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Interest rate risk of life insurers: Evidence from accounting data

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  • Axel Möhlmann

Abstract

Life insurers are exposed to interest rate risk as their liability side is typically more sensitive to interest rate changes than their asset side. This paper explores why insurers assume this risk using a new accounting‐based method to measure the interest rate sensitivity of assets and liabilities. Calculation at the insurer level yields a wide duration gap with pronounced heterogeneity in the cross‐section. This could be explained by alternative investment strategies, such as asset insulation, which are at odds with interest rate risk management. Using a 2014–2018 panel, factors associated with interest rate risk support this view.

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  • Axel Möhlmann, 2021. "Interest rate risk of life insurers: Evidence from accounting data," Financial Management, Financial Management Association International, vol. 50(2), pages 587-612, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:finmgt:v:50:y:2021:i:2:p:587-612
    DOI: 10.1111/fima.12305
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    Cited by:

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    2. Grochola, Nicolaus, 2023. "The influence of negative interest rates on life insurance companies," ICIR Working Paper Series 53/23, Goethe University Frankfurt, International Center for Insurance Regulation (ICIR).
    3. Grochola, Nicolaus & Schlütter, Sebastian, 2023. "Discretionary decisions in capital requirements under Solvency II," ICIR Working Paper Series 50/23, Goethe University Frankfurt, International Center for Insurance Regulation (ICIR).
    4. Gerhart, Christoph & Lütkebohmert, Eva, 2020. "Empirical analysis and forecasting of multiple yield curves," Insurance: Mathematics and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 95(C), pages 59-78.

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E43 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Money and Interest Rates - - - Interest Rates: Determination, Term Structure, and Effects
    • G11 - Financial Economics - - General Financial Markets - - - Portfolio Choice; Investment Decisions
    • G22 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Insurance; Insurance Companies; Actuarial Studies

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