Description: This presentation is a panel discussion, session number 44PD, from the 2002 Valuation Actuary Symposium, held September 19-20 in Lake Buena Vista, FL. The panelists share their perspectives concerning the current economic environment. They address the impact on the valuation environment and the appointed actuary, statutory and GAAP implications, and the increasing value of actuarial expertise. Topics covered include demographic considerations, rising health-care expenditures, increased investor scrutiny, and the cost of regulation, NAIC developments, solvency and liquidity, and investment opportunities and challenges in the current economic environment. Discussion from participants is included.

Description: Panelists prognosticate about the future in terms of economic and financial scenarios, and future insurance markets, products, and distribution systems. From the 1988 Record of Society of Actuaries, Vol. 14, No. 3.