Research & Reports
Notes on New VA Lifetime Withdrawal Benefits Filed This Year
In this report we’ll comment on new variable annuity guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits (GLWBs) filed with the SEC so far this year. While filing activity of such riders has been increasing, it is still well...
More Thoughts – on New VA Contracts Coming to Market in 2019
In this report we’ll provide more perspective on the kinds of new variable annuity contracts that are being registered this year with the SEC. A common tendency has been for insurers to “bracket” key elements...
Despite a Drop in Q4, VA Industry Sales Finished 2018 on a Strong Note
While most stock-traded insurers we follow regularly reported declines in variable annuity deposits in the fourth quarter, most had improved results year over year, which is what we had been expecting given the demise of...
Our Year-End Review of How the VA Industry Performed In 2018
If we were to characterize the year 2018 for the variable annuity business based on what we know thus far, we would call it a time of renewal, as sales started to recover, an improvement...
Various Thoughts – on Variable Annuity Sales and Industry News
In our view as we enter the heart of the holiday season, things are looking up for the variable annuity business: sales are recovering and insurers are building out their product offerings again. In this...
Public Insurers’ 3Q18 Results Reflected a Recovering VA Industry
Based on our review of selected public insurers’ third quarter results, and recently-released data from industry research firms, we think the variable annuity business experienced positive uplift in the quarter, which we think will carry...
An Outlook on 3Q18 Sales – and Notes on Recent Product Filings
As third quarter earnings season is well underway, in this commentary we’ll provide a few forward-looking thoughts on how the variable annuity industry may have performed during that time period – we’ll follow up with...
Reflecting on Ohio National’s Decision to Depart the Annuity Business
It’s been a few weeks since Ohio National announced it will be exiting the industry, even so we thought we should offer up a little historical perspective and thoughts about what the departure might mean...
VA Sales for Public Insurers Improved in 2Q18, Helping Lift the Industry
Variable annuity sales for most stock-traded insurers we follow regularly showed improvement in the second quarter, which no doubt contributed to the industry’s quarter-over-quarter rise. This report will be our customary quarterly rundown of what...