Both Companies have reported good first half year results, and whilst this usually means shareholders will benefit the most, in the case of Standard Life they have indicated their "with profit" fund is in good shape, and have slightly increased terminal bonuses, and they also feel confident enough to start distributing their orphan assets.
We have always thought Prudential have smart asset managers, and their move earlier in the year to offset their exposure to sub prime mortgage lending in the USA is a classic example, and hopefully, alongwith other investment strategies, will also have increased the value of the "with profit" fund to the ultimate benefit of policyholders.
Although both these Companies could be the subject of takeover bids do we really want to see the UK Life industry shrink any further?