Security Benefit offers floating-rate fixed deferred annuity
Contract owners receive a guaranteed base rate of interest that is set for the contract’s guarantee period, plus the 3-month ICE LIBOR USD Rate (subject to a cap), which...
Another robo—the “Robin Hood of fees”—takes aim at fund fees
"FeeX" shows visitors the differences between the fund fees they are paying and funds that offer similar investments but lower fees--then helps visitors into a rollover IRA at Betterment,...
MetLife isn’t a SIFI, federal judge rules
Judge Rosemary Collyer's opinion was sealed, but parts may be made public next month.
Half-a-point rise in benchmark rates now expected in 2016
“I consider it appropriate for the committee to proceed cautiously in adjusting policy,” Fed Chairwoman Janet Yellen said at the Economic Club of New York this week.
Where you work determines your retirement: EBRI
The percentage of workers who describe themselves as “very confident” about having enough money for a comfortable retirement leveled off at 21% this year, after rising to 22% in...
Six ways to ease the global pension crisis: Citigroup
"Private pension assets are forecast to grow $5-$11 trillion over the next 10-30 years and strong growth is forecast in insurance pension buy-outs, private pension schemes, and asset and...
Senior home equity estimated at $5.83 trillion: NRMLA
The National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association RiskSpan Reverse Mortgage Market Index (RMMI) rose to a record 203 in Q4 2015 from 198.53 in Q3, the association said this week.
Mutual fund and ETF flows sharply lower in 2015: Morningstar
The U.S. fund industry had new asset flows of $263 billion, or less than half of the $580 billion in 2014. Asia showed the strongest organic growth rate, at...
Honorable Mention
Brief or late-breaking items from Prudential, the CFP Board, Fidelity and TIAA.
LPL announces adaptations to impending DOL fiduciary rule
We are 'making changes to our platform and capabilities that we believe will help advisors grow their practices and support more investors in need of financial advice," said LPL's...
Lower annuity prices will likely follow DOL fiduciary rule: Cerulli
“There will be unexpected changes to the retirement and wealth management industries, and, to a degree, this cultural evolution is what the proposed rule is hoping to effect,” a...
With 14.5% market share, Allianz Life led FIA sellers in 2015
LIMRA Secure Retirement Institute and Wink Inc. offer differing views on the way indexed annuity sales will be affected by the impending DOL fiduciary rule.
Shift to index funds reduces average equity fund expenses: ICI
Weighted by assets, average equity fund expense ratios fell for sixth consecutive year in 2015, by two basis points to 68 basis points, according to the Investment Company Institute....
Honorable Mention
Brief or late-breaking items from MassMutual, Voya, 401k Averages Book, Nationwide, PSCA, Conning and Morningstar.
Americans like Robo-Advice: Survey by Capital One Investing
The survey also showed that Americans would rather lose weight or travel than save for retirement.
New business for Prudential Retirement
Prudential's three new plan sponsors—CCC Group, AccentCare, Inc., and LJT & Associates, Inc.—have combined plan assets of $66 million and about 18,000 participants.
Jackson National posts record pre-tax operating income
The indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the United Kingdom’s Prudential plc reported sales and deposits of $27.9 billion in 2015.
Cerulli sees convergence of technology and goal-based planning
"Clearing away the clutter of multiple accounts has allowed sponsor firms to build better tools for goals-based planning," said a Cerulli analyst.
More private equity for new indexed annuity firm
Kuvare Holdings intends to “deliver diversified annuities, life insurance, and supplemental products to the middle-income and mass-affluent consumer segments through its acquisition-led growth strategy.”
ETFs suffer outflows for first time in over two years
'ETFs bled $1.8 billion in January flows. Combined with poor market returns, that led to a 4.7% drop in assets. The vehicle still maintained more than $2 trillion in...
