Insights

These views and opinions are those of the authors at the time of writing, may be subject to change, are for informational purposes only, and they should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation for the purchase or sale of securities by Conning. The information may not be current and Conning has no obligation to provide any updates or changes. Individual portfolio management teams for Conning may have views and opinions and/or make investment decisions that, in certain instance, may not always be consistent with the views and opinions expressed therein. While any third-party data used is considered reliable, its accuracy is not guaranteed.

Esoteric ABS: Spreads Suggest Opportunity but Manager Experience, Focus May be Valuable

09/16/2020

Paul Norris, Head of Structured Products, explains the current market dynamics behind the wider spreads in esoteric ABS and why manager experience in both the collateral and ABS structures can be valuable to take advantage of potential opportunities.


New Frontiers: A View of Opportunity, Risk and the Unique Dynamics in Frontier Markets Debt

09/10/2020

Christian Mejrup, Deputy CIO for Global Evolution, the Conning affiliate that specializes in emerging market (EM) debt, discusses the market dynamics, opportunities and risks in frontier markets, the smaller, less economically developed nations in the EM sphere.


FHLB: Membership, Collateral and Innovative Uses of a Financing Resource for Insurers

09/03/2020

Conning has assembled ideas on ways to leverage Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) financing programs to help insurers make the most of the resource. Insurance membership continues to grow in the FHLB and, while it has long been a resource for larger insurers, smaller and mid-size insurers may also benefit from its capabilities.


Pension Funded Status Tracker July 2020

08/18/2020

The funded status of the average U.S. corporate defined benefit pension plan dropped from 81% to 80% in July. The asset portfolio increased in value as both hedging and growth portfolios witness gains.


Pandemic Furthering Decline in Life Annuity Book Yields and Offering Lessons in Managing Risk

08/06/2020

While the pandemic will likely lead to even lower book yields for life-annuity insurers, Conning suggests that scenario planning – stress-testing portfolios against historical market downturns – may help insurers better understand the range of risks they face.


Q&A: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Conning Holdings Limited (“Conning”)

08/05/2020

A discussion of Conning’s journey to address diversity, equity and inclusion, from its impetus and lessons learned to the important work ahead, with Board member Meryl Hartzband and CEO and Chair of the Board Woody Bradford.


P/C Book Yields Surplus May Slip Further Due to Pandemic Fallout

08/04/2020

While the pandemic will likely lead to even lower book yields for property-casualty insurers and possibly impact surplus, Conning suggests that scenario planning – stress-testing portfolios against historical market downturns – may help insurers better understand the range of risks they face.


Conning ConnText Podcast: Quarterly Investment Outlook

07/30/2020

In his Conning ConnText podcast for the third quarter, Rich offers his insights on capital markets in the “year of incredible contrasts.” He is joined by Steve Webersen, Head of Conning’s Insurance Research group, who discusses how market conditions and industry trends are affecting various insurance industry sectors.


Webinar: Insurers on the Road to Omnichannel

07/28/2020

Conning insurance industry analysts Alan Walters, Rebekah Humphrey and Alan Dobbins offer insight on developing omnichannel capabilities, i.e., a multiplatform channel that allows a seamless customer experience. In this presentation as part of the NAMIC Management Conference, Conning's industry experts highlight the companies that are making good progress, the struggles of those trailing, and the ever-important value of a human touch.


Pension Funded Status Tracker June 2020

07/28/2020

The funded status of the average U.S. corporate defined benefit pension plan improved to 81% in June, a monthly gain of 1%. The asset portfolio increased in value but liabilities also increased, mainly due to a decline in the effective discount rate.