The Tailwinds in Vanguard’s Sails

At $64.8 billion, net flows into Vanguard funds in the first half of 2014 were greater than the flows of the next five fund families combined, according to Morningstar’s mid-year analysis.

QLACs Take Flight, But Will They Soar?

Taxable distributions from qualified longevity annuity contracts can be deferred until as late as age 85. But how popular will they be, and will they be used for longevity risk protection or as a tax strategy?

Anatomy of a Success: Elite Access

Jackson National Life's Elite Access variable annuity zoomed from zero to a $1 billion in quarterly sales in less than two years. Using the craze for 'liquid alts' as a hook, it revived the concept of the "investment-only" VA and sparked the creation of a whole new category.
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Goin’ to Kansas City

In search of answers to big economic questions, I'll attend the 12th International Post-Keynesian Conference at the University of Missouri next week, before heading to Williamsburg, Va., for the IRI Conference.

A ‘Babysitter’ for Immature Rollovers

GuidedChoice, the 401(k) participant advice provider, and InspiraFS, a recordkeeper specializing in IRAs, have joined forces to turn automatic rollovers from a problem into a profit center.
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Don’t fall in love with “Inge”

Using Inge, ING customers will be able to speak via a “human-like conversational interface” to control their mobile banking app.