BestWeek: Trading Exchanges See Terror Exposure Multiply.

OLDWICK, N.J. -- Terrorism has been the overriding property insurance exposure for trading exchanges since September 11, 2001, due to their location in central business districts in some of the world's largest cities, according to a story in the November 6 issue of BestWeek.

In financial capitals such as Paris, London, New York, Tokyo, Toronto, Chicago, Brussels, Belgium, and Milan, Italy, organized securities markets have taken significant steps to prepare for the possibility of a large-scale disruption. However, amid the ongoing consolidation frenzy, experts say the exposure to and risks from such an attack continue to increase.

Also, BestWeek takes a look at UnumProvident Corporation's struggles with the cost of reassessing old, closed disability claims under a multistate regulatory settlement.

Also featured in BestWeek is Best's Insurance Composite Index, which finished the week of Nov. 2, 2006, at 1,180.12, up 5.09% from a year ago. The composite index reflects the performance of 133 insurance stocks. The week's top performers were Direct General Corp.; United America Indemnity Ltd.; Merchants Group Inc.; Marsh & McLennan Cos.; and RTW Inc. The week's bottom performers were Mercer Insurance Group Inc.; Tower Group Inc.; Atlantic American Corp.; Horace Mann Educators Corp.; and Meadowbrook Insurance Group Inc.

BestWeek is published by A.M. Best Co. for insurance professionals.

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A.M. Best Co., established in 1899, is the world's oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit A.M. Best's Web site at www.ambest.com.