Description: This article discusses calculating the present value given a set of non-level interest rates and a stream of cash flow emerging from that context. This is the nub of a problem that surfaces in determining the adequacy of a reserve in a manner which fully takes into account both the assets and liabilities involved.

Description: This Task Force was charged to develop and understanding and quantification of risks of loss from the combination of C-1, C-2, C-3 and C-4 risks and the implications for insurer financial management. The Task Force concluded that analysis of cash flows would be the key to addressing these matters. This report is a series of papers prepared by various individuals on cash-flow analysis approaches to addressing these issues.

Description: This paper was published as chapter II of the 1987 Valuation Actuary Handbook. The authors discuss basic tools for analyzing cash flows, including duration, scenario testing and accumulation vs. present value approach. Discounting of cash flows is discussed including the limitations of using a level interest rate. The final section discusses discounting of interest sensitive cash flows, including a discussion of the disadvantages and advantages of duration analysis. The paper concludes that “duration analysis cannot replace traditional simulations analysis but should be seen by the valuation actuary as a valuable adjunct.”