The insurance industry in the U.S. and globally is facing long term challenges that include weak economic growth, an extended period of low interest rates and weak investment income, and rising regulatory demands, according to a new study by Conning.

"Insurers in the U.S. and globally face challenges that are unlikely to resolve in the short term," said Stephan Christiansen , director of research at Conning. "Sluggish economic conditions affect organic growth potential and overall market development. The continued low interest rate environment in the U.S. and elsewhere is depressing investment income substantially in all sectors. Regulatory change and reporting requirements, meanwhile, are forcing increases in infrastructure investment and costs generally."

The Conning study, "U.S. and Global Insurance Industry Outlook: Economic, Capital Markets, and Regulatory Challenges Continue—Nothing to Be Gained by Waiting for Things to Get Better" presents the challenges and potential insurer responses for the industry generally, with separate discussions for U.S. Property-Casualty; U.S. Life-Annuity, and U.S. Health Insurance, as well as Europe and Asia.

"What had initially been seen as a period of post-recession malaise has now become our base-case for strategic and operational planning," said Christiansen. "Insurers who took a 'wait-and-see' approach are now challenged to perform in these adverse conditions, as no clear end is in sight. Competition is increasing, and companies that succeed in this environment will seek performance in targeted strategies in particular geographic or market segments and will invest internally in technology for effective cost management and new market distribution approaches."

"U.S. and Global Insurance Industry Outlook: Economic, Capital Markets, and Regulatory Challenges Continue—Nothing to Be Gained by Waiting for Things to Get Better " is available for purchase from Conning by calling (888) 707-1177 or by visiting the company's web site at www.conningresearch.com.