Capital

Similar to many parts of the economy, the market for life settlements took a step back in 2008 as a result of the financial crisis. The face value of life insurance policies that were exchanged through life settlement transactions in 2008 was $11.8 billion, a slight decrease from $12.2 billion in 2007. "Tighter" capital market conditions contributed to the recent advantage that buyers have had over sellers. Analysts believe that the general advantage will return to sellers as liquidity and...

A recent article from Wall Street Journal columnist Leslie Scism discusses the value that has been preserved and delivered over the past several years by variable annuities and living benefits . Despite intense media criticism and generally negative perceptions among financial advisors, variable annuities have been among the best wealth management vehicles of the past decade. The performance and value have been especially evident during the recent capital markets implosion. Scism makes the...

Assets in variable annuities in the United States increased at a relatively strong pace in the three month period ending June 30, 2009. Assets increased to $1.19 trillion from $1.07 trillion. Much of the increase in assets appears to be attributable to the recovery in capital markets rather than strong sales of new products. MetLife was in the top spot followed by Prudential . Source: Bloomberg Full Story