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News from 2024


On November 15, 2023, revised insurance risk-based capital adequacy criteria were released, assigning a UCO identifier to ratings that could potentially be affected by the change. This designation was used to highlight the possibility of a rating action on specific issuer and issue ratings. A UCO identifier was assigned to one or more ratings on 63 issuers, their subsidiaries, or related issues.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 18, 2024) - Lackluster domestic demand for gasoline paired with decreasing oil prices led to the national average for a gallon of gas climbing just four cents to $3.67 since last week. With tensions running high over the past three weeks in the Middle East, the cost of oil reached the upper $80s per barrel. However, it has since fallen several dollars into the low $80s as the oil market watches to see if any further military actions occur."The situation overseas with war in both the Middle East and Ukraine has the oil market on edge," said Andrew...

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management today announced results from its quarterly individual investor pulse survey, revealing that despite a drop in optimism, bullish sentiment remains strong among investors. According to the survey, three out of five investors (60%) are bullish this quarter, consistent with the previous quarter.Chris Larkin, Managing Director, Head of Trading and Investing at E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley, commented on the market trends, stating, “The US stock market is coming off one of its strongest first quarters of the past 20 years, and so it should not be...

NORTHBROOK, Ill., April 18, 2024 – The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) released information regarding their March and first quarter 2024 catastrophe losses and implemented rates.According to the Allstate Corporation, the March month catastrophe losses totaled $328 million or $259 million after-tax. These losses stemmed from six events, with the majority of the losses, approximately 80%, attributed to one hail event. These losses were partially offset by favorable reserve reestimates for prior events.The total catastrophe losses for the first quarter of 2024 amounted to...

NORTHBROOK, Ill., April 17, 2024 – Allstate customers who opt into the Allstate app's safe driving features are experiencing a significant decrease in severe collisions. According to Allstate and its mobility data and analytics partner Arity, those who choose to use Drivewise are 25% less likely to have a severe collision than those who don't. Driving behavior research from Arity also indicates that Drivewise customers exhibit safer driving habits compared to other connected drivers, handling their phones less, speeding less, and hard braking less by as much as 44%.Ginger...

Nationwide's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Jules Benson, recently analyzed data from more than 22 million pet insurance claims to unveil some surprising trends regarding certain dog breeds. Dr. Benson noted that some breeds, known as "Peter Pan pups," retain puppy-like behaviors well into their mature and senior years, which can lead to specific health risks.Dr. Benson stated, "Some dog breeds continue to submit claims for what we might think of as ‘silly puppy’ conditions – including trauma, foreign body ingestion, and toxicity – well into their mature and even senior...

Progressive Insurance has announced the list of agents who achieved a Priority 20 standing in 2023. Tricia Griffith, CEO of Progressive, expressed her excitement in celebrating with the high-performing agents who made the list. She stated, "When I received the latest list of agencies that achieved Priority 20 status based on their 2023 business results, I was so excited to celebrate with them. This prestigious award is a testament to the dedication and remarkable achievements of these independent agents. They have truly taken our partnership to new heights, showcasing...

Progressive Insurance CEO, Tricia Griffith, expressed her delight in recognizing the top 25 Progressive Platinum Program Blue-level agents who achieved a Platinum 25 standing in 2023, stating, “Once again, I’m delighted to recognize our newest class of Platinum 25 honorees.” She commended these agents for their commitment to building their preferred bundled home and auto business with Progressive while providing exceptional service to customers, saying, “We’re honored to welcome this year’s class and applaud their achievements.”The 2023 Platinum 25 agents include Couri...

Nationwide has announced the winners of the 2024 Wacky Pet Names campaign. According to Nationwide, "Congratulations to Molly from Corporate, Tony “Scarface” Baloney and Thor Odinbun, God of Bunder for their first-place finishes in the dog, cat and exotic pet name categories, respectively."The annual competition by the nation’s pet health insurance leader recognizes the most unique and clever names among its roster of over 1.2 million protected pets. The top 10 wackiest dog, cat, and exotic pet names were put to a public vote that ran from April 9-12.In celebration of...

Morgan Stanley Reports First Quarter 2024Morgan Stanley has announced that a conference call to discuss the results of the first quarter of 2024 will be held on April 16, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. (ET). The call will be available both live and on-demand via webcast on their website in the Investor Relations section.In a statement, Morgan Stanley emphasized the importance of respecting the copyright of their presentation, stating, "IMPORTANT INFORMATIONThis presentation by Morgan Stanley is copyrighted and proprietary, and all rights are reserved. Any recording, rebroadcast or...

Thomas, a member of his local fire department, recently shared his experience with a Ting electrical fire monitoring device that detected an electrical problem in his home. According to Thomas, "The detection of an arching problem, when electricity 'jumps' across a tiny gap in a connection, was discovered by this device and allowed for immediate action to take place."Ting, a device that monitors the electrical network of a home, has been successful in preventing potential fires. It has detected over 500 fire hazards and alerted homeowners before a fire ignites, as...

COLUMBUS, OH (April 16, 2024) – A new study conducted by AAA and Bread Financial has revealed that younger generations are significantly impacting the landscape of live event travel. According to the survey, approximately three in five Gen Z and Millennial respondents have either traveled or plan to travel for in-person events like concerts, sporting events, comedy shows, and book readings that are more than 50 miles from home.The study found that younger travelers are willing to go the extra mile, with more than half of Gen Z travelers opting for plane travel and a...

NEW YORK, NY, April 16, 2024 - The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS) has announced its plan to redeem all outstanding shares of its 6.375% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series K ("Series K Preferred Stock") and the corresponding 28,000,000 depositary shares ("Depositary Shares") on May 17, 2024.According to The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., "The Depositary Shares will be redeemed for a redemption price equal to $25 per Depositary Share (equivalent to $25,000 per share of Series K Preferred Stock) plus an amount equal to any dividends that have...

NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning is stepping into a new role to help upcoming NFL Draft prospects prepare for the big night. In Nationwide's latest ad campaign titled "Draft Night Drills," Manning is using his experience as the 1998 NFL Draft #1 pick to guide draftees through various scenarios they may encounter.The campaign, which includes a 30-second commercial, showcases Manning coaching fictional prospects on essential aspects of Draft night, such as selecting the perfect outfit and mastering the art of embracing the commissioner. Reflecting on this initiative,...

The majority of US health insurers are projected to record year-over-year revenue growth for the first quarter of 2024, despite nearly half of them expecting a drop in Earnings Per Share (EPS) during the same period. This forecast is based on an S&P Global Market Intelligence analysis of sell-side analyst predictions.

AF Group has joined the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) as its most recent member. "AF Group is a driving force in the specialty solutions market, and the Triple-I is honored to have the support of such an important organization," said Sean Kevelighan, CEO, Triple-I.Lisa Corless, President and CEO of AF Group, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, "Among the biggest concerns for insurers today are rate adequacy, inflation, climate change and economic uncertainty." She added, "Aligning with the Triple-I is an ideal way to foster our unique...

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024. The company reported net revenues of $14.21 billion and net earnings of $4.13 billion. Diluted earnings per common share (EPS) were $11.58, with an annualized return on average common shareholders’ equity (ROE) of 14.8% for the first quarter of 2024.In a statement, David Solomon, Chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs, expressed satisfaction with the quarterly performance, stating, “Our first quarter results reflect the strength of our world-class and interconnected...

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has announced dividends on various series of its non-cumulative preferred stock. The declaration includes dividends on different preferred stock series, with specific amounts allocated to each category.According to Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., the dividends declared are as follows:- "$385.79 per share of Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series A;"- "$385.79 per share of Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C;"- "$380.90 per share of Floating Rate Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D;"- "$398.44 per share of...

Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), praised President Biden's administration for surpassing the annual goal for federal contracting dollars awarded to Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs) in FY2023. Guzman stated, "Today’s announcement shows the results, with a new record of contract spending with Small Disadvantaged Businesses and steady progress towards President Biden’s goal of awarding 15% of federal contracting dollars to Small Disadvantaged Businesses by FY2025."In response to President Biden's call to...

Shares of Globe Life Inc. experienced one of their most significant drops on record this past Thursday, following a report by short seller Fuzzy Panda Research alleging fraudulent practices within the company and its subsidiary, American Income Life Insurance Company. The Texas-based life insurer's stock plunged over 50% in response to these claims.