‘SIMON’ Makes Indexed Annuities Simpler

Originally a platform for distributing structured notes to broker-dealers, SIMON is adding index-linked annuities to its product suite. Prudential is both an investor and, as of today, a product provider.
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Prudential Joins the SIMON Platform

Prudential's PruSecure fixed indexed annuity is the first annuity product to be offered on the SIMON structured products platform, which had previously specialized in structured notes. Prudential also invested in SIMON, joining Barclays, Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo.

Big BBB debt rollover is just three years away: A.M. Best

The next downturn will be characterized more by ratings transitions than large-scale impairments, AM Best said, because the non-cyclical industries issuing much of the BBB debt often maintain stable cash flows and remain resilient during downturns.

Investors flock to low-yield money funds

Though the Fed's target rate has dropped 75 basis points since July 31, money market funds collected $220.9 bn during the next three months. Long-term funds collected just $57.2 bn.

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Annuities and the Charles Schwab Deal

Most of the annuities now on the Charles Schwab and TD Ameritrade platforms are offered by mutual or foreign-owned life insurers. Lincoln Financial is the sole exception.
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Marshmallows and Social Security

Should US retirees delay claiming Social Security until age 70, even if they have to spend savings until then? The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College proposes that strategy as a default option...