Is Travelers a Buy While It's Down?

Travelers (NYSE: TRV) is one of the largest property and casualty insurance companies in the U.S. Like most insurers, the Hartford-based company has struggled this year -- its stock price was down about 15% year to date as of Wednesday's close, and earnings fell 25% year over year in the first quarter. Unexpected circumstances have played a role, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn, which led the Fed to lower its benchmark federal funds rate to 0%. Investors may be wondering if the stock is still worth holding, or if the company is built to withstand the stresses of these forces.