The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday, Feb. 6, edition that heading into fourth quarter earnings season for Canadian diversified financial companies, National Bank Financial analyst Jaeme Gloyn is maintaining his favourable outlook for the property and casualty (P&C) insurance sector, pointing to "persistent hard market conditions across most business lines and higher interest rates driving sustainably higher investment income." The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that Mr. Gloyn says in a note: "We believe the insurance sector remains well positioned for 2024, given persistent hard market conditions. We observe hard markets across commercial lines and firming markets in personal lines. U.S. excess and surplus lines markets continue to post solid mid-teens premiums and filings growth. ... In addition, still high interest rates likely drive increased investment income again in 2024. Also, the potential for M&A catalysts in 2024 amplifies an already strong set-up for 2024." Accordingly, Mr. Gloyn boosted his share target for First National Financial by $2 to $41. Analysts on average target the shares at $42. Mr. Gloyn continues to rate First National Financial "outperform."