Upbeat forecast lends hope of better returns for insurers

Singapore

LIFE insurers here will be keeping their fingers crossed that the current robust investment climate extends into 2018 in order to generate better returns for their participating or Par funds, following what economists described as a "Goldilocks" (moderate growth and low inflation) 2017 and a bull market in 2016.

The financial markets this year have been buoyed by global growth that was led by stronger than expected demand across China and G3 (United States, Japan and the eurozone), little inflation, and rising asset markets.

Swiss Re said in its global insurance review 2017 and outlook 2018-2019 report that the global economy is in a "cyclical upswing", and expects moderate growth to wash through 2018 and 2019. "This should further support growth in the insura…