Steven A. Morelli

Steven A. Morelli is a contributing editor for InsuranceNewsNet. He has more than 25 years of experience as a reporter and editor for newspapers and magazines. He was also vice president of communications for an insurance agents’ association. Steve can be reached at [email protected].

InsuranceNewsNet top 10 annuity articles for 2022.

Banner sales a theme in year’s top 10 annuity articles

This has been very, very good year for annuities. The bear market for stocks and rising interest rates provided a perfect combination for a winning 2022 for the products, mostly fixed-rate deferred, indexed and registered index-linked annuities. Not so much for variable annuities, which slumped with the markets.

Congress expected to decided soon whether to raise the debt ceiling

Debt ceiling standoff could crash economy

As the days tick down to the end of this Congress’ term, hopes dim on raising the debt ceiling, which could set up a dangerous game of chicken next year.

OMB moves DOL ESG rule, as backlash builds.

OMB moves DOL ESG rule, as backlash builds

The Office of Management and Budget reportedly finished reviewing the Department of Labor’s Environmental, Social and Governance investing rule, but critics are roasting the strategy as “socialism.”

Investors 'doomscrolling' on the brink, surveys find.

Investors ‘doomscrolling’ on the brink, surveys find

Surveys from Wells Fargo and Janus Henderson Investing found investors are anxious about the stock market and inflation, with some wishing they could cash out. They are staying put, but keeping a close eye on what comes next.

American Equity

American Equity FIA sales drop; reinsurer investor drops out

American Equity executives said fixed index annuity sales dropped in the third quarter because the carrier is being smart about pricing. Meanwhile, Brookfield Re abruptly announced it was selling its 16% share of the carrier.