Now as everyone here well knows, the U.S. insurance industry is a growing and vibrant source of financial strength in America, and provides millions of Americans with jobs. There are also reasons for optimism if you are watching your stock portfolio. U.S. equity markets continue to perform well. Housing is starting to recover as a decline in inventory has put upward pressure on pricing, at least in some markets. The stubborn U.S. unemployment rate has improved; the financial sector is stable and more importantly, better prepared to weather the next crisis.