Stockwatch

The week's winners
SVB up 18.9%
Chaucer up 13.1%

The week's losers
Allianz down 6.2%
R&SA down 6%

Warren Buffett is said to be showing an interest in swallowing Burger King, after plans to sell the fast food chain to a group of financiers fell through.

But, the Sage of Omaha, widely seen as one of a few investors to have successfully ridden the market over many years, is unlikely to be swayed in his decision by the offer of extra fries with his purchase.

However, some of his recent investments in the insurance market are raising eyebrows now.

Trenwick, the recipient of a recent tranche of cash from Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway group, has question marks over its financial health and was locked in negotiations with its creditors this week.

Rather than offering free fries to its investors, Lloyd's-based Hiscox came up with an alternative way of whetting their appetites.

Third party capital providers will be encouraged to gorge themselves on a 20% price cut on the company's fees.

The one-year-only offer is part of the group's drive to increase the capacity of its Lloyd's Syndicate 33.

A 20% increase up to a maximum of £847m for 2003 follows a rise in September to £706m for next year, from the 2002 level of £504m.

But the group is keen to allow for yet another hike - although it said a further move would be through qualifying quota share reinsurance.

The group's FSA-regulated insurance company this week signed a deal with XL London Market to take on the renewal rights of the Denham Direct book of professional liability business.

The price depends on the value of business renewed. It brings Hiscox access to a significant book, featuring particularly smaller accountants and other professionals, which could fit well with the group's high net worth services.