Spain Looks for New Ways to Save

Spain plans to reduce the fiscal burden of its national pension by dropping cost-of-living increases. Retirees will need to offset the loss of purchasing power with other savings. But the DC system here is in its infancy. (Photo of Seville's Metropol Parasol by K. Pechter.)

The Lessons of Black Monday

When interpreting the recent market lurch, many will think back to 2008. But a better historical precedent for current conditions is Black Monday: October 19, 1987, writes our guest columnist, the famed macroeconomist.

A.M. Best gives life/annuity industry a “negative outlook”

The industry 'remains plagued by macroeconomic and regulatory factors' as well as 'lackluster sales, rapidly evolving technological requirements and changing consumer preferences and behavior,' the ratings agency said in a new report.

Two ‘Santas’ Can Be Worse Than One

In 1976, Jude Wanniski recommended the 'Two Santas' strategy, whereby Republicans would be as generous with tax cuts as Democrats were with spending. The Trump tax cut is only the latest unaffordable Christmas gift, writes our guest columnist.

Honorable Mention

Securities America adds two new advisor groups; Transamerica Center for Retirement Research promotes Saver's Credit; new book from Wolters Kluwer explains new tax law; Great Western fee-based FIA joins Quovo platform; Securian adds a financial wellness service.

COVER STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

February 8, 2018

How to Have Enough Money for Retirement

More than 10,000 economists converged last month on Philadelphia (where Ben Franklin's bronze likeness idles on a bench on the Penn campus) for the American Economic Association's annual meeting. Several papers on retirement strategy...
February 1, 2018

A ‘Blueprint’ to Sell Income Annuities Direct

Abaris Financial, founded in 2014 to market SPIAs, DIAs and QLACs online, has rebooted itself as Blueprint Income. It hopes to sell single-premium immediate and deferred annuities as well as multi-premium 'personal pensions.' ...