transferring risks and stabilizing farmers’ income,” said Liu Feng, director of the Heilongjiang Provincial Insurance Regulatory Bureau. Read more

International News: Swiss Re reports very strong net income of USD 2.2 billion for third quarter of 2012, driven by Property & Casualty Reinsurance and Admin Re® US sale

Swiss Re reports a net income of USD 2.2 billion in the third quarter of 2012 (vs. USD 1.3 billion in the prior-year period) and a return on equity of 28%, driven by continued strong performance from P&C Reinsurance and a one-off gain from the sale of the Admin Re® US business. Growth in premiums and net income at the Corporate Solutions Business Unit are in-line with targets. Swiss Re remains well-placed to achieve its five-year financial targets and to support clients in a volatile environment. Read more