Catastrophe Bond : What are they and why invest in them?

Abstract: For a little over twenty years, the niched asset class catastrophe bonds have existed. Despite of their now relatively long existence, they are still unknown to many and are usually only available for large, institutional investors, mainly within the insurance market, pension funds and hedge funds. Catastrophe bonds differ from traditional assets for many reason, the main one being the risk dependent of a predetermined event within a geographic area, such as an earthquake in Tokyo or a hurricane in Miami. Because the risk is dependent of other factors than traditional asset classes, there is a widespread knowledge of the possibilities to diversify the portfolio by investing in catastrophe bonds, which have a low covariance with other assets in the portfolio. Other asset classes who have similar characteristics have proved to be hedge funds, real estate, infrastructure and agriculture. The lack of competence some people have worried about investors have to be able to invest in these niched asset classes have been found to be relevant for all asset classes, not just these non-traditional assets. Also, it is always difficult to know when an investor is taking more risk than they are being compensated for, moreover this is individual for all investors. Lastly, catastrophe bonds contribute with public welfare in addition to the economic advantage; catastrophe bonds show low volatility and high returns while raising capital to help regions affected by natural catastrophes.