LFC tripled its net profits in 2007, gaining most from the rise of equity markets, however the capital market downturn in 2008 has significantly shrunk LFC’s net profits. This has made LFC’s generic growth a key determinant to its prospects. In 2008, LFC generated a considerably increased premium income as a result of promotion of participating products and increased demand for insurance protection. This can be due to increasing awareness of insurance protection after consecutive occurrence of the natural disasters.

In addition to the limited negative impacts of the earthquake, combined with a concern about the uncertainly of equity market performance, and we recommend...(you have to subscribe)

1. Strong Share Market as the main driver of the Tripled 2007 Profit

...

A Virginia employee benefits firm with a major presence in Central Ohio on Monday announced a buyout deal with global insurance broker Willis Group Holdings Ltd. (WSH).

Richmond, Va.-based Hilb Rogal & Hobbs Co. (HRH) said it will be acquired by London-based Willis Group in a deal valued at $2.1 billion. Willis will buy all outstanding Hilb Rogal stock for $46 a share, representing a 49-percent premium over the firm’s Friday close of $30.89.

Hilb Rogal entered the Central Ohio market in 2001 with the purchase of Berwanger Overmyer Associates. The company, ranked last year as Central Ohio’s largest independent insurance agency, in 2007 recorded about $304 million in area-written premiums.

The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter, pending Hilb Rogal shareholder and regulatory approval. Willis said the deal will more than double its North American revenue in its employee benefits sector, an area it has targeted

...

No surprise here - I mentioned in the fall the path for "no more house ATM for you" American consumers would be credit cards first, drain 401ks (whatever they actually invested, which is very little) second, beg borrow steal (pawn) next, and away we go to bankruptcy circa 2009 last. Real wages stagnant for a decade (using government inflation figures, far worse with 'real inflation') eventually will catch up to you. Keep in mind folks, we are not even "in a recession"; what happens if we "enter" one.Thankfully issues like this will be resolved in less than a month as the 2nd half recovery commences, and my scenario will not play out. Once July 1, 2008 arrives and the 2nd half recovery begins we won't have to deal with front page stories like this one in the Wall ...

If you have, then you most probably have enough to last to pay for an “as-charged” private medical insurance plan (approved by Ministry of Health) til age 65. This is calculated on the following basis:-

a) that CPF interest rates for Medisave account remains about 4% p.a for the next few decades;
b) that premiums for the private medical insurance plans do not increase substantially as a result