Insurers’ losses from natural disasters rose by about 50 percent in 2008, with Caribbean hurricanes Ike and Gustav powering the increase and climate change increasingly a factor, a leading reinsurer said Monday.

U.S. cotton production is expected to drop to 13.5 million bales this year, down nearly a third from last year, after farmers planted fewer acres in favor of higher-priced crops and took a hit along the Gulf Coast from hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

Swiss Reinsurance Co. posted a net loss of 304 million Swiss francs ($258 million) for the third quarter Tuesday, blaming its performance on the turmoil in the financial markets and hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

The Federal Reserve reports that industrial production in September posted its biggest drop since late 1974, mostly reflecting disruptions from hurricanes Gustav and Ike.

New applications for unemployment benefits rose slightly last week to a seven-year high due to a weakening economy and the impact of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, the Labor Department said Thursday.

Government data show new applications for unemployment benefits rose slightly last week to a seven-year high due to the impact of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav and a weakening economy.

Damage estimates to Entergy Corp. utility units from hurricanes Ike and Gustav:

Government data show the number of new applications for unemployment benefits jumped last week to its highest level in seven years due to the impact of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav and a weak economy

Farm Aid founder Willie Nelson says the organization will give $30,000 to groups that help family farmers in areas of Texas and Louisiana hit hardest by Hurricanes Ike and Gustav.

Cuba’s foreign minister says U.S. trade sanctions are the biggest obstacle to recovery from hurricanes Ike and Gustav.