(Reuters) — Property/casualty insurer The Hartford reported a 33% jump in fourth-quarter core profit on Thursday, driven by stronger underwriting performance. Property & casualty written premiums at Hartford saw a year-over-year rise of 5% in the quarter, driven by growth in business insurance premiums. Written premiums at business insurance, which accounts for more than 50% of Hartford’s revenue, were $3.38 billion in the quarter, 7% higher than a year earlier. The segment’s combined ratio was 83.6% in the quarter, compared with 87.4% in the previous corresponding period. Meanwhile, consolidated net investment income rose 17% to $832 million in the quarter, driven by higher income from limited partnerships, a higher level of invested assets, and reinvesting at higher interest rates.