Retirement Trends

Fund managers are more optimistic about the outlook for equities this year, although they are still concerned about medium-term government bonds and world growth.

Investors have a new tool to help them prepare for retirement with this week's launch of a new website, www.IncomeCertainty.com, by Prudential Annuities, the domestic annuity business of Prudential Financial.

Companies that sponsor 403(b) and 401(k) plans, who partner with a professional retirement plan advisor, see higher participant outcomes, according to a survey by the Retirement Advisor Council.

The payouts come at a time when the city of Houston is suing the firefighters pension fund for the right to have local negotiating power over the citys future contributions to the fund.

Sales of annuities jumped 17 percent in the fourth quarter, the biggest gain in 11 years, as higher bond yields buoyed insurers that offer the savings products.

The increase in New Jerseys debt last year was driven by borrowing for the Transportation Trust Fund, which finances roadwork, and by pension and health benefits.