Products April 11, 2008

Thrivent Offers Service to Help Manage Capital Gains Taxes

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans’ Landmark Group is now offering a new separate account manager, available through Thrivent’s Managed Account Program, to help investors better manage capital gains taxes.
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A Thrivent press release said the service provides an active tax overlay strategy designed to give investors improved absolute returns through potential tax savings. The required minimum account for the program is $1,000,000 of investable (after-tax) assets.

Through the service, financial consultants associated with Thrivent Financial’s Landmark Group together with the client will determine how best to diversify the portfolio, reduce tracking error, and meet the client’s predefined tax budget, the announcement said. The service then obtains managers’ investment models and manages the portfolios, balancing tax implications against managers’ stock selections.

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Optimal trades are selected by considering risk characteristics of each stock, tax implications of potential trade combinations, correlation between stocks in existing and target portfolios, transaction costs, and clients’ capital gains budgets.

To learn more about the program, contact Thrivent Financial’s Landmark Group at 651-779-9720.

Products April 11, 2008

Phoenix Introduces Low-cost Annuities for Fee-based Adviser Market

The Phoenix Companies, Inc. introduced a low-cost, no-load annuity sold through Phoenix’s distribution partners, including wirehouses, regional broker/dealers, and financial institutions.
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The Phoenix Portfolio Advisor Variable Annuity was developed through a strategic alliance with Jefferson National Life Insurance Company to develop low-cost annuities specifically for the fee-based advisers among Phoenix’s distribution partners, according to a press release. The product will have a flat insurance fee of $20 a month rather than the typical variable annuity insurance fee of 1.35% of asset value, the company said.

Phoenix Portfolio Advisor offers a broad range of investment choices, with more than 170 investment funds from 20 top independent money managers. Advisers and clients who want to diversify their holdings can choose from a number of asset allocation options available through the annuity.

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Clients wanting additional insurance protections can purchase an optional living benefits rider, such as the guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit, which provides clients in retirement a flexible, guaranteed income for life, regardless of investment performance.

Adviser Tools

Jefferson National’s technology platform was designed to serve the fee-based market. New Web-based tools, available at www.portfolioadvisorva.com, allow an adviser to compare the fee savings of the Phoenix Portfolio Advisor over other variable annuities, generate a proposal online, and immediately apply for an account.

Additional tools allow clients to transfer assets between funds, view their transaction history, develop a customized asset allocation model, and search, review, and track data about investment options that are available.

Advisers can also call 866-226-0120 for additional information.

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