Jan 30 (Reuters) - Arthur J Gallagher ( AJG ) on

Thursday posted a profit for the fourth quarter, compared with a

loss a year earlier, as heightened insurance activity boosted

fees and commissions from its brokerage services.

Insurance brokerages act as intermediaries between clients

and insurers, guiding customers in selecting policies that best

match their needs. Unlike insurers, they do not directly sell

policies.

Confidence in a soft-landing and economic resilience has

spurred businesses to spend more on insurance, benefiting

brokerages such as Arthur J Gallagher ( AJG ) through higher fees.

The company's profit was $258.2 million, or $1.12 per share,

for the three months ended Dec. 31, compared with a loss of

$39.6 million, or 15 cents per share, a year earlier.

Its total revenue rose nearly 12% to $2.72 billion, helped

by a 13% jump in commissions.