A.M.Best has performed additional stress tests of the balance sheets of insurers' exposure to eurozone debt as economic conditions within the region continue to worsen. Findings of these evaluations are discussed in the recently published analytical briefing "A.M. Best's Additional Stress Testing in Light of European Economic Uncertainty."
Initial results of the stress testing-performed using A.M. Best's proprietary capital model, Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR)-were released in September. The action was prompted by the severe market turbulence during the two months prior. Further weakening of this economic environment holds significant implications for insurers with assets in eurozone countries (particularly Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Greece and Spain) and for those operating in the region.
Although A.M. Best does not forecast a default in Italy-the third-largest bond issuer in the world- there exists a sharp increase in economic uncertainty within the eurozone. A.M. Best continues to monitor these insurers, and companies with outsize exposure in relation to their risk-adjusted capital are being evaluated for potential rating actions. Companies that do not stand out as having excess exposure, but still could be negatively affected, are being asked to provide additional information. Companies that appear to have little exposure will be monitored as growth and earnings prospects could be pressured over the near term.
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