Support for Secondary guarantee calculations was added to the Universal Life product
New functionality was added to all Bond products (Non-Callable, Callable, Sinking Fund, and Floating Rate) to allow for the initial par value or credit spread to be solved for upon issue for reinvestment assets
US STAT And US GAAP Variable Tags were updated on all products and portfolios for consistent coverage
The Cash Flow Start Time variable on all Products was updated to point to centralized Cash Flow Start Time at the Company Variable level for ease of updating
Commonly used pricing metrics were added to All liability products and a new Pricing variable tag was added to these calculations
Fix to Sinking Fund product factors
Policy Count roll-forward variables were added to all Liability Products
Reinsurance Tables and logic were updated to add support for minimum retention limits and excess reinsurance
A new Run Settings variable was added to the Company level to control high-level functionality across the entire Library
Fixes
All Present Value Formulas across the Library were updated to use the time periods to be more efficient
Market Value calculations for Mortgages and Sinking Fund Bonds were updated to correctly reflect the impacts of prepayment assumptions
The Number In Force variable on the Sinking Fund Bond was updated to remove the sink percent which was previously resulting in double counting of cash flow reductions in the market values of this product
A new formula is available in the formula builder, which allows users to check for an empty/blank value. The formula returns a boolean true/false value.
The new option is available in the Utility Functions sub-menu.
Example usage to detect if a model point’s plan code is empty. Use this within a condition block to perform different behaviors given the existence of a value.
New York 7 Scenario Generator
Users can now generate NY7 scenarios directly within the SLOPE application!
New “Generate” option available in the Scenario Tables area within Assumption Management.
Generator inputs. The result of the generation will be a full scenario table with an associated file.
Scenario Files – Support for Yield Curve Spot Rates
We’ve added support for users to supply Spot Rates in their scenario files. This new option is available under the “Rate Type” control on the economic scenario structure configuration within Model Development.
Application Programming Interface (API)
We’ve improved granularity and control over file management within the API.
IMPROVEMENTS
Projection validation now runs asynchronously, which allows the page to load more quickly and users to track the validation process.
Nested data tables now contain links in the latest version of the table in addition to historical versions of the table.
Performance improvements around backend validation processes.
Improvements have been made around caching of front-end code for performance and stability.
FIXES
Fixed an issue where product aggregate level results were sometimes unavailable for statically run products.
Deleting a column now properly updates newly versioned tables that were versioned as a result of the change.
Fixed ability to add new rows in the table editor to tables that contained nested mortality tables.
Missing model point files on allocations are now caught by projection validation.
Changing the product when editing a projection product no longer results in an error.
Fixed downstream issues caused by converting Sell steps to Buy steps and not clearing the rule filters.
Array variables can now be referenced from withing the ‘Default Value’ formula configured within IRR calculations without causing errors.
Range Arrays can now be properly merged via the UI.
Investment Strategies: Pro-rata Selling Filters & Version Selection
Filters can now be added to Pro-rata selling rules to sell a subset of the portfolio.
Default behavior will sell all assets in the portfolio pro-rata.In this setup, only model points in the ‘Mortgages’ or ‘Bonds’ asset groups will be sold pro-rata.
Older investment strategy versions can now be viewed via a dropdown under the name.
Older versions can also be navigated to directly through ‘Inputs Used’ in the Analyze module.
Variable Rate Selection by Formula
Variable rates can now be calculated when reading from the scenario table. Simply specify a formula that returns the name of the Variable Rate to be used.
If dynamic selection is not needed, we recommend using the simpler variable option for performance reasons.
Change Management Updates
The Compare Projection interface has been updated to the new design. In addition, the Projection ID has been added for searchability.
Company Variable deletions can also now be merged in the Compare & Merge Models functionality.
Application Programming Interface (API)
New API endpoints have been added for updating data tables and retrieving/running projections programmatically. We’ve also made backend improvements for increased performance and security.
IMPROVEMENTS
We’ve made performance improvements around result writing in the calculation engine, particular for dynamic runs that have very few model points.
Yield Curves now allow for up to 100 years of rates.
We’ve made some improvements around the stability of automatic updating and detection of more complex array variable chains to avoid manual intervention after significant changes.
We’ve improved validation in multiple areas around array variables, including more complex multiple array dependency chain detection.
FIXES
The Goal Seek ‘Target Variable’ no longer sometimes appears blank in the relationship view’s formula builder.
New data table columns are now properly propagated to newly versioned tables upon creation of the column in the table structure.
Drag & Drop on table structures no longer stops functioning after deleting a row.
Deleted products are now properly filtered out of the Table Structure deletion confirmation modal.
Fixed front-end display of dependent array on Company Variables that depend on a Product Output Grouping array.
Fixed an issue when pasting invalid data into the table editor for a table reference cell.
Fixed an issue with saving imported data tables due to versioning.
Fixed an issue causing model point level results to occasionally be unavailable, depending on settings.
Fixed an error that sometimes occurred when using a range array variable within a dynamic aggregate formula.
A new type of array is available that allows individual arrays per model point, based on a range of values. These are currently only available for product variables.
“Dynamic” arrays have been renamed Product Output Grouping for clarity, and the label has been updated to “Source” to reflect where the array values are coming from.The values for the indexes and the step can come from three different locations: The current time index, any variable on the product, or a constant numeric value. Note that in the example provided, the array values would change at each time period, and be different for each model point.
Table Column Dependency Mappings
Individual table columns can now be mapped separately from the table itself when mapping dependencies for a merge operation. This allows users to not only see any failed column mappings, but also manually map table columns, if necessary.
New API Endpoints
New API endpoints have been added for managing Scenario Files programmatically.
IMPROVEMENTS
Array deletions can now be merged in the Change Management module.
Performance is improved when calculating PV variables, particularly at the portfolio level.
The calc engine now uses memory more efficiently when calculating products in dynamic mode.
Minor performance improvements around data table editing.
FIXES
Empty condition groups now properly cause a validation error.
Operand menus are no longer sometimes cut off in the Goal Seek settings section.
Dynamic array variables now show up properly in the Change Management module and can be merged properly into the destination.
Fixed an issue causing models with the ‘Copy Only’ permission to sometimes not copy properly.
Dashboards (including system dashboards) can now be copied within the Analyze module. This allows users to use another dashboard as a starting point, and copy dashboards between shared/personal spaces.
‘Copy’ option is in the sidebar menu on each dashboard and opens a dialog allowing for a new name.
Copy Projection Templates
Projection Templates can now be duplicated via a ‘Duplicate’ button next to the ‘Create Projection’ button.
Present Value Time Period
Present Value formulas now have a ‘PV Period’ field, allowing users to have more control over the period of the calculation, which can help with accuracy and performance.
Months until policy termination is a typical period to use for policy level PV formulas, which can help improve the performance of the projection.
Merge Product Variable Deletes
Product variable removals/deletes can now be merged in the Change Management module.
We’ve also made some UI updates to this dialog to improve the look & feel.
Model Points & Results Analyze View
A new view is available under the ‘Explore Data’ option in the Analyze module called ‘Model Points & Results’. This is a merged view with both model point fields and variable results, to allow easy dashboard building with a merged view, allowing fields and variables to be viewed side-by-side.
New API Endpoints
New endpoints have been added to the automation API for creating tables and projections programmatically.
IMPROVEMENTS
In the debug view, clicking on the variable name now navigates the user to the variable editor.
Merged entities are now indicated as such in the sidebar of the merge view.
‘Initial Book Value’ and ‘Initial Market Value’ are no longer system model point fields and can now be edited or removed entirely.
Performing a merge that has already been performed now shows a descriptive message instead of an error.
When editing the tables on a projection, if there is only one option available it will now be automatically selected.
Product Output Groupings now appear on the Inputs Used view on projections.
The underlying product name is now shown on the Asset Allocation screen to make it easier to differentiate between products.
Significant performance improvements to post-projection portfolio & company level goal seeks formula calculations.
We’ve updated the technology in the calculation engine for increased performance and security.
FIXES
Creating snapshots no longer shows an empty dialog afterwards.
‘Convert to variable’ option on model point fields is once again working properly.
Fixed an issue with some Liability products not properly being auto-detected as Dynamic.
Fixed rare case where runs would sometimes get stuck in “Writing Final Results” state.
Assumption sets are now properly re-applied when adding a new product to a projection.
Fixed an intermittent unknown error when running dynamic arrays with a large number of products.
The data table editor no longer allows pasting more than 1000 rows into the editor.
Sales & Asset Allocations are now properly versioned when a model point file within the allocation is overwritten via the File Manager.
A new input for ‘Dividend Rate’ has been added to the Option Price Formula, to allow for non-zero dividend rates when calculating.
Target Value Rules – Ignore Constraints
Constraints can now be ignored on Target Value Match buy and sell rules, allowing for greater flexibility and more complex rule configurations within investment strategies.
IMPROVEMENTS
Projection ID is now available in the list views in Execute/Analyze modules for quick reference.
When merging a table structure, deleted columns are now removed from the target to match expectations with what is shown in the diff view.
Investment strategies can now be included when copying a model.
The text editor on Investment Strategy Steps has been upgraded for a cleaner look and better performance.
In the API, the API Key description is now used as the user making any changes in the system, so it is clear that the API made the change and not another user.
Table names now appear in the debug view for formulas that return tables.
Table formulas now show indexes in the same order as they are configured on the Table Structure setup.
The “Less than or Equal” data table index lookup option has been renamed to “Range – Lower Bound” for clarity of its function.
Products are now sorted by name on the Asset Allocation screen.
Minor performance improvements when merging new table structures.
FIXES
Fixed an issue where particular array variable configurations were sometimes not updating the variable chain properly when removing the array reference.
Fixed an error sometimes caused by non time indexed array aggregate configurations.
Old versions of asset allocations are now filtered out of the model copy views.
Table structure column descriptions are now included when merging.
Run logs for scenarios numbered as “0” can now be viewed.
Model point fields that are used by model point filters can now be converted to variables without error.
Overall runtime no longer sometimes appears as less than the run time per scenario on the Run Summary dashboard.
Merge change dialogs now automatically close after a merge completes, as expected.
Fixed an edge case with rounding causing unexpected results at midpoints.
OPERATIONS
We’ve made some large underlying infrastructure changes and upgrades to improve scalability, stability, security, and performance going forward. We’re always working hard behind the scenes to keep you on the latest and greatest technology.
This past month has been all about investment. We aim to give you the most flexible investment options around, so you can manage your asset portfolios however you like. With that in mind we’ve introduced the concept of Investment Strategies, and have added features to give you significantly more control over the behavior during investment. To read more about the features released in February, read on. To see more about investment strategies in particular, visit the support site.
NEW
Investment Strategies
Instead of configuring a single asset allocation for pro-rata buying/selling, we’ve introduced the concept of Investment Strategies, accessible through the Assumption Management module. All existing allocations have been migrated into this new structure, and now users can configure the behavior of investment in greater detail.
Keep track of all your different investment strategies. Strategies and allocations are automatically versioned as needed, so you always know what was driving the investment on any projection.Multiple investment strategies can be used on a single portfolio.
Investment Strategy Matching Rules
In addition to Pro-rata, a new rule type is available: Target Value Match. This allows users to buy/sell while trying to maintain a target value on the portfolio (ex: Duration/Convexity Matching).
Allocations are used on the buy side to give users the flexibility/control of deciding the level of granularity to use when buying.Rules can be chained together, so if duration matching fails (including partial failure), the remaining amount will be handled by the next rule.
Investment Strategy Constraints
Constraints are also available for configuration on investment strategies. The current options allow for limiting of groups of assets using product level variables and upper/lower limit percentages.
Constraints currently only apply to the new Target Value Match rules, but can be configured using any product variables you’d like to use to group your assets.
IMPROVEMENTS
Data tables for newly added table structures now appear under the table structure in the compare view.
Additional endpoints around file management have been added to the Automation API.
Stability improvements around status updates when running a large number of scenarios.
General improvements to dialogs across the site.
Interface improvements to the Goal Seek formula’s settings area.
The debug view now maintains all applicable state when changing variables to make it easier to navigate.
We’ve added a Projection ID to the debug view to quickly change to newer/older runs.
Portfolios are now sorted by name in all lists in Model Development.
FIXES
Allocation % is now hidden on allocations set to Auto, to avoid confusion.
Apostrophes in portfolio names no longer cause issues on the debug view.
Fixed the compare view for indirect array variables.
Option price formula now allows a risk-free rate of zero.
Fixed yield curve calculations for yield curve of less than 30 years.
Fixed a compare issue for tables with missing nested table values.
Projections using product output groupings no longer sometimes cause errors during comparison.
Model point fields that are used by allocations can now be deleted (with a warning).
Model point filters now properly clear out when switching the product, allowing for proper re-selection of new fields.
Nested data table validation errors no longer cause unknown failures at the start of the run.
The debug view’s array value dropdown now initializes properly in all cases.
Excel “#N/A” references no longer cause unknown errors during parsing.
Our product development team is hard at work in this new year to bring you all some great new features. While many large initiatives are still in the works, see below for this months latest features, updates, and fixes!
NEW
Product Compare & Merge
The product compare and merge features have been merged into a single view and updated to the new compare & merge interface to match the new model compare.
Automation API Released
For customers with licensed access to it, the initial version of our application programming interface (API) has been released, with initial endpoints for automating the management of files and self-serve API credentials generation within the SLOPE interface. Please contact your account rep for details, if interested.
IMPROVEMENTS
Converted error to informational message when a portfolio variable references a product variable that cannot be found on any products.
Stabilization improvements have been made around queueing of projections, especially with a large number of scenarios.
FIXES
The compare view now properly compares the Gender and Age formulas on an Annuity Factor.
Single clicking a node in the relationship view no longer performs the action of a double-click.
Product Variable validation errors are now properly displayed on projection validation.
‘Back to Details’ link on relationship view no longer causes visual issues with the documentation field or the formula builder.
IRR formulas that fail with a result that is positive or negative infinity now show up properly on the debug view, if a default value fallback value was used.
Fixed an issue with goal seeks inside array formulas sometimes resulting in errors.
Fixed array value dropdown on the debugger being inaccurate for some variables that were array variables and force recalc variables.
Invalid dates are no longer resulting in an unknown error when importing a data table.
Fixed link to sales allocations from projection validation details.
Arrays that were once referenced by deleted products can now be removed.
Fixed an issue where long running sequential scenarios sometimes failed to start, requiring a restart of the scenario in order to finish the run.
Another year over, and what a year it was. We hope that despite the challenges this year has presented, that each of you has something to celebrate as the year comes to a close. We stayed busy this year, and here is another round of updates to make everyone’s SLOPE experience even better. Here’s to more great things coming in 2021!
NEW
Model Compare & Merge Overhaul
The model compare and merge screens have been combined into a single feature and the interface has been completely overhauled to allow for easier navigation of changes.
A more modern interface, with auto-complete for finding models easier and the ability to swap source and target with a single click.Sidebar navigation of model components with searching capability to quickly find changes. Scope the view to the changes you want to see, and merge changes that support it (indicated with an icon in the sidebar).
Investment/Sales Auto Allocation
A new option is available on asset (investment) and liability (sales) allocations to allow an automatic distribution based on allocation field across all products in the allocation, bypassing the need to manually set percentages on each product. This is the default option for new allocations.
Investment/Sales Allocation Versioning
Asset and liability allocations are now automatically versioned and can be viewed from the ‘Inputs Used’ section of the projection after it has been run.
IMPROVEMENTS
Table structure columns now have a “Description” field for additional documentation.
Array variables now show the array name on the relationship view as well as on hover of the variable name in the formula builder.
Further explanation of functionality appears when the Dynamic array option is selected during array create/edit.
Performance improvements have been made around copying, merging, and validating data tables.
The product output grouping dropdown on projections now has autocomplete functionality.
Only configured tables appear on completed projections in the Execute module, preventing blank table selections that were not actually used during the run from appearing.
Whitespace is now trimmed from variable names, preventing accidental spaces in names which can cause confusion in the reporting module.
Models are now sorted alphabetically on the ‘Create Projection’ dialog.
FIXES
Nested table cells with no table to select are now properly handled, and a message is displayed that no tables are available.
Merging a new array now also merges the array values.
Fixed an issue causing some projections to get stuck in ‘Writing Final Results’ status after failing.
Fixed ‘Add New’ row button sometimes disappearing in the data table editor.
A new version of the Slope Life Library has been released and made available. This update includes some new products, updates to accounting structures, and support for A&H products, which we will be releasing more of in the near future.
New Products
The Individual Disability Income liability product is now available. This product includes support for active and disabled lives. It includes accounting treatment for US Statutory and US GAAP bases. Multiple new tables were added to support this product as well.
The Interest Rate Swap asset product is now available. This product can be used to model swaps between fixed and floating payment streams.
Updates
Additional variables were added to Portfolio and Company level to support separate reporting of A&H policies in the income statement and balance sheet.
Accounting aggregation for claim reserves and claim expenses were added to Portfolio and Company levels
Disability Income Industry Tables were added to the model and are also available on the Industry Tables page of the Support site. This includes the 1964 CDT, 1985 CIDA, and 2013 IDI tables.
