The home stretch: What we can anticipate at year-end 2013 based on Q3 financial results for medical professional liability writers

As a whole, third-quarter financial results for MPL specialty writers in 2013 are behaving in much the same way as they have during the past few very profitable years. The composite premium volume continues to gradually decline, while at the same time, coverage-year combined ratios are climbing. Historically low bond yields continue to negatively impact investment income, putting further pressure on composite operating margins. Finally, the favorable development of historical claim reserves continues to bolster calendar-year results and expand overall capital levels. However, given the continuation of the above trends, are we beginning to see some subtle signs of change?