Economic Trends
Get the latest economic news and analysis to understand emerging economic trends and their impact on portfolios.
April 16, 2009
A rumination on why we fightWell, not fight really, but why we continue to make the case that capitalism and the free markets are not broken, and certainly not dead...
March 20, 2009
Unemployment is worse than you thinkAt 9.7 percent, the U.S. experienced the highest unemployment rate in 1982 since the Great Depression. Is it that bad today? The official February 2009 rate...
February 27, 2009
It's a Recession: Do You Know Where Your Marketing Is?In this month's podcast, author and guru Mitzi Crall offers insider advice on how insurance agents can remain successful during and beyond the economic downturn with...
February 27, 2009
Reduced boomer spending will drive longer downturn"If the economy looks like it's going downhill now, just wait," writes Eileen AJ Connelly in today's Associated Press. And it's all because of boomers. "Government...
February 12, 2009
Six standards of client communication in a downturnQ. How do you develop meaningful ways to connect with clients - in good times and in bad? A. Thirty percent of consumers in the U.S....
February 03, 2009
Principal Launches Eighth Benefits ContestA Midwestern insurer is looking for for 10 small and midsize employers that are doing a good job sailing their benefits programs through the economic storm.
February 02, 2009
SOA Creates Doctoral StipendThe Society of Actuaries will pay $20,000 per academic year to some actuaries or would-be actuaries who are pursuing doctoral degrees and want to teach in North America.
January 08, 2009
Stimulus, shmimulusImmature, I know, but I couldn't think of anything better to describe our continuing need to throw good money after bad. Echoing congressional leaders, President-elect...
January 05, 2009
Securities class action trends37%: Percent increase in securities class action filings from 2007 to 2008. 43%: Percentage of filings since Dec. 14, 2008 that are related to the credit crisis. 50%: Percentage of class action filings related to the credit crisis in
January 01, 2009
In Troubled Times, Give 'Em HopeI have been in your shoes. Everyone is telling you to be positive, to take the initiative and call your clients--but that's the last thing...