Shares in specialist re/insurer surge more than 7% ahead of record profit, with Munich Re climbing 6.7% after smashing full-year targets

Lloyd’s groups struggle as insurance stocks lag wider equity markets

Paris-based reinsurer gains 4.9%, while Arch Capital dips 5.2% in mixed week for insurance stock prices

Bermudians RenaissanceRe and Everest Group posts largest falls this week, as Munich Re leads risers

Beazley shares climb 5.7% and Hiscox gains 3.8% in positive week for insurance and reinsurance stocks

Hiscox, Talanx, Hannover Re and Everest Group are the worst performers in mixed week for insurance stocks

Despite fears that politics and geopolitics would wreak havoc on the markets, investors had plenty to cheer as global stock markets performed well in 2024

RenaissanceRe and SiriusPoint post the greatest losses this week, with only four stocks – led by Munich Re – gaining in value

Hiscox, Talanx and Axa lead this week's risers, as North American broking and insurance stocks fall

Specialty carrier gains 6.1% in the week as Talanx climbs 5.2% and Beazley rises 5.1%

Aviva shares fall as £3.3bn move on Direct Line rebuffed

European groups outperform on solid fundamentals