Sector movers: Insurers shook by earthquake

The nonlife insurance sector has been hit by worries over the possible effects of the Japan earthquake. Omega Insurance, Amlin and Chaucer are suffering losses of 5% or more. The damage caused by the earthquake and possible after-effects are difficult to assess at this stage.Insurance underwriter Catlin is also in the red, extending losses from yesterday when it announced that the initial cost estimates of the recent New Zealand earthquake will be in the region of $125m.Technology hardware and equipment stocks are moderately higher today with BATM Advanced Communications, ARM Holdings and Psion among the highest risers.Top performing sectors so far todayTechnology Hardware & Equipment 717.26 +0.49%Forestry & Paper 5,935.02 +0.27%Mining 24,942.68 +0.23%Mobile Telecommunications 4,080.37 +0.20%Industrial Metals & Mining 7,493.79 +0.12%Bottom performing sectors so far todayInsurance (non-life) 1,555.28 -2.30%Electronic & Electrical Equipment 2,948.52 -2.06%General Industrials 3,179.27 -1.84%Construction & Materials 4,171.66 -1.69%Support Services 4,348.76 -1.50%