ING Offers a Simpler, Cheaper Variable Annuity
The contract costs 2.25% a year, including 100 bps for the income rider, 75 bps for the M&E risk fee, and 50 bps for fund management, says Bill Lowe,...
Social Security Cash-Flow Turns Negative
Unemployment has forced many people to apply for benefits sooner than planned while also reducing payroll tax revenue. But the change won't affect benefits.
Vandalism Follows Obama Health Bill Signing
On Wednesday, Democratic legislators had reportedly received death threats and been the victims of vandalism because they voted for the health care bill.
Hartford Financial Prepares to Repay U.S. Treasury
Hartford Financial borrowed $3.4 billion in 2009 under the Treasury Department's Troubled Asset Relief Program.
More Assets Moving From 401(k)s to IRAs
“We are definitely seeing an uptick in the number of 401(k) plan participants who choose to roll over plan assets," a Charles Schwab executive said.
Australians Want More Workplace Savings
After more than a decade of compulsory contributions, Australians have over AU$1.177 trillion in their state-sponsored defined contribution plan.
Financial Execs Invited to Endorse ‘Fiduciary Statement’
"No man can serve two masters," said John Bogle, founder of The Vanguard Group and member of the Committee for the Fiduciary Standard.
Fiduciary Standard Stripped From ‘Dodd Bill’
Broker-dealers and life insurance agents want the SEC to continue to regulate them using a standard of care based on suitability, not fiduciary duty.
RIJ Receives a Tough-Love Letter
Garth Bernard and Cogent Research help resolve a question about the popularity of income products.
Floor It!
In the Arizona desert, Mike Zwecher had a vision that led to his new book on building outcome-oriented retirement portfolios.
401(k)s: They’re Not (Necessarily) Just for Employees Any More
A growing number of 401(k) plan sponsors, retirees, record keepers and regulators want retirees to stay in their plans well into, or even straight through, retirement, PIMCO has found.
Financial Reform Bill Released by Senator Dodd
Here are highlights of the controversial financial reform bill, courtesy of OpenCongress.org.
Two Insurers, Two Multi-Media Web Strategies
The Principal and AXA Equitable have established new multi-media web portals for investors and for bloggers, respectively.
New Research Analyzes Benefits of Roth Conversion
In 2008, IRA assets totaled some $3.6 trillion, 95% of which was in traditional IRAs, according to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College.
Credit Crunch Looms in 2012, Analysts Say
Junk bonds are set to mature at a rate of $155 billion in 2012, $212 billion in 2013 and $338 billion in 2014, up from only $21 billion in...
Target-Date CTFs: The Next DC Gold Rush?
Collective trust funds (CTFs) with target-date strategies are the talk of the defined contribution world, says Cerulli Associates.
Milliman Offers Hedging Strategies to Distributors
With three trading platforms around the globe, the Chicago-based actuarial consultant has come a long way from merely advising insurers.
