AABP EP Awards 728x90

Insurance

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FBL reports decline in net income

West Des Moines-based FBL Financial Group Inc. said net income dropped to $20.3 million, or 73 cents per share, in the quarter ended June 30 from $36.2 million, or $1.16 per share in the year-ago …

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American Equity annuity sales declined last quarter

American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. reported second-quarter 2012 operating income of $27.4 million, or 43 cents per share, compared with operating income of $29.0 million, or 45 cents per share, in the same year-ago …

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BERKO: Hold on to Johnson & Johnson

Dear Mr. Berko:

Like most investors, I need higher income from my portfolio, which currently yields 3.1 percent. My broker wants me to sell 150 shares ($10,000) of Johnson & Johnson, which I bought in …

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A Closer Look: Jim Plagge

Jim Plagge was named president and CEO of Bank Iowa Corp. in early June. He took the position held by Stan Honken, who retired July 1, and who continues to serve on the holding company’s …

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BERKO: Forest Labs not worth the market shootout

Dear Mr. Berko:

Please give me your thinking on Forest Laboratories Inc. In July 2009, I thought it looked cheap and invested $4,000 in 160 shares at $24 for my IRA. The value of my …

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BERKO: Best Buy is better as a sell

Dear Mr. Berko:

In October 2011, I bought 250 shares of Best Buy at $26 on the recommendation of the Branch Banking & Trust Co. (BB&T) research department, and the shares have gone straight down …

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ECB president’s comments lead to stock fall

Worry that the European Central Bank is not doing enough to save Italy and Spain caused the U.S. stock market to drop for the fourth day in a row.

The Standard and Poor’s 500 index …

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Federal Reserve expected to announce more action

The Federal Reserve is expected to announce more bond buying actions this afternoon to help the stagnant economy, but analysts predict the board won’t announce larger plans until September.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and …

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Consumer spending stagnant in June

Consumer spending remained unchanged from May to June despite a 0.5 percent increase in personal income during the month, a signal that more people are saving. 

The Commerce Department announced this morning that personal income …

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Income down for the quarter at Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines-

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines said today that net income dropped in the quarter ending June 30, due primarily to declines in net interest income and losses on loan charge-offs, hedges and …