Expensive, poor performing variable annuity insurance products dominate this niche that many mutual fund companies seemly ignore.

FORBES: Problems Areas for Pensions: 457/403(b); Custodial Services; Minority/Emerging Managers (May 2, 2006 )

There are some money management firms, particularly variable annuity insurance companies that have pursued this marketing course to a level of absurdity.

FORBES: Everyone Wants Kool Aid: Pruning the Money Management Tree (October 29, 2008)

Insurance companies with big variable annuity books may drop their annual guaranteed rates, but their bond portfolios will appreciate.

FORBES: Market Trends: How to surf the yield curve