Investment Instruments

Large institutional investors, including pension funds, have their sights for 2014 set on alternative investments, such as real estate and real assets, according to a survey by BlackRock.

Despite their confidence - the survey found that although investors traditionally invest more aggressively as their optimism increases - 49 percent are currently investing more conservatively than they did five years ago.

Christie urged pension changes to free up money that he said was needed for schools, infrastructure and other projects.

At issue is a deferred stock plan Marriott offered its employees between 1963 and 1990, at which time it changed the plan, telling workers ERISA regulations were the reason for the alterations.

Chief Executive Officer Robert Benmosche, 69, is focusing on annuities as more Americans approach retirement and competitors including MetLife Inc. limit sales.

Massachusetts and Maryland lead in terms of getting qualified prospects to sign up.