Research Roundup
For weeks, interesting studies have been gushing from the National Bureau of Economic Research and elsewhere on the economic implications of COVID-19. We've selected and summarized seven of them for you.
New Products
Prudential (finally) joins structured variable annuity race
Prudential offers FlexGuard, its first entry into the 10-year-old indexed VA market. The contract offers a new twist on the 'step rate' crediting strategy. Also this week, AIG added a new index to its Power Series of fixed indexed annuities.
Honorable Mention
DOL allows electronic communications to plan participants; Envestnet FIDx partners with RetireOne; What high-net-worth investors want: Cerulli; Lamarque promoted to general counsel at New York Life.
Did Adding Trump’s Name Slow the Stimulus Checks?
Yes, says our guest columnist. 'it’s demeaning to ask career professionals in places like IRS to devote their time and attention to promoting the president’s reelection,' he writes.
One bright spot in first quarter annuity sales
Whatever you call them, indexed variable annuities continue to experience a growth spurt. Jackson National led the industry with almost $5 billion in first-quarter annuity sales.
COVER STORIES YOU MAY HAVE MISSED
May 14, 2020
With BluePrint Income, AARP Ups its Ante on Annuity Sales
AARP's 38 million members can now buy income annuities and fixed-rate annuities on a platform powered by fintech firm Blueprint Income. Buyers get a complimentary annual 'retirement income check-up' from a salaried, insurance-licensed adviser. ...
May 7, 2020
We Could Use Some Inflation
The Treasury said this week that it will borrow (and spend) about $3 trillion this quarter, to cover its stimulus promises. Where does that money come from and where does it go? 'The capital...
April 30, 2020
Look Homeward, Seeker of Liquidity
During a market crisis, a reverse mortgage home equity line of credit (ReLOC) can be a lifeline of ready cash for homeowners ages 62 and older. Don Graves of HECM Advisors Group explains.
