Insurer Omega H1 pretax flat, outlook positive

LONDON (Reuters) - Lloyd's listed insurer Omega Insurance Holdings (OIH.L) posted a first-half pretax profit slightly lower than 2008, but said rates are firming in its core business leading to a positive outlook for the rest of the year.

The Bermuda-based group, which specialises in property insurance and reinsurance, reported a first-half pretax profit of $22.9 million (14.1 million pounds) compared with $24.5 million last year.

"Although uneven, in our core lines the market continues to firm and returns look attractive," said the company in a statement.

UK peer Chaucer (CHU.L) reported a jump in pretax profit on Thursday, boosted by investment returns.

Omega said it will pay a dividend of 6 cents per share.

(Reporting by Lorraine Turner)