Shaken but not stirred

Despite its shaky economy, the US remains the most important reinsurance market in the world thanks to its high natural catastrophe and liability exposures and mature primary insurance market. It accounts for just over half of global reinsurance premiums. But apart from the formidable Berkshire Hathaway, few domestic reinsurance companies remain on US soil, leaving Bermuda, London, Europe and other international markets to fight over the spoils.