The Wall Street Journal's editorial page is a well known right-wing dumpster fire. However, the Journal regularly produces reporting about finance that is important and policy relevant.
For instance, Tuesday's Journal has an article about the takeover of traditional life insurance and annuity firms by private equity firms. Why is this disturbing? Consider that private equity firm’s track record consists of buying viable, but slow growing firms. Afterwards, they extract "management fees" and "special dividends" which return much of the capital they "invested.". Following this there often is a trip to bankruptcy court. The usual result is busted unions and creditors claims paid at pennies on the dollar.
Of course, the principle creditors of life insurance and annuity firms are the customers who are guaranteed life income (for annuities) or a death benefit. There are two guard rails against this reckless behavior. The first is regulation by state insurance commissioners. They are charged with monitoring the financial condition of insurors to make sure all claims can be paid in full. Given the weakened financial condition of most states these days, their ability to adequately monitor these new entrants is doubtful. There is also the issue of regulatory capture, where regulators view their job as protecting the business of the regulated firms, not consumers. The second guard rail is states posess dedicated funds to guarantee the obligations of insolvent insurors. Guess what else state governments can't afford to fund these days?
THE UPSHOT: If you're a recipient of annuity income or hold life insurance, watch the financial health of your company closely. Also watch for suggested changes in ownership. If either of those things becomes problematical, let your state insurance commissioners know. After all, they're supposed to be working for you! I know it's a drag to have to do this but your financial health may depend upon it.