Outlook remains good for variable annuities

Article Abstract:

The aging US population created a favorable environment for the growth of the annuity market during 1994. Wealth has increased in the baby boom population through inheritances or higher incomes and this demographic group has selected annuities to save for retirement. The increase in interest rates during 1994 caused fixed annuities to become more popular than variable annuities. The financial strength of each annuity firm will depend upon the products and services it offers as well as the entrance of financial institutions into the market.

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Canada's life insurers face mounting challenges

Article Abstract:

The life insurance sector in Canada is expected to encounter increasing marketplace pressures. Challenges to this sector include industry consolidation, rising competition from banks, dramatically rising health care costs, an ongoing 'flight-to-quality' trend, increasing regulation, and problems in the real estate and commercial mortgage sectors.

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This selling season's hit: equity-indexed annuities

Article Abstract:

Equity-indexed annuities were introduced in the US on Feb 15, 1995, with Keyport's KeyIndex. The retirement products available are linked to a stock index and the investment never loses the principal invested. There are approximately 30 insurance companies selling these products and additional insurance companies plan to introduce one.

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