Zurich & Axa more popular with US investors than Allianz

Frankfurt It’s an interesting outsider’s view of the European insurance market: in the currently difficult capital market environment, US investors seem to be focusing primarily on the big names in the industry. With their diversified business models and solid balance sheets, as well as high dividend payments and share buybacks, insurance groups offer a certain level of security in uncertain times.

The focus is particularly on the shares of the Swiss Zurich Group and the French Axa. Large investors from New York and Boston, with whom analysts from the private bank Berenberg spoke, prefer them to the paper from the German market leader Allianz.

The Zurich Insurance Group share is therefore the favorite among US investors because the Swiss insurer has recently been able to achieve better prices and contract terms in business with companies.

According to Berenberg, investors also praised the fact that Zurich was looking for solutions for its high-yield life insurance portfolios. Rising interest rates could strengthen Zurich’s negotiating position with potential buyers.