Anatomy of a Success: Elite Access

By Kerry Pechter
Jackson National Life's Elite Access variable annuity zoomed from zero to a $1 billion in quarterly sales in less than two years. Using the craze for 'liquid alts' as a hook, it revived the concept of the "investment-only" VA and sparked the creation of a whole new category.

What’s Your ZIP Code’s Annuity Potential?

By Kerry Pechter
IAP, a small market research firm, analyzes and compares two giant databases to discover whether a particular ZIP code in the U.S. is saturated with annuity sales, underdeveloped, competitive or uncontested.

RIJ’s Annual Variable Annuity Review

By Kerry Pechter
Every July, RIJ assesses the VA market. This year, we look at the “investment only” or “IO” VA, the structured VA, and the VAs with novel income options. All address the public’s need for growth and safety without costing a lot or threatening to backfire on the issuer.

Danish DC Model Draws a Crowd in Britain

By Vanessa Drucker
Through a subsidiary called "Now: Pensions," Denmark's national defined contribution plan provider (ATP) is making hay of the UK's requirement that all British employers auto-enroll their workers into a DC plan by 2017.
Featured

Consider the Alternatives!

By Kerry Pechter
Liquid alts are the hottest topic in mutual funds. Some have suggested that they can solve sequence risk and temper longevity risk in retirement portfolios. To demystify this topic, RIJ called Keith Black, a Certified Alternative Investment Analyst.

Man Bites Vanguard

By Kerry Pechter
A whistleblower's suit accusing Vanguard of transfer pricing and tax evasion reminded me of the time I asked, 'What does Vanguard do with its own money?'
News

IMCA magazine focuses on alts

By Editorial Staff
The current issue of 'Investments and Wealth Monitor' includes eight articles about alternative investments, including such strategies and assets as global infrastructure, master limited partnerships and managed futures, among others.

Retirement Income Journal Takes A Vacation

By Editorial Staff
During August, Retirement Income Journal will be published in abbreviated form. We're allocating much of our time this month to improving the website experience and making new information resources available to subscribers. In September, we'll return to our full complement of news, features and analysis.