OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Most affluent Asians are starting their retirement planning earlier, at age 36, as the global economic recession deepens. That compares with 39 years old just last year, according to an Axa Asia Pacific study reported in this week’s issue of BestWeek Asia/Pacific.

A.M. Best Co.’s BestWeek Asia/Pacific is a multimedia online digital newsletter for insurance professionals. The 7 April edition is available at www.bestweek.com/bwap040709.html or by visiting www.bestweek.com.

Also covered are the strategic approaches of Australia’s Insurance Australia Group and New Zealand’s Farmer’s Mutual Group to a market with rising loss costs and volatile investment results.

The edition includes audio interviews with Rebecca Chan, regional chief marketing officer for Axa Asia Pacific, and Dave Kibblewhite, chief financial officer of Farmer’s Mutual Group.

Video reports include a review of the A.M. Best Stock Indexes for Asia/Pacific, Global Brokers and Global Reinsurers and video news updates.

For a complimentary subscription, visit www.bestweek.asia.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a global full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial and health care service industries, including insurance companies, banks, hospitals and health care system providers. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.