About 66% of insurers in Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region are positive in their current investment outlook, a survey by global asset management firm BlackRock has found.

Some 32% are negative and 2% are unsure, according to the 110 executives who took part in the annual global insurance survey.

Australian insurers are the most optimistic in the region, BlackRock says, and many are looking to diversify their portfolios including placing more investment in the private market.

“Overall sentiment remains positive among Asia-Pacific insurers, suggesting they are positioned appropriately despite increasingly lower rates and higher volatility,” Head of Financial Institutions Group for Asia-Pacific Kimberly Kim said.

Globally, 360 senior executives participated in the BlackRock survey this year.

About 78% are upbeat on the short-term prospects and slightly over half do not expect a recession before 2022.