Under Putnam’s Hood, A Fidelity Engine Roars

By Kerry Pechter
In the past year, Putnam Investments owner Great-West Lifeco has recruited (l-r) Fidelity veterans Robert L. Reynolds, Jeffrey R. Carney and Edmund F. Murphy III, among others, perhaps to capitalize on Obama's plan for universal retirement savings coverage.

‘SIMON’ Makes Indexed Annuities Simpler

By Kerry Pechter
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

By Kerry Pechter
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.
Featured

Obama Calls for ‘Office of National Insurance’

By Editor Test
While the administration's June 18 report, "Financial Regulatory Reform," did not offer the “optional federal charter” that large insurance companies support as an alternative to state-by-state regulation, it did not rule one out.

Target Date Funds: A QDIA That’s DOA?

By Editor Test
Last week, federal officials tried to locate the blame for 2008 TDF losses: Was it marketing hype by TDF makers, a flawed concept, Americans' weak financial literacy, regulatory lapses, or merely the caprice of the markets?
News

For Many, Bear Market May Delay Retirement

By Editor Test
The decline in the value of their 401(k) accounts was cited by 76% of workers aged 50 to 64 as the most important reason they plan to postpone retirement.

CPAs Tell All About Their HNW Clients

By Editor Test
A survey of top CPAs reveals that the wealthy are watching their pennies because of the recession. The survey also reveals the financial advice that accountants are giving their HNW clients.