After a lackluster summer, the pace of U.S. application activity for individually underwritten life insurance rose +1.5% in September, year-over-year, all ages combined, according to the MIB Life Index. September's results were that much stronger given the percent increase took place with two fewer business days than its September 2011 comparative period.  The seasonal July-August lull is apparent in third quarter results, off -0.8%, Q3 2012/2011.  With positive numbers in 6 of the last 9 months, the MIB Life Index is up an unprecedented +1.7% year-to-date. September's activity jumped +8.9% from that of August; a stronger than normal jump as we head toward year-end.

U.S. application activity expanded in two of three age groups: ages 0-44, up +2.1%; ages 45-59, off slightly at -0.4%; and ages 60+, up +2.8%, year-over-year.  At the close of the third quarter, ages 0-44 are up +1.0% YTD; ages 45-59 are up +0.7% YTD; and ages 60+are  up +5.4% YTD compared to the same period last year. The 2012 Life Index has shown significant strength for ages 59 and below, at the sacrifice of activity in ages 60+. Most notably, growth in the 0-44 market is virtually unprecedented with the last positive ink in this age group dating back to 2003.

Additional analytics and the MIB Life Index Annual Reports available with registration at: www.mibsolutions.com/regLI.