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.

Conning ConnText Podcast: Quarterly Investment Outlook

10/20/2020

In his Conning ConnText podcast for the fourth quarter, Rich Sega, Global Chief Investment Strategist, offers his views on how markets may react once voters have their say in November. He is joined by Karel Citroen, Head of Conning’s Municipal Credit Research team, who discusses how COVID-19, state credit quality and the elections may affect various states.


Pension Funded Status Tracker September 2020

10/20/2020

The funded status of the average U.S. corporate defined benefit pension plan deteriorated 2% to 83% in September. The asset portfolio decreased in value as US equities led the decline while liabilities remained flat.


Consulting Opportunities Rise as Insurers Increase Investment Outsourcing

10/08/2020

Conning and Eager, Davis & Holmes offer insights on the rising number of insurance companies turning to outside managers to help them enhance investment returns in this low-rate environment, and the possible opportunities for investment consultants to offer valuable assistance.


Webinar: An Introduction to Life Settlements

10/05/2020

Lower interest rates may drive growth in the life settlements market, which involves life insurance policyowners selling their policies to investors. Industry analyst Scott Hawkins offers insight on the life settlement market dynamics and the unique risks in this webinar.


Conning's Segment Reports Highlight Important Trends

09/23/2020

Conning’s Insurance Research team reports on the current leading trends affecting the life-annuity and property-casualty insurance segments, including – but not limited to – the impact of COVID-19.


Client Case Study: Cloud-Enabled Strategic Asset Allocation

09/21/2020

Schroders Personal Wealth uses Conning software to analyze investment strategies for the highest potential return while limiting volatility and downside losses. Click here to read the full case study.


Pension Funded Status Tracker August 2020

09/17/2020

The funded status of the average U.S. corporate defined benefit pension plan improved 5% to 85% in August. The asset portfolio increased in value as growth assets outperformed over the month.


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.