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Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

First-quarter premiums tick higher at Beazley

(Sharecast News) - Specialist insurer Beazley reiterated its full-year outlook on Tuesday, after it posted a modest uptick in written premiums. Updating on trading, the blue chip - which manages a number of Lloyd's syndicates - said insurance written premiums rose 2% in the three months to March end, to $1.51bn. Net premiums rose 1%, at $1.25bn.

The uplift was driven by a 7% jump in property risks, which helped offset a 2% decline in cyber risks and a flat digital performance.

Investments and cash sparked 9%, at $11.76bn.

But premium rates on renewal business decreased by 4%, compared to a 1% increase a year previously.

Adrian Cox, chief executive, acknowledged that "as expected, markets had softened" during the opening months of the year.

But he continued: "We maintained our focus on strong underwriting discipline while navigating those conditions.

"Our guidance for the year of mid-single digits growth and an undiscounted combined ratio of mid-80s is unchanged."

Shares in Beazley fell 5% as trading got underway on Tuesday, with the stock hitting 836p as at 0830 BST.

As well as the UK, Beazley has operations in Europe, North America, Latin America and Asia.

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