MS turns bearish on Nordic insurers as 'northern lights are fading'
BUZZ-MS turns bearish on Nordic insurers as 'northern lights are fading' ** Morgan Stanley expects further underperformance for Nordic property and casualty (P&C) insurers as their quality premium shrinks due to elevated bond yields
** The broker downgrades Danish insurance provider Tryg TRYG.CO to "underweight" from "equal weight" as fading pricing tailwinds negatively impact the regional financial sector
** MS initiates coverage on regional peers Gjensidige GJFG.OL at "underweight" and Sampo SAMPO.HE at "equal weight" amid these tougher market dynamics
** The brokerage states "we prefer Sampo for its broader platform, UK optionality and clearer catalysts" when comparing to other firms in the area
** Highlighting the shifting landscape, the broker notes the "northern lights are fading" for these companies as their historical advantages normalise
** SAMPO is down 7.4% YTD, while TRYG and GJFG have fallen 9.1% and 8.2%, respectively
(Reporting by Marta Frackowiak)