Trade publications are an invaluable resource for any professional worker. They can keep us up to date with what is happening in our sector as well as providing us with important insights of what to expect up ahead.

The insurance markets are no different, with senior industry figures and investors relying on trade publications for insight and intelligence. If you work in the sector and want to know what to look for in your publication of choice, then this guide may help.

Here are five attributes to look for when selecting an insurance markets trade magazine:

1. A good website – We live in a new era for the publishing industry, with digital rising in prominence. While printed publications may still be preferred by some, having access to an online version is an absolute must. One that’s regularly updated, with news brought to you as and when it happens, should be top of your list.

2. News – Both online and in print, the main draw for many readers will be the news section. Covering a broad range of topics – including briefings, loss events, M&A, trading risk and much more – and a wide geographical area, such as the UK, North America and Asia, the news section is likely to be the first place you’ll look to find out what’s happening in your sector.

3. News analysis – Some stories will undoubtedly warrant more coverage than a mere news story. Find a publication that has experienced journalists and guest writers who are on hand to analyse the latest big stories and provide unique insights into what the events means to the wider industry.

4. Features – Part of any good trade publication will be a section that offers genuine added value with insightful interviews and debates, covered within in-depth write-ups. A good insurance markets magazine will carry interviews with some of the industry’s leading figures.

5. Reports – The better publications will also go that little bit further, by hosting round-table discussions, events and producing research. While some may be written up as useful features, the more significant findings will usually be delivered as a supplement to the main publication.

So, if you’re looking for the latest insurance market news, maybe it’s time to find a publication that has the intelligence and insight to provide it