While the insurers continue to take a financial belting, things are looking good for the brokers, with three of the top global companies posting increased first-quarter results.

Aon has reported a first-quarter net income of $US280 million ($382 million), up 28% from $US218 million ($297 million) for the same quarter last year.

But the results still fell short of analysts’ expectations, with revenue slipping 3% to $US1.85 billion ($2.5 billion) and stocks plummeting in reaction.

British-based Willis Group’s quarterly net income was up 15.7% to $US192 million ($262 million) from $US166 million ($226 million) a year earlier.

Willis says this year’s results were hurt by a stronger US dollar compared to the euro, which reduced earnings by US14 cents (19 cents) a share compared to last year.

While Jardine Lloyd Thompson has not yet released its first-quarter results, it says its performance is “ahead of the same period last year”.

It also says there is “no significant consistent evidence” of hardening rates across the market.