In March we read about the Federal Funds rate dropping to .25%. About that same time, we started seeing carriers announce many changes to their product portfolios. So, the obvious question is, what is the relationship, if any, between the two?...
The initial wave of excitement of Indexed Universal Life (IUL) has crested and crashed into a decry of illustration wars! Actuarial Guideline 49 (AG49) was supposed to be the stabilizer, to calm the turbulent water. But in the years following the regulation, creativity started to...
In the land of Indexed Universal Life (IUL), the selected illustrated rate (IR) is one of the most debated factors considered when comparing product performance. Comparing products at their regulatory maximum IR can be overly optimistic, while a lower fixed return rate (such as 5%...
This tale begins with two opposite producers, Trusting Ted and Skeptical Steve – our somewhat unlikely heroes. Trusting Ted is very confident in carrier product design, selling policies through a rose-colored lens and always at the maximum illustrated rate based on his confidence in strong...
It's hard to know what illustrated rate is reasonable for an Indexed Universal Life product. Max rates use the caps and floors against historical data to determine a reasonable flat rate; however, it is easy to debate the applicability of the interest rate that results...