Stuart Varney: Hurricanes Milton and Helene are churning 'serious' long-term effects

Published On Oct 8, 2024, 11:17 AM

In his segment on Fox Business, Stuart Varney discusses the long-term ramifications of Hurricanes Milton and Helene on both the affected communities and the insurance and property markets. He highlights that homeowner insurance rates are expected to rise significantly, with proposals for an average increases of 42% in North Carolina, which residents are already struggling to afford. Varney suggests that property taxes may also increase due to the substantial costs associated with rebuilding and debris clearance. This financial strain could deter migration to states like Florida, traditionally seen as an affordable alternative, thereby reversing a long-standing trend.

Stock Forecasts

The implications of rising insurance rates and property tax increases could negatively affect the real estate market and potentially lead to a decline in home sales in disaster-affected areas, particularly in states like Florida and North Carolina. The stresses on local economies could impact companies tied to the real estate market or those that significantly rely on real estate for their business models.

Companies involved in insurance, particularly those with significant exposure to homeowner policies in hurricane-prone areas, may face pressures from increasing claims, which could lead to a downturn in stock performance. Insurers with a broad footprint in the affected regions such as Travelers Companies, Inc.

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