Description: This paper describes a new approach of calculating duration by taking a portfolio perspective utilizing the idea of internal rate of return. It is presumed the user has a model for projecting cash flows under different interest rate scenarios and knows the current market value of the portfolio. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1993, VOL. 3.

Description: This paper outlines the limitations inherent in current actuarial pricing techniques and describes a macro pricing process for product development that can produce optimal decisions in competitive environments. A discussion of the paper follows. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1991, Vol. 43.

Description: This paper, originally published in 1992 in the Transactions of Society of Actuaries Vol. 44, deals with a topic that is becoming increasingly important to actuaries in most fields of practice. “Without relying on formulas, this paper presents the important concepts underlying the theory of arbitrage-free pricing of interest-rate-contingent cash flows.” This paper, by James A. Tilley, won the 1992-93 Annual Prize, and the Halmstad Prize for 1992. The paper includes written discussion and the author’s review of the discussions.

Description: This paper describes several methods of creating interest rate scenarios that the actuary can use for pricing analysis or asset-liability testing. Discussions of the paper are included.