Jan 30 (Reuters) - Insurer Hartford Financial Services beat Wall Street

estimates for fourth-quarter profit on Thursday, driven by stronger underwriting and higher

investment income.

Insurance spending has remained resilient despite economic uncertainties, as businesses

prioritize coverage to guard against risks such as natural disasters, cyberattacks and health

emergencies.

The need to protect assets and ensure business continuity has sustained demand, even as

inflation and high interest rates squeeze other discretionary spending.

Hartford said that the property and casualty (P&C) written premiums increased by 7% in the

fourth quarter.

"Results were driven by sustained momentum in Commercial Lines, which once again generated

strong top-line growth at highly profitable margins," said Chairman and CEO Christopher Swift in

a statement.

Meanwhile, Hartford's net investment income before tax rose to $714 million in the fourth

quarter from $653 million a year earlier, fueled by higher yields on its fixed-income portfolio.

Insurers typically allocate a portion of their capital across different asset classes,

including fixed-income securities and equities, with returns often mirroring broader market

trends.

The company reported core earnings of $2.94 per diluted share in the three months ended Dec.

31. Analysts on average expected $2.63 per share.