How has Italian insurers' asset book value evolved from 1998 to 2012?

Abstract

This research aims to analyse the dynamics of the book value of assets of a cross-section of Italian insurers in a medium/long period of time (from 1998 to 2012), correlating this with Italian nominal GDP. Subsequently, to permit more in-depth investigation of these dynamics, the research, based on a quantitative method, moves from an analysis of the absolute values to analysis of the rates of change of the assets book value with those of the Italian GDP. Lastly, for more analysis, attention has been focused on certain assets considered particularly significant. In this way, this research correlates macroeconomic variables with some of the most important financial variables (assets) in a medium/long period of time, that cover years both before and after the global crisis that started in 2007. This study may offer interesting suggestions both at theoretical and practical levels, mainly for managers (who frequently base their decisions only upon short-time data) and potential long-time investors.

Loan growth and interest income of Italian listed banks: a multivariate analysis

“…In fact, there are several inputs, such as production factors, constraints and conditions that, through a process of transformation, generate a series of outputs (Ferrero, 1987). Along with insurance companies and financial intermediaries, banks are part of the so-called 'financial system' (Giovando and Venuti, 2014). The financial system connects the entire economic system through the financial reports (Onado, 2000).…”

“…The financial statements of banks present peculiarities of composition, exposure and content which are typical of that specific type of business (Bocchino et al, 2013). Indeed the bank balance sheet follows an order of presentation of the items, which is essentially based on a policy of decreasing liquidity, with cash and cash equivalents reported as the first entry (Giovando and Venuti, 2014).…”

Loan growth and interest income of Italian listed banks: a multivariate analysis

“…In fact, there are several inputs, such as production factors, constraints and conditions that, through a process of transformation, generate a series of outputs (Ferrero, 1987). Along with insurance companies and financial intermediaries, banks are part of the so-called 'financial system' (Giovando and Venuti, 2014). The financial system connects the entire economic system through the financial reports (Onado, 2000).…”

“…The financial statements of banks present peculiarities of composition, exposure and content which are typical of that specific type of business (Bocchino et al, 2013). Indeed the bank balance sheet follows an order of presentation of the items, which is essentially based on a policy of decreasing liquidity, with cash and cash equivalents reported as the first entry (Giovando and Venuti, 2014).…”