Description: In recent years, insurance companies have been introducing saving products whose returns are linked to equity market performance. Equity-indexed annuities [EIA's] are one of the products of this kind. This paper is a study on the recent introduction and popularity growth of equity-indexed annuities. An index is considered which provides a minimum interest guarantee and a participation in the increase in an index.

Description: Discusses the drawbacks of using adjusted book value instead of market value for the valuation of common stocks in a non-insured pension plan.

Description: In this presentation, session number 10PD at the 1999 Annual Meeting of the Society of Actuaries held October 17-20 in San Francisco, the panelists discuss their experiences with asset valuation methods. Topics include characteristics of an effective asset valuation method, the extent to which recent economic activity should influence the smoothing period selected, whether one method smoothes valuation assets more than another, whether different methods for funding and expense make sense, and whether the current asset valuation method is accomplishing its intended purpose. Discussion from participants is included. From the Record of the Society of Actuaries, Vol. 25, No. 3.

Description: New Zealand is about to launch its first variable annuity with guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits. The product design is mindful of the lessons from the financial crisis in the United States, Europe and Japan.

Description: This paper attempts to distill from these various models a practical application of the key principles for reform.

Description: This paper summarizes default experience on bonds from 1900 through 1987. Although the information is more extensive for publicly traded bonds, the paper includes some information on private placements, some of which is not otherwise available.

Description: During March 2020, COVID-19 concerns escalated in the U.S. and lockdown measures were announced. Market returns in March 2020 were quite extreme and choppy, alternating between days of huge gains and losses. As investors prepare for the future, it is important to understand whether these volatility surges and sharp movements are understood and captured by commonly used models. In this article, we will explore equity market performance in 2020 using the S&P 500 Total Return Index (SP500TR) and the relevant equity modeling implications

Description: 1990 Valuation Actuary Symposium luncheon speech that discusses the demine of the junk bond market and other asset value problems.

Description: This discussion covered: 1. The extent to which companies' net earned interest rates have risen above their low points from that of several years ago and 2. The NAICs' new method of dividing amortizable bonds into two classes in the valuation of securities

Description: This session from the 1994 Valuation Actuary Symposium discusses expectations from asset adequacy analysis including the process of financial condition examination by regulatory authorities, asset cash flows particularly related to mortgages, reliance on investment professionals and recent developments at the NAIC level.