Derivatives assets soar at eurozone insurers

The value of derivatives assets held by eurozone insurers ballooned 40% in 2018 to €51.4 billion ($57.8 billion), the highest level for two years. 

Derivatives values increased the most by far of all types of assets in insurers' portfolios over the year. Equity holdings edged up 3% to €835.8 billion and technical reserves – cash put aside to meet future claims – also 3% to €249.6 billion. The values of all other asset types dipped or stayed static in 2018. 

Derivatives asset values sank 7% to