h digitalfootprint web 728x90

Insurance

DSC 6869

IPOs get that sinking feeling

The worldwide initial public offering (IPO) market has reached a record of dubious distinction, the highest number of deals shelved, thanks to an environment that is becoming increasingly hostile to new stocks, MarketWatch reported. So …

DSC 6869

Fixed annuity sales up in first half of ’11

Fixed annuity sales continue to struggle in the current low interest rate environment, falling 1 percent in the second quarter compared with the prior year. In the first half of 2011, however, total fixed annuity …

DSC 6869

BERKO: Don’t fret about inflation; do buy Dominion shares


Dear Mr. Berko:

In various columns from several years ago, you recommended Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities. In the past two years, you haven’t written a word about them. Is inflation still a problem? Also, what is …

DSC 6869

BERKO: Now is the time to sell Apple shares


Dear Mr. Berko:

In early 2004, I bought 900 shares of Apple Inc. at $22. I bought it with my own money, and I had a good feeling about the investment, because a trusted friend …

DSC 6869

BERKO: Yes to ETFs, no to ETNs


Dear Mr. Berko:

My broker wants me to invest in exchange-traded notes, specifically the S&P 500 BuyWrite Index and the Treasury 10-year Bear. He insists they’re safe and can be very profitable.

Please tell me …

DSC 6869

Principal named a top tech innovation company

Principal Financial Group Inc. has been named to the InformationWeek 500 for a 14th consecutive year. Principal ranked 28th in 2011.

The list recognizes the most innovative users of technology in the country.

Principal touts …

DSC 6869

Regulators approve ‘living wills’ provisions for big banks

U.S. regulators approved two sets of guidelines that the nation’s largest banks, including  Citigroup Inc., JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Wells Fargo & Co., will have to follow in drafting plans to protect the broader …

DSC 6869

Two Rivers receives federal loan funds

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced Wednesday that Two Rivers Financial Group Inc. has received $23.2 million through the Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF). The $30 billion SBLF was established as part of the …

DSC 6869

EMC to give away $200,000 to nonprofits

To celebrate its 100th anniversary, Des Moines-based EMC Insurance Cos. announced it has donated $100,000 to approximately 100 selected nonprofits in communities in its 42-state territory, and has launched a contest for those communities to …

DSC 6869

Berkshire plans for life without Buffett

Berkshire Hathaway Inc. expanded its succession plan for Warren Buffett today, saying Virginia fund manager Ted Weschler will join the company early next year to help oversee its investments. Berkshire said Weschler and Todd Combs, …