Investment Instruments

The first quarter of 2011 showed positive growth for variable, fixed and total annuity sales, according to LIMRA.

Cash balance plans are the fastest growing sector of the retirement plan market, with a 20 percent average annual increase in new plans since 2001.

New analysis from The Principal shows automatic enrollment features in 401(k) plan designs can drive better savings behavior without dramatically affecting participation.

Chad Tope has been named the new president of annuity and asset sales distribution at ING.

New York Life Insurance Company announced Monday first-quarter gains in sales of life insurance, income annuities, long-term care insurance and mutual funds, as well as a solid double-digit increase in the number of new agents hired in the first three months of 2011.

Under provisions of the Dodd-Frank law that will take effect in July, virtually all hedge funds will be required to file with the SEC (and publicly disclose) new Form ADV Section 7.B data.