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.
An Insider’s Take on the ‘Bermuda Triangle’ Strategy
Willis Re, a reinsurance broker, has had an uptick in calls from life insurers hoping to execute what RIJ calls 'The Bermuda Triangle' strategy, thus removing a millstone and reaping a capital windfall. Willis Re executive Mike Kaster explains.
One-Stop Shops for Notes and Annuities
Luma Financial Technologies is now among the structured notes platforms that have chosen to add index-linked annuities to the products they support. It joins SIMON Markets and Halo in that space. In this last segment of our series on indexed products, we examine these new alliances.
(Sheryl) Moore’s Law on Annuities in 2021
RIJ talks with Sheryl Moore of Wink, Inc., the annuity data and consulting firm, about the results of her first-quarter 2021 survey of annuity sales. She shares her opinion on a range of annuity-related topics.
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.
