Latest Smartphones, Gadgets and Startups News
Ricky Gervais is back on Netflix – or, at least, his voice is. The creator of iconic comedies like The Office, Extras and Afterlife’s latest project is Alley Cats, a foul-mouthed feline-themed animated comedy. When a lost orphan kitten can’t find her way home, a group of cynical alley cats take her in and show…
Global insurer AIG has reported underwriting income growth of 10% year over year for its General Insurance (GI) business to USD 686 million for the second quarter of 2026, compared to USD 626 million in Q2’25. In a strong quarter for the insurer, the combined ratio (CoR) for GI improved slightly to 89%, compared to…
Munich Re has disclosed that it generated a net result of €2.211 billion in the second quarter of 2026 and €3.925 billion in the first half of the year, supported by very low major-loss expenditure in property-casualty reinsurance and a very strong investment result. The 2026 figures compare with corresponding net results of €2.085bn for…
The Insurance Development Forum (IDF), a global public-private partnership that works with governments, insurers and international organisations to strengthen protection against climate and disaster risks, has announced the launch of a parametric agricultural insurance programme in Colombia designed to help thousands of smallholder farmers manage the financial impact of extreme weather. According to the Insurance…
A senior exec at the film studio Lionsgate has confirmed that the wheels are in motion on a sequel to the company’s recent controversial Michael Jackson biopic. Upon its release in April, Michael was met with a lukewarm response from critics, many of whom took issue with the fact that the movie ended in the…
AXA XL, the property and casualty specialty risk division of AXA, has entered into an agreement to acquire the remaining shares of S-RM, a specialist corporate intelligence and cyber security consultancy. Currently, AXA XL holds approximately 49% of S-RM. Subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals, the transaction is expected to…
Munich Re has disclosed that it generated a net result of €2.211 billion in the second quarter of 2026 and €3.925 billion in the first half of the year, supported by very low major-loss expenditure in property-casualty reinsurance and a very strong investment result. The 2026 figures compare with corresponding net results of €2.085bn for…
Credit rating agency AM Best has upgraded the credit ratings of the Fortegra Group, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of DB Insurance Co., Ltd. (DBI), who acquired the specialty insurer back in June. AM Best has removed from under review with positive implications and upgraded the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) to A (Excellent) from A-…
I experienced a startling moment when I was working on marketing copy for my most recent novel, The Snowbirds. The story follows empty nesters who head to sunny Palm Springs, California, to escape the harsh Midwestern winter and figure out the rest of their lives. I described my characters as “middle aged” because they are…
American Coastal Insurance Corporation (ACIC), a property and casualty insurance holding company, reported an underlying combined ratio of 68.7% in the second quarter of 2026, compared with 62.2% in the same period a year earlier. The Q2’26 combined ratio comprised a loss ratio of 27.0%, up from 19.8% in Q2’25, and an expense ratio of…