Latest VAs Reflect the 'New Normal' (InvestmentNews)

Once the biggest seller of variable annuities, The Hartford is making a push to regain its position in the market, with a greater emphasis on product balance. On Nov. 16th, the company released its Personal Retirement Manager VA, called the Future6 death benefit, which works in tandem with a guaranteed-income withdrawal benefit and permits income withdrawals that don’t reduce the death benefit. Products like these reflect the “new normal” in annuity sales, and they’ve allowed some insurers to remain profitable. They’re more risky, yes, but in our current economic climate, variable annuities, which are less tied to interest rates, may be the best chance insurers and consumers have to get an adequate return on investment.