Prudential unveils record sales

Life assurer Prudential today unveiled record insurance and investment sales of £15.1bn for the first nine months of this year.

An increasing amount of international business, which now accounts for 68% of total sales, helped fuel the rise.

But Prudential said its exposure to events in the US was ‘‘extremely limited’’ while it had also benefited from a decision taken two years ago to reduce investments in now volatile stock markets.

Chief executive Jonathan Bloomer said: ‘‘These figures reflect the benefits of a financially strong company which is growing internationally, broadening its distribution reach and diversifying its product range.’’

Insurance sales in the UK reached £627m in the nine months, up 12% on the same period last year, following strong demand for bulk annuities and individual pensions. Sales of corporate pensions increased by 22%.