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The complex linkages between euro area insurers and sovereign bond markets
Over the past decade, euro area insurers have been challenged by the prolonged period of low interest rates until 2022 and climate-related risks, particularly for property and casualty insurers. This column shows that the balance sheets of euro area insurers have become less liquid and more sensitive to market conditions. However, insurers still rely heavily on holdings of sovereign bonds – particularly domestic ones – and tend to sell these assets to fund large claims after natural disasters. […]