A global ratings agency predicts a stable outlook for the U.S. property-casualty insurance sector in 2012 after this year’s weak profitability.

The property-casualty industry’s reserve adequacy cushion isn’t as fluffy as it used to be, according to a new Fitch report.

Concern that property-casualty insurers’ investments in public-entity securities could be threatened if deterioration in credit for this asset class grows is overrated, a ratings service said.

The U.S. insurance industry raised $38.6 billion in capital from the first quarter of last year through the first quarter of this year, with most of the capital raised in the second quarter of 2009, according to Fitch Ratings’ Insurance group.

With the cost of containment and cleanup of a massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico rising into the billions of dollars every day, the financial impact for oil company BP will be limited because of its insurance coverage.

A pair of rating agencies is keeping its eyes on three Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries as the company looks to acquire a majority share in the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad.

Heightened market competition is hurting auto insurance companies in the United States, according to a new report.

A day after sharp criticism from a New York regulator on their decision not to participate in a hearing on ratings services and their impact on the insurance industry, Moody’s Investors Services has said it will attend the gathering.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners will take an in-depth look at the nation’s credit rating agencies, from their role in regulation in light of the current financial climate to a possible alternative to the groups.

The outlook for the property-casualty insurance sector remains “negative,” according to Fitch Ratings, because insurers will face many pressures on earnings in the coming months.