LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Market conditions for UK non-life insurers remain challenging as the difficult economic environment curbs demand for coverage and insurers can no longer rely on reserve releases to improve profitability, according to a new report from A.M. Best Co.

As investment returns remain low, insurers are coming under increasing pressure to focus on appropriate pricing, according to the report, Rates Rise, but Economic Conditions Place Pressure on Performance. Rates for general insurance personal lines have improved, although those for commercial lines are lagging.

The report examines how weak economic activity is impacting some lines of business to a greater extent than others. While compulsory products are somewhat insulated, policyholders are more likely to consider purchasing lower limits and increasing excesses for discretionary products such as contents insurance. Insurers dependent on trade volumes are also being negatively affected. A deep recession could lead to a further reduction in demand for insurance products.

Catherine Thomas, director, analytics said: Low investment returns and shrinking reserve releases are resulting in insurers having to focus increasingly on adequate pricing of risks. Modest rate increases have been achieved for most lines of business in 2011 and 2012, with the greatest rate increases occurring in the motor lines. However, appropriate pricing of risks is challenging as economic difficulties are suppressing demand for insurance products, while excess capacity is chasing what business is available.

The report looks closely at the UK motor, property and liability sectors and the impact of the severe flooding that occurred in June, July and September. Yvette Essen, report author and director of industry research, Europe and emerging markets, said: The UK property market has faced a difficult 2012. Prior to the 2012 floods, rates had experienced some upward pressure, although increases were modest. Rates are expected to gain further momentum post the floods, but to what extent remains to be seen. The level of weather-related losses is a key driver of performance in the property sector, and flood risk in particular is a major concern.

In terms of financial instability in the Eurozone, the report finds UK insurers are partially insulated as they tend to hold sterling investments to match their sterling liabilities. However, there is the potential for asset exposure as some UK insurers have subsidiaries within the Eurozone, while other UK insurers are subsidiaries of Eurozone companies. A significant deterioration in global financial markets remains a risk to UK non-life insurers.

The report states in addition to these challenges, UK non-life insurers continue to face uncertainty regarding the final specifications of Solvency II and the feasibility of the implementation target date of 1 January 2014.

To access a complimentary copy of this report, please visit http://www.ambest.com/press/101501uknonlifespecialreport.pdf.

To watch a video of Catherine Thomas discussing the report, please visit http://www.ambest.com/v.asp?v=uknonlife1012.

Follow this link:
A.M. Best Special Report: UK Non-Life: Rates Rise, but Economic Conditions Place Pressure on Performance

DEARBORN, Mich., Oct. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The dynamic, all-new Lincoln MKZ Hybrid delivers more miles per gallon than any luxury vehicle in America with an EPA-certified 45 mpg across the board city, highway and combined.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121015/DE92667-a ) (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121015/DE92667-b ) (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121015/DE92667-c )

"The all-new MKZ Hybrid proves that thoughtful customers who prioritize fuel economy and reducing emissions do not need to compromise on luxury, driving quality or advanced technology," said Jim Farley, group vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service. "MKZ is our strongest proof yet on what the reinvented Lincoln stands for beautiful vehicles with compelling and warm experiences that create a clear alternative in today's increasingly competitive luxury marketplace."

EPA ratings put MKZ Hybrid ahead of its key competitors in the luxury midsize sedan market 5 mpg city and 6 mpg highway ahead of Lexus ES 300h; 18 mpg city and 13 mpg highway ahead of Infiniti M35h and 20 mpg city and 16 mpg highway ahead of BMW ActiveHybrid 3.

Additionally, the new MKZ Hybrid is 2 mpg city and 5 mpg better highway than the smaller Lexus CT 200h. The 2013 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid also is more fuel efficient than Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz diesel vehicles.

Lincoln is offering the new MKZ Hybrid at the same price as the equivalent non-hybrid model, giving luxury midsize sedan customers maximum choice as well as top fuel economy, true luxury sedan performance and superb value.

Lincoln was the first automaker to offer a premium hybrid vehicle with a suggested retail price matching its conventional-powered sibling.

Other competitors charge a premium for their hybrid models. The 2013 Lexus ES 300h, for example, is priced at $38,850, representing a $2,750 premium over the 2013 Lexus ES 350.

All hybrids are not available with all the options of their non-hybrid-powered models, but the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is. This provides the opportunity to tailor one's own MKZ Hybrid and make it a real personal statement.

More:
Lincoln MKZ Hybrid: America's Luxury MPG Leader Delivers Personal, Unique Experience

BERKELEY -- If this was a dress rehearsal for its Big Game assignment, the Cal offensive line got it right in the Bears' 31-17 victory at Washington State.

Now Cal's big men get the chance to repeat it on the big stage of the 115th meeting with Stanford at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

"It's nice to go in there on a two-game win streak," Cal coach Jeff Tedford said.

The team's most maligned unit much of the season, Cal's offensive line delivered its best performance of the season Saturday night, paving the way for a season-high 318 rushing yards and allowing zero sacks.

"I thought the offensive line really played well," Tedford said after the Bears (3-4, 2-2 Pac-12) won their second straight game and moved within a victory of .500 for the season.

No sacks allowed for a team that had surrendered an NCAA-worst 29 through six games? "That's always nice," Tedford said.

No doubt, No. 22 Stanford (4-2, 2-1) will provide a greater challenge than the Cougars (2-5, 0-4).

The Cardinal ranks seventh nationally defending the run, allowing just 89.5 yards per game, and has sacked opposing quarterbacks 19 times. Stanford held USC to 26 rushing yards in its 21-14 win last month.

For the second straight week, the key to Cal's offensive efficiency was its ability to stay out of third-and-long situations. The Bears faced 11 plays of third-and-7 or longer in their 27-17 loss to Arizona State two weeks ago, an unacceptable number,

In wins over UCLA and WSU, however, the Bears left themselves needing 7 yards or more just four times among their 23 third-down opportunities. They converted 12 of those 23 third downs.

The rest is here:
Cal Bears' offensive line has strong performance in win over Washington State

(Getty Images)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib has avoided league discipline for a possible violation of the personal conduct policy following criminal charges he had faced in his home state of Texas. The National Football League caught up to Talib on Saturday, though, announcing that the fifth-year cornerback had been suspended for four games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

"We are disappointed to learn that Aqib Talib will be suspended for four games, which will begin with our game tomorrow against Kansas City," Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano said in a statement released by the team. "I have spoken with Aqib, and he knows that he made a poor decision that let our team down. Certainly, other players will have the opportunity to step up while he serves this suspension."

Talib has decided not to file an appeal and will begin his suspension on Sunday. Talib will be eligible to return on Nov. 5, keeping him out of games against the Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings and Oakland Raiders. Talib's suspension is without pay, which means he will forfeit $435,882, which is 4/17ths of his $1,852,500 base salary for the 2012 season. Talib is also ineligible for postseason awards, including participation in the Pro Bowl.

"Around the beginning of training camp, I made a mistake by taking an Adderall pill without a prescription," Talib said. "This is especially regrettable because, for the past several months, with Coach Schiano's help, I've worked very hard to improve myself -- professionally and personally -- as a player and a man. I am truly sorry to my teammates, coaches and Buccaneers fans, and I'm disappointed in myself. I will work diligently every day of this suspension to stay in top football shape and be ready to help this team in the second half of the season. I have chosen to be immediately accountable for the situation I put myself in, which is why I will not exercise my appeal rights and will begin serving the suspension immediately."

A 2008 first-round pick out of Kansas, the 6-foot-1, 205-pound Talib has 182 tackles and 18 interceptions in 45 career games. In four games this season, Talib had 21 tackles and an interception while playing in 270 of the team's 272 defensive snaps. E.J. Biggers will replace Talib as the starter opposite Chris Houston for the next four weeks, though there have at least one call in the Tampa media for the team to permanently severe ties to the talented, but too-often-troubled Talib.

Adderall is considered a stimulant (an amphetamine) and is banned by the NFL as a performance-enhancing drug. Players are permitted to take Adderall for therapeutic use, provided they have a valid prescription and obtain a "therapeutic use exemption" from the league office. New York Giants running back Andre Brown had a four-game suspension for Adderall overturned after reportedly failing to disclose his prescription to the league, but Giants safety Tyler Sash wasn't as fortunate and missed the first four weeks of the 2012 season. Another Giants safety, Will Hill, is beginning a four-game suspension for unauthorized use of Adderall this week as Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden returns from his four-game, Adderall-based ban.

UFC 153 highlights on Yahoo! Sports:

Other popular content on the Yahoo! network: Washington Redskins in trouble for how they handled Robert Griffin III's concussion? Notre Dame stands tough to beat Stanford in OT Fractured ankle shatters Derek Jeter's aura of invincibility GrindTV: Bizarre fish washes up on Mexican shore

Read this article:
Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib suspended four games for Adderall use

New Delhi, Oct. 14 -- In a ruling that would be music to the ears of babus, the Supreme Court (SC) has held that a government officer's personal details such as income-tax (I-T) returns cannot be divulged in response to a query under the Right to Information Act (RTI) unless a larger public interest was involved. Disclosure of such information would amount to unwarranted invasion of an officer's privacy, it said.

"The performance of an employee or officer in an organisation is primarily a matter between the employee and the employer and normally those aspects are governed by the service rules which fall under the expression 'personal information', the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or public interest," said a bench of Justice KS Radhakrishnan and Justice Dipak Misra.

Under the transparency law, the court observed, information on the officer cannot be made public as his or her performance is a matter between the employee and an employer. Such information cannot be claimed as a right by others, it said.

"The details disclosed by a person in his I-T returns are 'personal information' which stand exempted from disclosure under clause (j) of section 8(1) of the RTI Act, unless a larger public interest is involved and the Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer or the appellate authority is satisfied that a larger public interest justifies the disclosure of such information," the bench noted in its verdict.

Dismissing an appeal against the denial of information regarding a government servant's service matters and also the details of his assets, liabilities and movable and immovable assets, the bench said the particulars sought by the petitioner fell under the expression of an officer's "personal information."

The petitioner, the court observed, could not have claimed disclosure of such information as a matter of right.

The SC agreed with the concurrent findings of the Central Information Commission and the Bombay High Court, stating personal information could be divulged only if the public information officer was satisfied that a larger public interest justified the disclosure.

The petitioner before the SC had approached the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner (Ministry of Labour) on August 27, 2008, seeking various details relating to a person employed as an enforcement officer in the sub-regional office, Akola.

He had also sought the details related to his service record including the copies of all memos, showcause notices or a censure notice, if any, served upon the officer.

The petitioner wanted a list of gifts accepted by the official, his family members and relatives on his son's marriage.

Originally posted here:
SC: Personal info of babus can't be sought under RTI

GIA announces the release of a comprehensive global report on Fatty Esters markets. The global market for Fatty Esters is forecast to reach US$2.2 billion by 2018, driven primarily by the growing demand from personal care and cosmetics sectors. Increasing use in industrial applications, backed by its environment-friendliness, and rise in popularity of specialty esters and natural esters, constitute the other factors propelling the Fatty Esters market.

San Jose, California (PRWEB) October 12, 2012

The US represents the largest regional market for fatty esters worldwide, as stated by the new market research report on Fatty Esters. Europe trails the US in terms of the sales of fatty esters. Growth-wise, Asia-Pacific is projected to be the fastest growing regional market registering a CAGR of about 3.6% over the analysis period. In terms of different types of fatty esters, Glyceryl Monostearate represents the single largest segment. However, fastest growth is likely to emanate from the Medium Chain Triglyceride Oil segment. Food sector represents the largest end-user of fatty esters. Personal care and cosmetics application is forecast to be the fastest growing end-use application registering a CAGR of 3.6% over the analysis period.

Fatty esters market is witnessing a new wave of formulation and application, primed to tide over the impact caused by commoditization and dumping of cheaper overseas products on a global scale. High-end applications are the current favorites of the market. Specialty esters capable of performing multiple tasks, thereby, greatly enhancing the performance and texture of the end use product, are witnessing the most development activity. The fatty esters market is also witnessing increasing demand for fatty esters derived from natural vegetable-based sources. Natural fatty esters find usage in a wide range of applications. Simple esters derived from lower chain alcohols are used as emollients in lubricants and cosmetics, while complex esters find use in metal working fluids, paper manufacture, food, water treatment, and rolling oils.

Fatty esters, being non-greasy and non-ionic derivatives of oleochemicals, are banking on their eco-friendly characteristics with low toxicity as well as low emissions of VOCs to edge out other industrial raw materials in highly environment conscious US and European markets. Expansive base of natural feedstocks is further buoying the growth of fatty esters as environmentally safer functional and/or process additives. Furthermore, manufacturers of fatty esters are developing various ester compositions to improve the performance and texture of end use products. Niche and new applications of esters, such as thickening, solvency, and many others are gradually entering the mainstream owing to the end user innovation.

Major producers of fatty esters profiled in the report include ABITEC Corporation, Acidchem International Sdn Bhd, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Akzo Nobel N.V, BASF SE, Croda International Plc, Dupont, Faci Asia Pacific, Felda IFFCO LLC, Fine Organics, Gattefoss, Lonza Custom Manufacturing, PMC Biogenix Inc., Sasol Limited, Stearinerie Dubois, Stepan Company, Subhash Chemical Industries, Sumitomo Chemical Co. Ltd., and UNDESA Group, among others.

The research report titled Fatty Esters: A Global Strategic Business Report announced by Global Industry Analysts Inc., provides a comprehensive review of the fatty esters market, current market trends, key growth drivers, overview of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (Biodiesel) market; recent product introductions and corporate initiatives in the fatty esters market; and profiles of major/niche global as well as regional market participants. The report provides annual sales estimates and projections for fatty esters market in value (US$) for the years 2010 through 2018 for the following geographic markets The US, Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Rest of World. Key segments analyzed include Glyceryl Monostearate (GMS), Medium Chain Triglyceride Oil (MCT Oil), Isopropyl Palmitate and Isopropyl Myristate (IPP & IPM), and Other Fatty Esters. Major end-use sectors analyzed include Food, Personal Care & Cosmetics, Functional Fluids, and Other Applications. Also, a six-year (2004-2009) historic analysis is provided for additional perspective.

For more details about this comprehensive market research report, please visit

http://www.strategyr.com/Fatty_Esters_Market_Report.asp

About Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Excerpt from:
Rising Demand from Personal Care and Cosmetics Sectors Drives the Global Fatty Esters Market, According to New Report ...

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/q4msg5/industry_dynamics) has announced the addition of the "Industry Dynamics and Competitive Landscape in the South Korean Personal Accident and Health Insurance Industry to 2016: Market Profile" report to their offering.

The South Korean personal accident and health insurance market grew at a healthy rate during the review period (2007-2011). This growth was generated by the country's high traffic accident ratio, ageing population, increased penetration of health insurance products, rising disposable income and improved awareness of the benefits of health insurance. Over the forecast period, the growth in the insurance segment will be driven by the increased participation of private health insurers, as the government implements measures to contain the country's rising public healthcare expenditure.

Scope

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the personal accident and health insurance market in South Korea:

- It provides historical values for South Korea's personal accident and health insurance market for the report's 2007-2011 review period and forecast figures for the 2012-2016 forecast period

- It offers a detailed analysis of the South Korea's personal accident and health insurance market, along with market forecasts until 2016

- Using Porter's industry-standard Five Forces analysis, it details the competitive landscape in South Korea for the personal accident and health insurance business

- It profiles the top personal accident and health insurance companies in South Korea, and outlines the key regulations affecting them

Reasons To Buy

Go here to read the rest:
Research and Markets: Industry Dynamics and Competitive Landscape in the South Korean Personal Accident and Health ...

video

MSNBC host Chris Matthews joined Tamron Hall on MSNBC on Thursday where he reiterated his case against President Barack Obamas first debate performance and offered his view of how his vice president could make up for lost ground. Matthews went after the president for not defending his personal views, which he claimed serve as the basis for legislation the president pursued over his first term like health care reform and the auto industry bailout. Matthews implored Vice President Joe Biden to focus on his philosophical differences with GOP vice presidential nominee Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) over substantive differences on various individual policies.

RELATED: Chris Matthews Epic Meltdown Over Obama Performance: What Was He Doing Tonight?

After introducing Matthews and calling his reaction to Obama lackluster debate performance legendary, Hall asked what Matthews felt should be the goal for Biden in tonights vice presidential debate.

What bothers me is the Democratic side in this case the president and the vice president they have not fought the big fight, said Matthews. There are real, drastic differences between these two parties on the big issues.

The president supports health care. He enacted it into law against all kinds of Republican opposition. The position of the challenger, of Mitt Romney as of this day, is to throw them in the emergency room. Put them in the emergency room. Let them wait. Take them out of their apartments, as he puts it. He assumes all people without health insurance live in apartments.

Mathews went on to define positions that Obama holds which he failed to defend in the first debate.

When it comes to issues like the auto industry his position was bankruptcy, Obama was rescue, said Matthews. These are drastic differences.

People on Medicare and Social Security the Romney position is these people dont want to take personal responsibility for their lives. The president says lets support health care, Matthews went on.

Matthews said Ryan has similar personal values he believe are not shared by the bulk of the American people. This character, Paul Ryan, he supports personhood, said Matthews. He wants to give the fertilized egg a second after conception property rights property rights which would probably create a criminalization situation for the mother.

Read more:
Matthews Nails Obama For Not Defending Democratic Values, Begs Biden To Focus On Philosophy

Both men were assertive from the outset, a reflection of the closeness of the presidential race just weeks before the election, each eager to trumpet the strengths of his ticket and equally zealous in ripping the other party.

Biden was aggressive, hoping to make up for President Barack Obamas tepid performance in his opening debate last week against Republican nominee Mitt Romney, a performance that reset the race and thrust the Republicans back into contention. Pressing to make his points, Biden at times raised his voice and jabbed his finger at moderator Martha Raddatz of ABC News.

Ryan was more measured, often lowering his voice after Biden. A fresh-faced congressman who had never debated on the national stage despite his 14 years in the House, Ryan betrayed no signs of nervousness about the showdown with Biden.

Debates by vice presidential candidates usually have little effect on elections, but Thursdays took on added significance after Obamas lackluster debate debut on Oct. 3.

Since then, Romney has pulled even with Obama in national polls and closed the gap in several battleground states.

In Florida, Romney opened up a 7 point lead, according to a new Tampa Bay Times/Bay News 9/Miami Herald poll. Obama has a 1 percentage point edge over Romney in a new NBC/Wall Street Journal/Marist poll of likely voters, released Thursday. The margin was the same as before the Obama-Romney debate. In Ohio, Obama leads by 6 points. He had led by 8. And in Virginia, Obama was up 2, but Romney is now ahead by 1.

In their sole debate, Biden and Ryan sparred repeatedly on domestic policies such as Medicare and taxes, as well as foreign policy questions such as the attack in Libya that led to the deaths of four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador.

Most covered the same ground as Obama and Romney. It was in their personal exchanges that they shed new light on the two major party tickets and their policies.

Both Irish Roman Catholics, Biden and Ryan spoke about how their religion drives their different positions on abortion.

Our faith informs us in every thing we do, Ryan said. He added that science also plays a role in his opposition to abortion rights in most cases, saying he and his wife were touched by the ultrasound image of their unborn first child.

Read more:
Biden, Ryan get personal in debate

DANVILLE, Ky. -- Vice President Joe Biden and Republican rival Paul Ryan sparred Thursday in often personal terms that exposed their passions and core beliefs over the role of their faith, families, and deeply held views about the role of government in American life and foreign policy.

Both men were assertive from the outset, a reflection of the closeness of the presidential race just weeks before the election, each eager to trumpet the strengths of their tickets and equally zealous in ripping the other party.

Biden was aggressive, hoping to make up for President Barack Obamas tepid performance in his opening debate last week against Republican nominee Mitt Romney, a performance that reset the race and thrust the Republicans back into contention. Pressing to make his points, Biden at times raised his voice and jabbed his finger at moderator Martha Raddatz of ABC News.

Ryan was more measured, often lowering his voice after Biden. A fresh-faced congressman who had never debated on the national stage despite his 14 years in the House of Representatives, Ryan betrayed no signs of nervousness about the showdown with Biden.

Usually an afterthought with little impact on the race, the only such meeting between the No. 2s on their respective tickets took on added significance after the initial presidential face-off last week and Obamas negative reviews Oct. 3.

Since then, Romney has pulled even with Obama in national polls and closed the gap in several battleground states.

In Florida, Romney opened up a 7 point lead, according to a new Tampa Bay Times/Bay News 9/Miami Herald poll. Obama has a 1 percentage point edge over Romney in a new NBC/Wall Street Journal/Marist poll of likely voters, released Thursday. The margin was the same as before the Obama-Romney debate. In Ohio, Obama leads by 6 points. He had led by 8. And in Virginia, Obama was up 2, but Romney is now ahead by 1.

In their sole debate, Biden and Ryan sparred repeatedly on domestic policies such as Medicare and taxes, as well as foreign policy questions such as the attack in Libya that led to the deaths of four Americans, including the U.S. ambassador.

Most covered the same ground as Obama and Romney. It was their personal exchanges where they shed new light on the two major party tickets and their policies.

Both Irish Roman Catholics, Biden and Ryan spoke about how their faith drives their different positions on abortion.

Go here to read the rest:
Fiery Biden-Ryan debate turns personal