Record Sales for Indexed Annuities in 2009
Allianz Life was the top-selling carrier in the quarter and for 2009, and its MasterDex X was the top-selling IA for the third quarter in a row.
‘Saving More’ Trumps ‘Working Longer’
"I'll-work-till-I-drop" is often the first, but rarely the most sensible, response to a setback in retirement savings.
401(k) Balances Bounced Back in 2009: Fidelity
A combination of S&P 500 growth and new contributions helped raise average Fidelity 401(k) balances 28% in 2009.
Brokers Are More Than “Blackjack Dealers,” PA Regulators Say
“What's at stake here is consumer and investor confidence,” the commissioners wrote to Sens. Arlen Specter and Bob Casey Jr.
In UK, BMW Is “Ultimate Pension Machine”
The BMW pension plan adds to the still-new use of longevity swaps to control risk.
Prudential Financial Reports Turnaround in 2009
Individual annuity gross sales for the fourth quarter were $4.8 billion, up from $2.2 billion a year ago.
White House Tweaks Senate Health Care Bill
Obama wants to close the Medicare prescription drug 'donut hole' and regulate 'unreasonable' health insurance premium hikes.
The Exploitation of Sherry Pratt
Identity theft does not begin to describe the harm done to a quadriplegic woman who died of bedsores in a Chicago nursing home.
Stellar 2008 Makes for Dismal 2009 in Bank Annuity Sales
“There have been only two times in the last five years where we have seen bank channel total annuity sales this low,” said Kehrer-LIMRA's research director.
Correction
We erred in reporting that “When a husband in a retired couple (both at least age 62) dies, his widow's Social Security benefit, if lower, rises to match his...
Penn Mutual Enriches Income Benefit Without Raising Fees
The "Growth and Income Advantage Benefit" rider now has a 6% annual roll-up and a maximum 5% annual payout.
Few Advisors Confident of Own Business Strategy: Curian Capital
Many advisors feel a need to change their approach but are uncertain how to go about it.
AllianceBernstein Adds “Volatility Management” To Target-Date Funds
The modified funds will “dynamically de-risk into bonds and cash when it's appropriate” to reduce overall portfolio risk.
Robin Hood or Just Robbin’?
Rhode Island attorney Robert Flanders said "stranger-originated annuity transactions" are perfectly legal.
The Future of Fixed Annuities: A 2020 Vision
Jack Marrion predicts that by 2020 the securities industry will exercise control over the annuity market in the U.S.
Where’s The Alpha?
"Academics continue to create analytical solutions that rarely apply in the human world," says this Denver advisor.
NewRiver Announces VA Summary Prospectus Index
Through January 2010, 78 variable product contracts have at least one sub-account with a summary prospectus document.
Corporate Insight Announces Monitor Award Winners
The annual review considered the online offerings of more than 70 financial services firms.
