Taiwan insurers suffer their worst loss in 18 months

Taiwan’s largest insurers posted combined losses of nearly TWD19bn (USD624m) in April, the worst monthly shortfall in 18 months, amid currency volatility triggered by US tariff threats, Economic Daily News reported. Nan Shan Life led losses at TWD9.09bn, while KGI Life was the only major insurer to report a profit. The spike in the New Taiwan dollar against the US dollar early this month has raised fresh concerns over hedging strategies, although shares of insurers rebounded on easing US-China trade tensions. Analysts warn that further currency appreciation could deepen losses for Taiwan’s insurers, who hold around USD710bn in foreign assets. Regulators and the central bank have moved to stabilise markets, with insurers increasing hedging activities to mitigate risks.