Description: This presentation is a panel discussion, session number 9PD, from the 2000 Valuation Actuary Symposium, held September 14-15 in Washington, DC. A fundamental assumption in stochastic asset/liability modeling is the underlying economic scenario generator. In this session the panelists discuss various scenario generation techniques, assumptions underlying bond and equity scenario generators, and choosing suitable economic scenario generators for different applications. Discussion from participants is included.

Description: This presentation is a panel discussion, session number 34PD, from the 2002 Valuation Actuary Symposium, held September 19-20 in Lake Buena Vista, FL. A fundamental step in stochastic asset/liability modeling is to choose an appropriate underlying economic scenario generator. In this session, panelists discuss various scenario generation techniques and theories, assumptions underlying interest and equity scenario generators, and choosing suitable economic scenario generators for different applications, the two most common being pricing models [for assets and liabilities], and risk analysis models, used for asset/liability management, investment strategy, regulatory solvency, and capital adequacy. Discussion from participants is included.

Description: Analyze financial risk and explore the foundation for pricing, valuation and other functions served by actuaries in the modeling profession during this webcast. Expect a focus on the importance of understanding and preventing bias. Observe the different types of bias, how it can enter into models, how to identify it in models and best avoidance practices. Join our presenter who is pursuing a Masters in Economic Analytics at Clemson University as he incorporates his recent economic research into the webcast material.

Description: The articles in this issue cover the alternate careers of risk management and personal actuary as well as on communication skills for actuaries.

Description: As the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate hikes increase potential asset yields, an expected rate increase to products offered by insurance companies of all sizes, including annuities, can be seen in the current economic landscape. The increased market volatility and high inflation create insurance company performance complications, which can lead to a disproportionate impact for smaller insurance companies. Discover the current status of the market environment and explore suggestions and possible solutions for smaller insurance companies as they deals with complications like a lack of access to higher-yielding investment strategies and limits made by risk management policies from owning unrated asset claims. There will also be a discussion on the recently adopted Actuarial Guideline on Asset Adequacy Testing and the implications for insurance companies.

Description: Full version of Risk and Rewards Newsletter, August 2007, Issue No. 50.

Description: The SOA Research Institute’s Committee on Finance Research is pleased to make available a paper that specifies general considerations to guide the development of a methodology to attribute spread to different investment risks related to AG53.

Description: Full version of Risks and Rewards Newsletter, February 2007, Issue No. 49.

Description: Full version of Risks and Rewards Newsletter, February 2001, Issue No. 36.

Description: Chairperson’s column discussing the effects of the recent financial crisis and other topics.