Good Day at BlackRock

BlackRock will use the SPARK Institute's new IT standards to deliver the LifePath in-plan income solution--a deferred income annuity in a target-date fund of funds. “That’s a very important step in the evolution of these products in the marketplace,” said BlackRock's Chip Castille (above).

A New Brand of VA Conference

Under Cathy Weatherford’s command, the IRI annual conference has become smaller, more strategic, less tactical, and more Washington-oriented.

Plan Experts Like Annuities

In a workshop at this week's ASPPA annual meeting in Washington, D.C., few third-party administrators believed that the average couple will be able to afford the retirement they dream of. Many people, they said (including themselves), will need annuities.

Retirement Income ‘Smackdown’

In a three-way competition at the CFDD conference, the winning income plan was one that maximized Social Security, converted a 401(k) to a Roth IRA, and rebalanced the remaining portfolio monthly.
Featured

A Quiet Transition at Jackson Life

The succession of Jackson National Life CEO Clark Manning by Mike Wells (at left), a 15-year veteran at the U.S. unit of Prudential plc and the incumbent COO, is not expected to change much at the firm, which counts management continuity as a contributor to its success in the variable annuity market.

End the Bush Tax Cuts

If we're serious about reducing the deficit and sparing our grandchildren a legacy of debt, it would be irresponsible to do anything else.
News

MetLife Posts Record U.S. Annuity Sales in 3Q 2010

MetLife saw record U.S. annuity sales of about $5 billion during the third quarter of this year, up 25% over the third quarter of 2009. The $5 billion included variable annuity sales of $4.7 billion, up 35% from the previous year.

Money Mishaps Linked to Early Dementia

In a 2009 Fidelity survey, 84% of advisors said they thought they had clients with symptoms of dementia. Half said they were reluctant to broach the subject of dementia with clients.

The Bucket

Late-breaking items about The Hartford, AARP, Ameriprise Financial, RegEd, the Insured Retirement Institute and more...

Quote of the Week

"This isn't a choice between chocolate and vanilla, folks. It's all Rocky Road: a few marshmallows to get you excited before the election, but with a lot of nuts to ruin the aftermath." -- PIMCO chief investment officer Bill Gross, describing an American voter's dilemma.

AIG’s Asset Sale and IPO Raise $36.7 Bn

The revenue from the transactions will help AIG pay back the Federal Reserve Bank of New York credit facility, which used taxpayer funds to bail out AIG during the financial crisis.