NEWS RELEASE 03/17/09 FASB Issues Proposals to Improve Guidance on Fair Value Measurements and Impairments

Norwalk, CT, March 17, 2009—The FASB today issued two proposed staff positions (FSPs) intended to provide additional application guidance regarding fair value measurements and impairments of securities. Proposed FSP FAS 157-e, Determining Whether a Market Is Not Active and a Transaction Is Not Distressed, provides guidelines for making fair value measurements more consistent with the principles presented in FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. Proposed FSP FAS 115-a, FAS 124-a, and EITF 99-20-b, Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary Impairments, provides additional guidance designed to create greater clarity and consistency in accounting for and presenting impairment losses on securities.