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Portfolio volatility needs to be considered in making asset allocations at a given level of risk, and that volatility can take on extreme values that depend on the volatility of volatility, or vovo. This paper from the National Association of Active Investment Managers explores vovo-related concepts and offers insights on tactical asset allocation.

A simple, periodic verification of the credit-worthiness of an insurance company and the adequacy of the policy funding is not sufficient to fulfill the requirements of the Uniform Prudent Investor Act. A paper from J.R. Katz recommends that reviews of policy suitability include financial strength and claims paying ability, cost competitiveness, pricing stability, cash value liquidity and historical performance of invested assets underlying policy cash values.

When implemented responsibly, a successful foreign exchange hedging strategy can go beyond mitigating foreign exchange risk to actually improving the bottom line of a global business, according to a paper from SVB Capital. The author addresses the impact of currency exchange rates as well as best practices for implementing a hedging strategy.

The case of Agbaje v Agbaje is the first time the justices of the Supreme Court (formerly the House of Lords) have been asked to consider under Part III of the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 the circumstances in which a spouse may seek an additional financial award in England where the divorce has been concluded elsewhere. In the light of the judgment on 10 March, it is likely to lead to far more applications of this nature.

While a life insurance agent/broker may be a valuable resource and advisor, the very nature of today's products and compensation structure, coupled with the lack of transparency, create substantial conflicts of interest between what is best for the client and what is best for the agent. What are the conflicts, how meaningful are they and how can families protect themselves? This paper from Pelagos Advisors advocates a fiduciary standard for agents to ensure accountability.

A thorough understanding of the risks from extreme market moves is essential to a realistic estimation of a strategy's risk/reward profile. Every market professional is aware that with risk come opportunities. In this paper, LJM Partners shows that a process can be built to use the heightened premiums of OTM S&P options to enhance returns.

A global outbreak of influenza, such as that anticipated with this year's H1N1 virus, can have a major effect on all aspects of the world economy. Having a contingency plan can make a difference for businesses and individuals, says HUB International Personal Insurance, which offers suggestions for creating such a plan.

The financial crisis has altered the investment landscape for investment managers as well as for investors. This paper from BNY Mellon looks at the results, such as increased regulatory oversight and demands for greater transparency.

Individuals and businesses can control rising insurance costs only by being proactive and aggressive. This article from Rothstein Kass offers guidance in assessing directors and officers insurance, professional and management liability; key property and liability insurance issues; workers compensation, employee health benefits; and disability and business overhead insurance.