Conning’s Post

Conning has reported on insurers' growing interest in private and alternative assets, a trend that appears to be continuing for institutional investors as a whole. Cynthia(Cindy) Beaulieu, Conning's CIO for North America, joined a Nasdaq TradeTalks roundtable on the subject to share her perspective on the subject. To view the discussion, click here: https://lnkd.in/ezY9RhKv

As interest rates remain elevated, insurers have opportunities to earn greater yields in an asset class that has historically exhibited less default risk than corporate bonds. In our latest Viewpoint, “Investment Grade CLO Tranches for Insurers: A Relativist’s Guide,” we explain how the floating-rate debt tranches of collateralized loan obligations (CLOs), particularly tranches with investment grade ratings, are attracting the interest of insurance companies. Conning and our affiliate Octagon Credit Investors have a decade of experience working together to help insurers access and manage investments in CLOs. To read our co-authored Viewpoint, click here:  https://lnkd.in/eaghR_Yj 

Hannah DeMarco is working alongside our Marketing & Communications team. She is a rising junior at the University of Connecticut, majoring in Marketing with a minor in Africana Studies. Hannah is looking forward to learning how to use various marketing platforms as well as getting to know the marketing team. Jack DiLauro is working alongside our Insurance Solutions team. He is a graduate student at Wesleyan University majoring in Economics. Jack is looking forward to meeting the other members of his department and gaining the necessary skills to be a successful member of Conning. #ConningCommunity 

Conning’s 2024 State of the States report has upgraded to “stable” our outlook of the credit quality of all 50 U.S. states, a change from last year’s “declining” view. State finances appear strong with healthy reserves but inflation and rising costs are beginning to impact budgets, prompting our suggestion that states be judicious in spending plans. Our annual report includes insights from our municipal credit research team and features a highly interactive format that allows you to dive into the data shaping our analysis. Click here to access the interactive 2024 State of the States report: https://lnkd.in/emJGk4RG

How much does political instability actually affect investment returns? Geopolitical risk has regained prominence since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, prompting a need for a better understanding of its impact on financial markets. However, few are familiar with the data and tools that are available to investigate that risk’s effects from a quantitative basis. Click here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/dmFTDvqH

The growing number of retirees, plus the complexities and risks in generating retirement income, creates an opportunity for insurers to attract new customers and their assets. Competition for those customers will be intense. Click here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/dqwShKgx

Joelle Brown is our Credit Research intern. She is a rising senior at Howard University majoring in Finance. Joelle is looking forward to being a sponge absorbing all the information that she is given and is excited to learn more about credit research. Morgan de Groot is working alongside our Business Development team. She is a rising senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville dual majoring in Finance and Marketing. Morgan is looking forward to gaining hands-on experience with different software as well as growing relationships with her colleagues. #ConningCommunity #summerinternship

Ole Jørgensen of Global Evolution, a Conning affiliate, will join a discussion on artificial intelligence during the 2024 FHLBanks Insurance Conference on June 25. This session will cover how AI is used today and where it will have the most impact going forward. Sunny Wadhwa and Samantha Andreoli will also be in attendance to discuss asset management strategies for insurers. We look forward to connecting with you there.

Today we celebrate Juneteenth, a historic milestone in the journey towards equality and justice. Conning is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every voice is valued and empowered. #Juneteenth #DiversityandInclusion #Equality