Good times are rolling for reinsurance: True or false?

According to forecasts, the year 2009 looks promising for the reinsurance market. Despite the 2008 results reporting declines for some and losses for others like Swiss Re and Hannover Re, reinsurers are optimistic about the current year.

Tariff rises seem to benefit reinsurance which, unlike direct insurance, is not suffering from a liquidity crisis. For upcoming months, reinsurers forecast a clear increase of their 2009 turnover, especially SCOR and Hannover Re which target 5 to 6% progressions.