Solvency II is a step in the wrong direction that will keep some companies alive that would be better giving themselves a decent burial and consolidating themselves out of the market now, according to industry consultant Ned Cazalet.

Growth in its Asian operations helped UK insurance giant Prudential post a forcast-beating 6% rise in first-half operating profit to £2.06bn ($2.69bn, €2.4bn), helping offset a drop in profits from its M&G asset management business.

The half year numbers out from three of the UK’s largest insurance companies over the past few days illustrate the increasing importance of backing the right asset management horse.

You have to give Mark Carney credit for creativity. Central banks are backed into a corner when it comes to their options and ability to influence the real economy.

This week, further second quarter and interim financials provided most of the headlines.

This week, second quarter and interim financials made the headlines, with the reinsurance/specialty sector leading the field.