Europe- Page 53

The FINANCIAL -- While European insurers benefited from noticeable financial market improvements during 2013, they have continued to operate in a very challenging environment of slow growth and historically low interest rates, according to a new special report from A.M. Best.

The FINANCIAL -- Developed market European banks had the largest number of Viability Rating (VR) upgrades out of Fitch Ratings' global bank rating universe in 3Q14. The improvements in standalone credit profiles were mostly the result of improved capitalisation and reduced risk

The FINANCIAL -- PARIS -- French President Francois Hollande said Friday that Europe must be flexible on budget rules to prioritize economic growth as the continent is threatened by a prolonged period of stagnation, according to Dow Jones & Company, Inc.

The FINANCIAL -- Strasbourg -- Although Bulgaria’s early parliamentary elections on 5 October were well administered technically and fundamental freedoms were respected, allegations from all sides of vote buying and selling and other election irregularities, as well as a campaign that lacked

The FINANCIAL -- Fitch Ratings-London -- European investors believe the high-yield market faces the greatest refinancing risks due to their expectation of widening spreads and weakening credit fundamentals, Fitch Ratings says.

The FINANCIAL -- Istanbul – Recognizing that business cannot thrive in societies that fail, and that peace and stability provide a key foundation for economic development, more than 120  companies from around the world have now joined Business for Peace (B4P). The