Life insurers' optimism at low ebb

Business volumes in the sector continued to fall strongly over the last three months, at the fastest pace since June 2009, and the level of business remained well below normal, the research suggests. However, life insurers expect volumes to rise slightly in the next quarter. This quarter's fall came exclusively from business with private individuals, but this is expected to grow marginally over the next three months. Commissions or fees and premiums fell strongly. The latter are expected to fall rapidly again over the next three months. Income from both premiums, fees and commissio...