Economy & Markets
The important economic and stock market news that advisors need to know.
Investor Beware
By Alexei BayerIf you still have doubts whether or not there is a massive bubble in emerging financial markets, just look at the eurobond market. The JPMorgan...
July 01, 2007
Behind the Numbers, with Sam StovallSam Stovall, S&P's chief economic strategist, has maintained a high percentage of assets allocated to stocks this month. Within that percentage, Stovall recommends underweighting U.S....
June 30, 2007
The "why" behind the GLWB explosionOne year ago, the first index annuities offering guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits were introduced. By the spring of this year a majority of top indexed carriers were offering GLWBs on at least some of their annuities, and almost all of the
June 28, 2007
Fixed-Income a Great Fit for RetirementFixed income is an asset class that offers plenty of upside for investors, in particular those planning for retirement. Yet, says Jim Tracy, national sales director for Minneapolis-based The Hartford Mutual Funds (a division of Hartford Life), many investors and financial advisors are more than a little wary of fixed...
June 28, 2007
A Focus on Fixed IncomeMorningstar kicked off its 2007 Investment Conference June 27 in a new venue, Chicago's McCormick Place, and with a timely keynote speaker, Morningstar's 2006 Fixed...
June 22, 2007
Some Utility Stocks Becoming Less Interest Rate SensitiveUntil about 10 years ago, U.S. electric and natural gas utilities have been quintessential "widow and orphan" stocks. Their profitability was highly regulated and, lacking...
June 22, 2007
Edcor Buys BenefitSourceA Michigan tuition reimbursement program administrator is acquiring an independent benefit plan administrator.Edcor Data Services Inc., Pontiac, Mich., says it has acquired BenefitSource Inc., Monroe, ...
June 08, 2007
Insurers, Consumer Reps Call For Open NAIC MeetingsThe American Insurance Association and the Center for Economic Justice both want to hear more about new model development rules at the National Association of ...