Economy & Markets
The important economic and stock market news that advisors need to know.
Ranks Of The Underinsured Are Growing Too, Report Shows
By Staff WriterAbout 9% of U.S. adults with annual incomes between $60,000 and $99,999 may have been underinsured in 2007.Researchers at the Commonwealth Fund, New York, included ...
June 08, 2008
Forget Inflation, Medicare Is Top Domestic Issue, Says GreenspanIn a wide-ranging discussion on the markets and the economy on June 5, former Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan said that the top domestic issue facing the United States is finding a fix for the Medicare funding issue. Speaking to some 2,00 attendees on the second day of the...
June 05, 2008
SunAmerica Adds VA Withdrawal OptionA new variable annuity minimum withdrawal benefit feature can let guaranteed VA income increase in years when the owner takes withdrawals.AIG SunAmerica Retirement Markets Inc., ...
June 05, 2008
SunAmerica Adds VA Withdrawal OptionA new variable annuity minimum withdrawal benefit feature can let guaranteed VA income increase in years when the owner takes withdrawals.AIG SunAmerica Retirement Markets Inc., ...
June 03, 2008
IASB Panel To Review Inactive MarketsThe International Accounting Standards Board has formed an expert advisory panel to discuss the "valuation of financial instruments in inactive markets."The IASB, London, is setting ...
June 02, 2008
Look Out for Rising DefaultsOne of the most useful of economic indicators is the credit spread, which measures the difference in lending rates between corporate and government borrowers. A relatively narrow spread shows that investors see little difference in risk between these two types of borrowers, while a widening spread means that corporate credit...
June 01, 2008
Careful communication is key with senior clientsYou are so right about disclosure checklists and communication ("10 steps to prepare prospects to say 'yes,'" May 2008). Senior clients need to be treated special and breaking down each aspect of the product or service is
June 01, 2008
Behind the Numbers with Sam StovallDuring a Webinar in late April, Sam Stovall, S&P's chief economic strategist, discussed the equity market outlook. Stovall believes that from economic, fundamental, technical, and...