Prudential 'strong enough to withstand heavier downturns'

British insurer Prudential today said it was strong enough to withstand much heavier downturns in stock markets and the economy as it sought to soothe investor nerves.

Concerns have mounted that insurers’ capital strength could be whittled away by tumbling share prices, but the Pru’s own buffer stood at £1.2bn (€1.55bn) at the end of September.