The Derivatives that Power Index Annuities
FIA owners can pick from an array of choices as cryptic as those on a roulette table. But if they don't understand options, how can they evaluate these safe but esoteric insurance products?
Anecdotal Evidence
Making a Case for the COLA-SPIA
'First optimize Social Security. If that ‘paycheck’ isn't enough, buy a SPIA. An inflation-indexed SPIA would be ideal. A COLA-SPIA may be the next best alternative,' Joe Tomlinson told me.
Honorable Mention
Former Wells Fargo managers take posts at Principal; Frank ‘Chip’ Gillis, Athene Holding’s co-founder, will retire at year-end; Vanguard outsources variable annuity administration to Transamerica.
Facebook’s Libra Must Be Stopped
'Silence in response to Facebook’s announcement this week is tantamount to endorsing its dangerous new venture,' writes our guest columnist, a professor at Columbia.
Product Updates
AIG and CUNA Mutual enhance variable annuities
AIG's Polaris Income Plus Daily Flex and Polaris Income Plus Flex riders will have higher lifetime income rates. CUNA Mutual's Horizon II will have variable and indexed-variable investment sleeves.
COVER STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
June 13, 2019
Allianz Life’s Index Annuity Winning Streak
In this second article in a four-part series on the fixed index annuity (FIA) business, we profile Allianz Life, the top issuer of FIAs in the US in 18 of the last 19 years....
June 6, 2019
The Index Annuity Story, Part I
'Zero is the hero' in fixed index annuities, which offer upside without risk of loss. In this first article of a four-part series on FIAs, presented by Retirement Income Journal and Wink, Inc., RIJ...
May 30, 2019
Is the SECURE Act Too Weak to Make a Difference?
Yes, there's a new 'safe harbor' for selecting an annuity provider for a 401(k) plan in legislation that appears headed for the president's signature. But there's no sign that many employers or employees want...
