Annuities News

Updated Sunday, May 26, 2013 as of 12:12 AM ET

Portfolio - Annuities

Annuity Sales Weaken in 1Q

Sales of annuities declined in the first quarter, according to the latest annuities sales survey released Wednesday by LIMRA, an industry-funded research group.

Annuity providers generated $51.7 billion in first-quarter annuity sales, down 6% from a year earlier. Sales of variable annuities declined 4% year-over-over to $35.5 billion, while fixed annuities fell 11% to 16.2 billion. The sales figures mark the sixth consecutive quarter of declines for variable annuities and the eighth consecutive quarter of declines for fixed annuities, according to LIMRA. more »

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Variable Annuity Sales Too High, Lincoln Keeps Raising Prices

For years, Lincoln Financial has effectively been raising prices on its variable annuities, yet consumers keep buying. The company’s VA business exceeds desired levels now, so further price increases have been announced: cutbacks in benefits offered to consumers. The expected result is a boost in second-quarter business but a slowdown in the second half of 2013. more »

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The programs generated a generous $521.6 million in income for the banks in 2012, the most they have ever produced in the five years that such data has been collected. more »

Fund Firms Brace for Alt Influx

Asset managers have taken notice of the the proliferation of alternative mutual funds in the retail and institutional channels and have changed their game plan accordingly. more »

Variable Annuities Sliding

As carriers move to adjust risk, sales taper off after three straight years of growth. more »

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Retooling a 115-Year-Old Advisor Firm

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Income Annuities Offer a Silver Lining in a Down Market

Income annuity sales set new quarterly record, increase for fourth-consecutive quarter; fixed annuity sales drop 11 percent compared to 2011. more »

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