javenger - and the paradigm of stupidity continues. The domestic marketplace appears to be renewing a lot of business at some discounts. AIG appears to be renewing at some fairly substantial discounts, but then they're attempting to keep business, may not be a good idea. Reinsurance marketplace, especially on 12/31/09 renewals does not appear to be doing much in the way of discounts. Badan Badan has most either flat or a slight increase 2 - 3%. with the exception of financial oriented business . We'll see how 2009 shapes up, but if it doesn't get any better than the first 9 months, it will be a poor year from a profit percentage standpoint, which will not have a salutary effect on the entire P&L.

And the beat goes on.

Be well
Pete