Insurance: In the insurance industry net premiums at the end of 1999 rose by 4 percent to $21.2 billion and capital and surplus grew 6 percent to $51.2 billion.

Markets: The Bermuda Stock Exchange Index started off in 1999 just under 1550, but fell to below 1400 in June 1999. The exchange, however, has rallied on speculation that local banks will be granted exemptions to the 60/40 ownership rule. It now stands at a 52-week high of 1,741.

Economic indicators Gross Domestic Product (1997 ) $2.3 billion Inflation Rate 2.9 percent Retail Sales Index (first quarter 2000) 117.1 -- down 1.6 percent International businesses registered in Bermuda 11,494 International businesses with physical presence 304 Local companies registered in Bermuda 2,528 Balance of Payments current account surplus 1999 $204 million Work force Total 37,457 Hotel, Restaurants and Clubs 5,607 Public Administration 4,054 Banks, Insurance and Real Estate 3,359 Business Services 3,330 International Bodies 3,201 Proportion of jobs held by: Men 50 percent Women 50 percent Bermudians 77 percent Expatriates 23 percent Average employment income $36,414 Average hours worked per week 33.3 Unemployment (estimate) 3 percent Tourism Number of Air arrivals 1999 354,026 Air visitor spending 1999 $437.9 million Number of cruise passengers 1999 194,441 Cruise ship visitor spending 1999 $41.2 million