Research & Reports
In Anticipation – of Further Product Changes on the Variable Annuity Scene
Lately, most variable annuity insurers have been engaging in de-risking measures of one form or another, however right now we’d describe most of these movements as fine tuning of product rather than drastic reductions. That...
In Reactive Mode – VA Issuers Are Trimming Products in Response to Peers
This summer is shaping up to be a rather busy one, as a number of variable annuity insurers have been filing product changes aimed at either reducing their sales, trimming their benefit risk levels –...
VA Insurers’ Summer Projects – From De-risking to New Product Concepts
The summer is usually a slow period for the variable annuity business, with sales dropping off, at least by a small margin. This year, however, it seems that activity has been picking up, most of...
Early Signs Point to Headwinds for the Variable Annuity Marketplace in 2012
Based on recently released industry sales figures, as well as the kinds of signals we’ve been getting from leading insurers, we are of the opinion there will be strong downward pressure on variable annuity sales...
VA Insurers Are Taking Measured Steps in Adjusting Their Products
It seems to us that most variable annuity insurers lately have been exercising great care in making changes to their contracts and benefits in response to competitive conditions. In recent weeks we have seen more...
Departures, De-Risking Dampened Variable Annuity Sales in 1Q12
As we usually do on each quarter, we compiled variable annuity sales results for 10 stock-traded insurers we watch on a regular basis, because performance of this group has proven to be a good early...
VA Insurers are Looking to Calibrate Their Sales – Using a Variety of Means
Around the variable annuity industry some insurers are attempting to regulate their rate of business through focused initiatives, whether related to product, distribution, or both. Some are trying to deliberately slow their sales; others are...
Robust Rollups – Are Still Being Offered on Lifetime Withdrawal Benefits
Judging by some Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefits (GLWBs) being introduced to the variable annuity space lately, we’d have to say that a few insurers are bucking the general trend towards product de-risking. Instead of pulling...
On Finding Capacity – During a Stressful Time for the Annuity Business
In this report we’ll share what we thought were key takeaways from the Insured Retirement Institute’s 2012 Marketing Summit held last week in New York City, and try to put those thoughts in perspective with...
