The case for index funds is predicated on the observed inability of active managers to outperform market indexes over long periods. Agency conflicts between investors and fund managers are another important motivation, as index funds benefit from simple, unambiguous accountability

Preliminary result of a continuing research project that analyzes annuity markets in various countries. The projects focussed on understanding whether annuity makerts can be relied upon to provide reliable retirement income at reasonable prices

The provision of annuities and other benefits during the decumulation phase of defined contribution (DC) pension plans raises major policy issues. Because private markets for annuities and disability benefits are not well developed even in the most advanced OECD countries, the resolution of...

Personal pension plans transfer investment risk to participating workers and expose them to the volatility of financial returns. Simple financial strategies lower the volatility of replacement rates but at a significant cost in terms of lower replacement rates. The purchase of valuable annuities...

For optimal regulation, one size does not fit all. Differences in countries' informational and contracting environments (in the transparency of information, in protection for counterparties, and in political accountability), influence the design of their financial safety nets and their...