Feeling TIPSy
Seeing the potential for inflation ahead, analysts now recommend inflation-protected Treasuries, or TIPS,
more strongly than ever. But 401(k) participants buy few TIPs, and not every plan offers them.
‘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.
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.
Longevity Insurance with an Inter-Generational Twist
In MassMutual's new all-digital deferred income annuity, an adult child is the owner, and receives income when a parent (the annuitant) reaches age 91.
Featured
Separation Anxiety
Steve Sass and his co-researchers at Boston College were surprised to find no employers making plans to accommodate workers who can't afford to retire and want to remain on the job past the customary retirement age.
Investing Enlightenment At A Glance
This up-to-date "Periodic Table of Returns" shows that in financial markets, what goes up always comes down, and vice-versa.
News
AIG Reported in Talks to Sell Alico to MetLife
The sticking point in previous talks between AIG and MetLife was price. AIG reportedly demanded $20 billion, which was more than MetLife was willing to pay.
Feds Weigh Need for More Oversight of Stable Value Funds
The ERISA Advisory Council will look into the adequacy of disclosures to participants about stable value funds, and review the possible designation of stable value funds as QDIAs in 401(k) plans.
Proposed Watchdog Agency May Cross State, Federal Jurisdictions
Under the proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency Act of 2009, the new agency would regulate the 14,000 investment advisory firms overseen by state securities regulators.
Michael Jackson Windfall for Dutch Pension Fund
The burst of interest in the pop legend's music following his unexpected death has benefited owners of his songs, including ABP, the world's third largest pension fund.
“Free-Lunch” Seminars Still Baiting Seniors
This time, indexed annuity sellers were not among the accused.
Fixed Annuity News Reported By Beacon Research
Average credited rates for 5-year, CD-type/rate-for-term annuities in Beacon's Fixed Annuity Index were 3.45% in April, 3.21% in May and 3.16% in June.
Richards To Leave SEC Compliance Post
Lori A. Richards will depart as director of the SEC's Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations. Associate Director-Chief Counsel John Walsh will serve as Acting Director.
