Annuities, which base their returns on market interest rates, are currently more attractive due to the highest rates since 2001. Fixed annuities are offering higher guaranteed rates, and fixed index annuities now have higher possible caps for returns. 

Variable annuities are less affected by interest rate changes since their returns depend on mutual fund performance. Many annuities offer initial bonuses, which can offset surrender charges if switching from an older annuity with lower rates.

 Age also impacts how beneficial high interest rates are, with younger annuity holders potentially locking in higher lifetime income. However, potential future rate cuts add urgency, but it's essential to ensure annuities align with long-term financial goals to avoid penalties.

Finsum: Fixed annuities are in a very favorable position giving a 40 year high in interest rates. 

The demand for technology to support model portfolio management and portfolio construction is on the rise as firms aim to centralize and scale these services to stay competitive. Model portfolios are becoming a game-changer for financial advisors, with significant growth expected over the next decade due to their efficiency in diversification, risk management, and tailored financial planning. 

Advisors increasingly rely on asset managers to help manage these portfolios, and Jacobi's technology facilitates this by centralizing performance analytics, integrating investment workflows, and generating professional client reports. T. Rowe Price, an early adopter, has experienced improved efficiency and client engagement through Jacobi's platform. 

Model portfolios use technology to enhances team collaboration and meets rising client demands, and they are driving efficiency and expanding market distribution for asset managers.

Finsum: Model portfolios have been one of the biggest technological innovations for financial advisors in the last decade. 

Across the pond, Barclays' shares dropped 3.7% on Monday after the bank revealed it would incur an earnings loss due to issuing an excess of structured notes. The bank forecasts a £450 million ($590 million) charge and a nearly 30 basis point reduction in its core tier 1 capital ratio, of which many investors watch. 

Consequently, the bank will postpone its £1 billion share buyback announced on February 23rd. Structured notes, which are customized debt products, require stringent regulatory and risk management oversight, and are often used as a specific fixed income solution.

 Although Barclays aimed to cap its issuance at $5 billion in 2019, it registered $20.8 billion instead. The bank has not clarified how this error occurred or why it took nearly three years to detect.

Finsum: This over extension reveals the complexity of implementation of structured notes but they still serve a valuable purpose.