Description: The authors explore major points of the exposure draft (ED) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). At the same time, they explain the differences between the FASB ED and the ED published nearly simultaneously by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

Description: This panel at the SOA 1982 Spring Meeting in Colorado Springs presents a discussion on the implications of allocating specific assets to particular lines of business. The panel examines both the introduction and the management of specific allocation procedures and how the principal methods work in practice.

Description: This discussion is on asset management for an insurance company, including issues of varying investment strategies for different product lines through various asset segmentation approaches, management of the assets supporting surplus, and asset/liability risk management considerations

Description: This articles explains why many corporations are making massive reductions in risk related to their pension plans despite the fact that this means locking in costs at a time of historically low interest rates. This should help actuaries working with pension plans or pension investments advise clients on investment strategies and other approaches to de-risking.

Description: The impact of Fed’s QE program on the financial markets has been enormous and profound. The tapering and the eventual removal of the stimulus will be equally enormous and profound, and may be disruptive. To adapt to the potential regime change in near future, some investment strategies have been proposed: (1) shorten duration to focus on the short end of the yield curve and create laddered portfolios; (2) reduce allocation to high yield bonds; (3) rotate out interest rate sensitive sectors such as utilities; and (4) use interest rate derivatives to hedge the interest rate uncertainties lying ahead. On the other hand, contrarians who see the QE program continuing may stay the course and consider (1) adding duration, (2) gaining exposure to high yield bonds, and (3) increasing allocation to utilities and telecoms.

Description: Argues public plans should only hold bonds, on the basis of tax and finance arguments.

Description: Summarized the 2013 Investment Contest, listing winners in three categories.

Description: What is the impact of aging populations on economic growth and interest rates?” “Are low interest rates and inflation a short-term phenomenon?” “How will returns from different asset classes be impacted by future demographic trends?” “What are the differences between different countries and regions around the world?”

Description: Presented at May 2002 Spring Meeting. Discusses the basics of asset allocation for life insurance companies, such as primary asset classes, asset allocation in a tax-free environment, and the impact of rating agencies on company management.

Description: Is Risk/Return a sound tool for decision-making? No. It is not consistent, not objective, distorts decision and degrades governance. Why? What shall we do then?