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Crisis Sentiment in the U.S. Insurance Sector

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  • Felix Irresberger
  • Fee Elisabeth König
  • Gregor N. F. Weiß

Abstract

We use Internet search volume data to measure idiosyncratic and market‐wide crisis sentiment to explain insurer stock return volatility. We find that market‐level crisis sentiment was a significant predictor of stock return volatility of U.S. insurers between 2006 and 2010. Higher levels of crisis sentiment are associated with higher levels of price uncertainty. This effect is strongest for insurers with less exposure to the adverse effects of the financial crisis. Further, crisis sentiment also affects the cross‐section of movements in insurer stock prices. Our results imply that investors exited insurer stocks mainly due to crisis sentiment rather than a rational assessment of the insurers’ actual exposure to the crisis.

Suggested Citation

  • Felix Irresberger & Fee Elisabeth König & Gregor N. F. Weiß, 2017. "Crisis Sentiment in the U.S. Insurance Sector," Journal of Risk & Insurance, The American Risk and Insurance Association, vol. 84(4), pages 1295-1330, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jrinsu:v:84:y:2017:i:4:p:1295-1330
    DOI: 10.1111/jori.12156
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    2. Fatih Kayhan & Mehmet Islamoglu, 2020. "A Comprehensive Assessment of Auto-Enrollment System as a Second Pillar of Pension System: The Case of Turkey," International Journal of Publication and Social Studies, Asian Economic and Social Society, vol. 5(2), pages 167-177, June.

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