On December 16, 2015, the Federal Reserve (Fed), as widely expected, approved a quarterpoint (0.25 percent) increase in its target funds rate. The new target is now 0.25 percent to 0.5 percent (up from 0 percent to 0.25 percent). This is the first Fed fund...
On November 24, Fitch Ratings affirmed the ‘A+’ (Strong) insurer financial strength for Pacific Life Insurance Co. The rating outlook is stable. According to Fitch, the rating is based on Pacific Life’s diverse business profile, very strong statutory capitalization, good liquidity, and solid investment performance. Fitch...
Mutual funds have become a popular investment vehicle, offering investors professional management, diversification, market liquidity, periodic reporting, and access to many global investment styles and strategies. Some believe that successful mutual fund investing is simply a matter of choosing a fund with a winning track record....
On November 11, Moody’s Investors Service affirmed the ‘A1’ (Good) insurance financial strength ratings of the domestic life insurance subsidiaries of Prudential Financial, Inc. (Prudential). The outlook is stable. According to Moody’s, the affirmation reflects Prudential’s strong risk management culture and capital position. Moody’s also cited...
The financial solidity of an insurance company greatly depends on the nature and quality of their investments. This overview provides insight into the typical life insurer’s investment portfolio. Of course, the assets held by life insurers back the liabilities that arise from in-force policies. Asset...
The financial solidity of an insurance company greatly depends on the nature and quality of their investments. This overview provides insight into the typical life insurer’s investment portfolio. Of course, the assets held by life insurers back the liabilities that arise from in-force policies. Asset...
Many life insurance carriers design policies that contain the option to include two types of policy face amounts known as base coverage and term coverage. These insurance companies use a target premium, explained in greater detail below, to adjust the charges included in the policy...
September 2015 Capital Markets Review Commentary The U.S. equity market posted its first quarterly decline in more than three years as global markets fell more than 10% from August through September. A slowing Chinese economy, in addition to a devaluation of the yuan by the Chinese government,...
Commonly used economic indicators told an inconsistent story throughout the third quarter of 2015. National unemployment continued its positive trend on the year. Unemployment remained at 5.3 % in July and subsequently fell to 5.1% in August, where it would remain through September. Nonfarm payroll...
On October 2, A.M. Best affirmed the ‘A+’ (Superior) financial strength rating of Pacific Life Insurance Co. The outlook for the rating is stable. According to A.M. Best, the affirmation is based on Pacific Life’s strong and increasing trend in risk-adjusted capitalization, diversified operating profile, extensive...