Quote/unquote.

"The issue with earthquakes is often that the full extent of the damage is not known for some period of time. It takes much longer to assess damage from an earthquake, say, than from a hurricane."

Robert Hartwig Executive vice president and chief economist Instwance Information Institute

"Unless most member states do something serious about defusing the pension time bomb, it will go off in the hands of our children and grandchildren. This is a problem that needs to tackled through both a reduction of public deficits and further reforms of the pension, health-care and long-term care systems."

Joaquin Almunia Economic and monetary affairs commissioner European Union

"I'm not suggesting that the [reinsurance]market is in any way, shape or form softening. But from a purchasing point of view, certainly the pressure seems to be slightly less."

Bruce Bartell Active underwriter Chaucer Syndicates Ltd.

"Life insurance products such as annuities and long-term care are necessary for retirement planning. We have a very significant public relations and information challenge to share those facts with the public. The United States is a terribly under-saved society and without the right financial products, Americans are going to run out of money during their retirement."

Frank Keating President and chief executive officer American Council of Life Insurers