The report only briefly mentioned two product categories that some expected to play more prominent roles in 2012. One was contingent deferred annuities. The other was in-plan income guarantees. At left, IRI CEO Cathy Weatherford.

You must make peace with uncertainty, randomness and volatility, claims Nassim Taleb in his new book, "Antifragile." The author of "The Black Swan" calls those who insist on trying to predict the future, 'fragilistas.' We offer an abridged version of a lively book review by [email protected]

Diversified emerging-markets were the only bright spot in the international-stock asset class, collecting inflows of more than $1.1 billion in November.

Diversified emerging-markets were the only bright spot in the international-stock asset class, collecting inflows of more than $1.1 billion in November.

The rating actions follow the December 17, 2012 announcement by SLF of its agreement to sell its U.S. annuity and certain life insurance business lines to a Guggenheim Partners-led investor group for approximately $1.35 billion.

Central banks in developed countries are holding short-term rates down to induce investors to shift into riskier, higher-yielding assets, says Morgan Stanley's Global Investment Committee Monthly report for December. The bank says it doesn't intend to 'fight the Fed.'

Brief or late-breaking items from MetLife, Thrivent for Lutherans, The Financial Planning Association, Towers Watson, Cogent Research, Security Benefit and the New York Stock Exchange.

Retirement Income Journal and RIJAdvisor will not be published during the week of December 24-28, in observance of the holidays. We thank all of our subscribers and advertisers for their support of our mission during the past 12 months and for helping make 2012 our best year yet. We'll see you in the New Year.