Fitch Ratings

• Downgrade anniversary showed investors gained buying U.S. (Bloomberg)

  By Staff Writer  |  July 16, 2012

  Nearly a year later, mortgage rates have hit record lows, the government’s borrowing costs have eased, the benchmark S&P stock index is up, and investor enthusiasm for Treasury debt has strengthened.

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  Fitch Ratings, A.M. Best Affirm New York Life’s Financial Strength

  By Noah Guillaume  |  July 11, 2012

  Rating agencies cite company’s leading market position in the U.S. life industry and agency distribution channel as key components to continued strength.

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  Ratings or Rates: When You Can’t Have Both Which One Do You Choose?

  By Laura Hahn  |  July 2, 2012

  Insurance company ratings or current annuity rate: Which “R” trumps the other?

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  California Senate Panel OKs LTCI Premium Bill

  By Allison Bell  |  June 18, 2012

  State Assembly Bill 999 would prevent insurers from sharing investment-return pain.

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  GM to Shift White-Collar Pensions to Annuity

  By Tom Krisher, AP Auto Writer  |  June 4, 2012

  The automaker estimates it will unload $26 billion in pension liabilities by the move.

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  Court Blocks Liquidation of Penn Treaty

  By Elizabeth Festa  |  May 9, 2012

  A judge suggests that the LTCI insurer might have enough assets and cash flow to pay claims in full for many years.

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  MetLife Shares Fall on Uncertainty Over Buybacks

  By AP Staff Writer  |  April 27, 2012

  Shares of MetLife fell on Friday after its CEO declined to predict when the life insurer might buy back shares or otherwise return capital to shareholders.

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  Fitch Affirms Hartford's Ratings Following Strategic Announcement

  By Staff Writer  |  March 21, 2012

  Fitch affirms its ratings for the Hartford and its primary life and P&C subsidiaries, following The Hartford's announcement that it will leave the U.S. annuity market and likely divest itself of remaining life/retirement businesses.

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  Fitch: States Partly to Blame for LTCI Woes

  By Allison Bell  |  March 14, 2012

  Rating analysts suggest that price change limits have aggravated long-term care insurance supply problems.

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  The ABCs of CDAs

  By Maria Wood  |  February 17, 2012

  Contingent deferred annuities have sparked much controversy lately. But what exactly are they and do many advisors use them?