Higher for longer? Interest rate scenarios and their implications for insurers
The era of ‘free money’ seems to be over. Households and businesses are beginning to adjust to what could be a ‘higher-for-longer’ scenario for interest rates. As major investors, insurers benefit from higher reinvestment yields. In addition, sales of (guaranteed) savings-type life insurance could increase and the profitability of in-force life savings products with guarantees could improve, partially offsetting negative earnings effects from higher lapses and surrenders.
What is the medium- to longer-term outlook for interest rates? Which political risks need to be considered? Which implications are expected for the strategic positioning and relevance of the insurance industry? And which consequences on the wider financial sector, including banks and asset and wealth managers, should be taken into account by insurers? These and other questions were discussed at GAEF 2024.
