International group Zurich Financial Services is battling the combined influences of weak financial markets, a strong US dollar and big catastrophe payouts to stick to its profit forecasts, according to Exec Chairman Rolf Huppi. It’s been heartened by 20% growth in its global general insurance operations countering dips in other areas.

Mr Huppi said the company is still on track to record earnings of up to $4 billion for the year. That was a relief for investors, who saw the Swiss company perform dismally in 2000. Zurich reports its results on September 9.