Investment Instruments

Christopher Stout appointed sales director to support the firms Retirement Services Division in the Southeast region.

Additions support growing presence in three key markets.

SCI Companies is now offering open architecture 401(k) plans to its clients and their employees.

The company made huge advances in whole life, annuity and mutual fund sales - each up 17 percent from last year - as well as strong agent recruitment.

Fidelity Investments launched a new program, Plan for Life, which guides people participating in workplace retirement plans to help them reach their financial goals.

Annuity sales were up 4 percent in the second quarter, to $57 billion, but are down from the same period last year, with 2012 total sales of $112 billion.