Sales of variable annuities slumped 42% in the third quarter of 2009, research suggests.

Friends Provident's protection products are available direct to the consumer (D2C) through Tesco from today, according to chief executive Trevor Matthews.

Global shares rise after better-than-expected US jobs data revives confidence in the worldwide economic recovery.

2plan Wealth Management has become the first national IFA firm to enact a successful two-way disaster recovery trial in only ten hours.

Axa is set to enhance its critical illness (CI) cover following a product review and consultation with advisers.

Almost half (43%) of Britons do not buy life insurance because they do not see the need for it, research suggests.

Banks led the FTSE to an early gain in Thursday trade following reports the Bank of America (BoA) is poised to repay its $45bn US government debt.

A quarter of advisers feel they are unable to take advantage of growing opportunities in the annuities market because they lack the skills to make it profitable.

The FTSE shed more than 21 points by lunchtime today following yesterday's brief rally, with banks taking the worst hit on continuing concerns over exposure to Dubai debt.

Total and permanent disability (TPD) cover will be removed from critical illness (CI) policies and replaced by ability-defining headings, the Association of British Insurers (ABI) has confirmed.