The life insurance industry’s outlook has been restored at “stable,” after being downgraded to “negative” in October 2008, when the financial markets began to tumble, according to Moody’s Investors Services.

This year could be a pivotal one for the financial guarantor sector, as its response to its recent battering sets the stage for the next few years, according to an industry analyst.

U.S. life insurers, battling the effects of a bad economy, appear to be poised to beat banks and the general market in two areas.

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.

Property-casualty insurers, faced with a limited reserve cushion, will likely need to choose between raising rates or allowing their combined ratios rise, according to an analysis.

Insurers have largely harvested the …  Read →