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LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES FEB 04, 2008
Gazing at the new-product horizon

The forces that drove the retirement marketplace in 2007 — the automatic enrollment and default option provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006, the aging baby boomers and a focus on the rollover market — will continue to shape product launches this year.

INDUSTRY NEWS FEB 04, 2008
Finance sector fuels January layoffs

In January, 74,986 American workers were laid off, an increase of 69% from December’s total of 44,416.

BROKER DEALERS FEB 04, 2008
RJ eyed as takeover target, report says

Raymond James' asset-management unit and its bank could be worth close to $4 billion, according to Barrons.

LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES FEB 04, 2008
Moody's sanguine about life insurance

Strong earnings and sound investment portfolios will keep the life insurance industry stable this year, according to Moody’s Investors Service.

OPINION FEB 04, 2008
Industry should reach out to women

Research shows that women are more vulnerable to poverty in old age than men for several reasons, including their longer life spans, shorter and interrupted working careers, and lower earnings.

WIREHOUSES FEB 04, 2008
Mr. Wirehouse CEO, tear down your wall

WIREHOUSES FEB 04, 2008
The ups and downs of going independent

If Charles Massimo had it to do all over again, he still would choose to leave Smith Barney and become an independent broker.

INDUSTRY NEWS FEB 04, 2008
Ameriprise earnings jump on popularity of proprietary funds

Despite a tough stock market and a $3 million bond write-off, Ameriprise Financial Inc. managed to increase its earnings substantially last quarter — thanks in part to sales of proprietary products.

INDUSTRY NEWS FEB 01, 2008
Task force formed to simplify 529s

Operational complexity was identified as the second-leading factor holding back the growth of 529 plans.

INDUSTRY NEWS FEB 01, 2008
Financial sector holds own amid job cuts

U.S. employers cut 17,000 jobs in January, according to a report released by the Department of Labor.

INDUSTRY NEWS FEB 01, 2008
Senate stimulus plan hits roadblock

Democrat leaders hope to add changes the House’s $146 billion version, but acknowledged they do not have 60 votes necessary to do so.

INDUSTRY NEWS FEB 01, 2008
Factory sector expands in January

The factory sector grew in January, marking the 75th straight month of expansion according to the latest ISM report.

INDUSTRY NEWS FEB 01, 2008
Nymex boasts record fourth quarter

Net income for the New York Mercantile Exchange increased 50% to a record $63.5 million in the last quarter.

LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES JAN 31, 2008
ACLI names Szostek director

The American Council of Life Insurers has added James Szostek as the director of pensions in the taxes and retirement security department.

INDUSTRY NEWS JAN 31, 2008
NFP Securities chief abruptly quits

The firm’s parent company, National Financial Partners, will replace Jeff Montgomery from within.

INDUSTRY NEWS JAN 31, 2008
Advisers key to 529 plan sales

Sales by advisers were rated the most effective method of marketing 529 plans, according to a survey.

INDUSTRY NEWS JAN 31, 2008
Unemployment climbs, consumption slows

The number of U.S. workers filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose in late January to its highest level since October 2005.

LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES JAN 31, 2008
NAIC claims drop in customer complaints

A total of 222,184 consumer complaints were reported to the NAIC last year, a 3.6% fall from 2006.

INDUSTRY NEWS JAN 31, 2008
MBIA, Nasdaq, ICE & Greenhill

MBIA, the troubled Armonk, N.Y.-based bond insurer, posted a $2.3 billion loss and a write-down of $3.5 billion.

LIFE INSURANCE AND ANNUITIES JAN 30, 2008
Marsh names president and CEO

Brian Duperreault replaces Michael Cherkasky, who left the New York-based insurance broker in December.