Description: This paper addresses the fuzziness in regression models. The goal is to present a test procedure to explicitly examine whether an independent variable has a clear functional relationship with the dependent variable in a specific regression model, or whether their relationship is fuzzy. To this end, the authors interpret the spread of the regression coefficients as a statistic measuring the fuzziness of the relationship between the corresponding independent variable and the dependent variable. They then derive test distributions based on the null hypothesis that such spreads could have been obtained with data generated by a classical regression model with random errors. The analysis is presented in conceptual rather than technical terms.

Description: The theme of this paper relates to solving portfolio selection problems using linear programming. The authors extend the linear optimization framework for Conditional Value-at-Risk-based portfolio selection problems to optimization over a more general class of risk measure known as the class of Coherent Distortion Risk Measure. From Actuarial Research Clearing House, 2012 Vol. 1.

Description: This study is designed to analyze new planning approaches and strategies that combine SPIAs with other techniques to create retirement income synergies. Using historical scenarios, it evaluates how different retirement income strategies hypothetically would have met four separate client goals: sustainable income, liquidity, accessibility and legacy. This report summarizes study findings and includes “planning points” to help readers interpret the study data.

Description: This paper proposes weighted fund style analysis as a better method to hedge market risks of variable annuities.

Description: In this paper, the calculation of life insurance functions taking an HIV+ life into consideration is examined. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1989, Vol. 41.

Description: This paper presents mortality rates by sex at ages 90 and above for persons who received retired worker benefits from the social security program for the first month that such benefits were paid. Followed by a discussion paper

Description: This paper studies the statistical theory underlying minimum surplus required to protect a group insurer from the insurance, or C2, risk. Followed by 2 submitted discussion papers

Description: This paper presents a model is which can be used for certain annuities when interest rates and future lifetimes are random. These can be used in determining contingency reserves for possible adverse interest and mortality experience for collections of life annuity contracts. Certain boundary crossing probabilities for the stochastic process component of the model are obtained. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1991, VOL. 1.

Description: This paper addresses controversies related to Zillmer Reserves first proposed in the 1860's and discusses how actuaries can learn form these dilemmas and find a review of the controversy useful in more current practice. The paper was presented at the 25th Actuarial Research Conference held at the University of Western Ontario in 1990. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1991, VOL. 1.

Description: The authors offer a method for estimating parameters for well-known three-parameter models of force of mortality. The method involves fitting a series of linear regressions, and finding the least-squares estimates of all the parameters by using the Golden Section Search method. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1993, VOL. 1.