Episode 47: The Long and Winding Road: Opportunities and Challenges Facing Insurance Companies

In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com Podcast, host Stewart Foley, CFA, speaks with Ruth Farrugia, Global Head of Insurance Asset Management at MetLife Investment Management (MIM), about the opportunities and challenges shaping insurance investment strategies. Ruth shares MIM’s macroeconomic outlook, discussing the uncertainties surrounding post-COVID recovery, inflation risks, and the impact of supply disruptions on various asset classes. She highlights the importance of balancing strategic and tactical allocations to navigate today’s low-rate environment, with a particular focus on the relative value found in private markets, emerging market debt, high yield, and bank loans.

Ruth also delves into the growing role of ESG in insurance portfolios, emphasizing its integration into portfolio construction and long-term risk management. Additionally, she touches on opportunities within commercial mortgage loans and infrastructure investments, highlighting their appeal for ALM-driven insurers. This episode offers actionable insights for insurance professionals seeking to optimize returns while managing risks in a rapidly evolving market landscape.