A ‘Turbit’ Drawdown Strategy
In a recent paper, two Vanguard CFPs detail the merits of a hybrid between the ‘turtle’ and the ‘rabbit’ approaches to decumulation.
RIJ’s Top Ten List for 2010
Letterman, look out. Retirement Income Journal offers its own list of the year's highlights in the retirement income industry (or in one person's small corner of it).
Rep. Ryan’s Express Could Save—or Derail—Public Pensions
Perhaps the most pointed aspect of the bill, H.R. 6484, is its requirement that states use Treasury rates, which are historically low, to discount pension obligations and calculate funding requirements.
Why Prudential Sells the Most VAs
Constant proportion portfolio insurance, or CPPI, has helped Prudential attract crowds to its Highest Daily VA. Now other insurers are wondering if they should employ CPPI.
Featured
In 40 Years, U.S. Will Be Less Populous—and More Prosperous—Than Expected
A slower rate of population growth in 2010-2050, suggested by the recent census, implies a generally richer 2050, with higher per capita income growth and better opportunities at the bottom of the earnings pyramid, both unalloyed blessings, says Martin Hutchinson of prudentbear.com.
Boomers May Regret Payroll Tax Holiday: Op-Ed
If made permanent, a new Social Security ‘payroll tax holiday,’ reducing the ‘match’ employers pay from 6% to 4% of salary, will drop the solvency of the program 14 years, from 2037 to 2023, two policy experts say.
News
SEC seeks comments on credit rating standardization
The SEC is conducting a study, required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, to investigate the feasibility and desirability of standardizing credit rating methods and terminology.
Of apples, oranges and unemployment rates
“Among individuals predicted to be at highest risk of being unemployed, a one percentage point increase in the resident state's unemployment rate is associated with a 2-8% reduction in the consumption of fruits and vegetables," researchers said.
For capital gains tax, the “honor system” ends January 1
Before the new rule, the government didn’t have a way to verify if an investor was reporting the true gain on a sale unless there was an audit, said an Ernst & Young tax partner.
High popularity, low penetration augur well for ETF growth
Research from Mintel shows that more than six in 10 investors—including high income investors--say they don’t invest in ETFs simply because they “don't know what they are.”
SPARK Institute starts data project for non-registered plan investment options
The new standards will help the providers share the comparison chart information electronically with one another and with existing investment information aggregators, the institute says.
