April 25 (Reuters) - Hartford Financial Services ( HIG )

on Thursday reported a rise in first-quarter profit, as the

investment and insurance firm benefited from a higher income

from investments.

A rally in global markets since the start of the year has

helped insurers who invest in various market instruments to post

significant gains in their investment income.

Its net investment income, before tax, surged 15% to $593

million.

A tight labor market and the increased optimism for a soft

landing for the economy have helped the insurance sector by

reviving expenditure on insurance plans.

Hartford's total earned premiums for the January to March

period were at $5.45 billion, up from $5.06 billion in the year

ago period.

Its adjusted core earnings for the quarter ended March 31

came in at $2.34 per share, compared with $1.68 per share in the

year ago period.

(Reporting by Pritam Biswas and Jaiveer Singh Shekhawat in

Bengaluru)