(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.

Feds block Aon’s bid for Willis Towers Watson

By Editorial Staff
In suing to block the mega-merger, the Justice Department said the merged firms could 'use their increased leverage to raise prices and reduce the quality of products relied on by thousands of American businesses.'

Vanguard publishes 2021 ‘How America Saves’

By Editorial Staff
In this 20th annual survey of its own 1,700 retirement plans and 4.7 million participants, the full-service plan provider and fund giant offers a detailed snapshot of plan design and participant behavior. (Photo: Vanguard CEO Tim Buckley.)

Top-Selling Annuity Contracts, First Qtr 2021

By Editorial Staff
Wink's first-quarter sales data showed that Perspective II from Jackson National, the Allianz Benefit Control Annuity, and Prudential's FlexGuard contract were the best-sellers in their respective product categories.

Honorable Mention

By Editorial Staff
Prudential ‘FlexGuard’ RILA adds income feature; Americans seek more ‘holistic’ view of their finances: Franklin Templeton poll; Riskalyze and RightCapital report ‘seamless integration’; Voya certified in ESG by DALBAR; Keith Burger joins Luma; Paul Garofoli joins The Standard.

COVER STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED

June 10, 2021

Examining the Indices in Index-Linked Annuities

By Kerry Pechter
A mountain biker needs 18 or 21 gears to smooth a path over rocks and through arroyos. Index-linked annuities now collectively offer some 140 index choices. Hybrid indices can theoretically smooth an investor’s path...
June 4, 2021

The Point of Indexing (in Annuities)

By Kerry Pechter
Every June, RIJ focuses on indexed annuities. Last year, we studied options in indexed annuities. This year we consider the indexes themselves, especially 'hybrid' and 'volatility-controlled' indexes. Bryan Anderson, Don Dady and David Lau...
May 27, 2021

The Irony of Inflation Forecasting (Research Roundup)

By Kerry Pechter
In this month's roundup, we learn that CEOs pay little attention to inflation. We also find out why retirees keep saving, why "centaurs" pick stocks so well, which financial biases keep people poor, and...