Lehman Brothers, the investment bank, today upgraded its view of the UK insurance sector to `neutral' from `negative'.

The move brings UK companies into line with European insurers.

It said it was "premature" to put a positive recommendation on the sector, due to lack of progress by European governments in addressing their pensions savings gaps.

It listed concerns over Aviva's non-life underwriting profitability as a possible risk factor.

Listing possible risks associated with Royal & SunAlliance, the bank listed claims due to catastrophe losses or the need to increase claims reserves for business written in prior years.

It said the company's capital position was linked to equity markets and added: "RSA's balance sheet remains under pressure and further rating downgrades would impair the company's franchise."

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