Research & Reports
Random Thoughts on the Business, as Summer Draws to a Close
Now that we’ve reached the weekend and are, for the most part, caught up with annuity product developments, in this commentary we’ll share our thoughts on some topics we think are of most interest to...
On Jackson’s RIA Variable Annuity – and Other Notable Product Filings
In our view, two types of annuities are most in demand at the moment, namely registered index-linked annuities and variable annuities for fee-based advisers. Regarding the latter, we believe they are being built to address...
Q2 Earnings Review – RILAs Again Fueled Industry Sales Growth
Judging by the results of publicly traded insurers we regularly track, the annuity industry experienced sales growth in the second quarter, building on momentum generated during the prior quarter…
Reviewing Variable Insurance Fund Filings from July, 2021
After a huge pickup in variable fund registrations during the prior month, in July, filing activity slowed to more normal seasonal levels. The few new offerings were in asset classes and investment styles that are...
More From the Pipeline – Including an Index Annuity With Floors
Well, things have been heating up along the annuity product pipeline, that’s for sure, and what we’re seeing reflects priorities and preferences around the industry. Much activity of late has centered around registered index-linked annuities...
Notes on Interesting New Annuities from Allianz and New York Life
So far this year this year we’ve seen much innovation related to registered index-linked annuities (RILAs), since their sales are sizzling, however we see other product types that have potential for growth over the near...
Reviewing Variable Insurance Fund Filings from June, 2021
In June we were surprised to see a bumper crop of variable fund registrations, nearly all of them defined outcome portfolios, which have protective features found on registered index-linked annuities (RILAs). This yet more evidence...
Covering Notable Rate Sheet Updates – and Another Buyout
It’s been two months since we provided our readers with an overview of guaranteed living benefit (GLB) rate sheet trends, so in this report we’ll get caught up with the latest developments on that front,...
Newer Products Blur Distinctions Between RILAs, Other Annuities
Lately the surging sales of registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) have led insurers and other financial firms to join the bandwagon and come up with variations on them. We’re not sure whether all these new designs...