Equity Indexed Annuities

While technically classified as a fixed annuity, an equity-indexed annuity (EIA) can be described as a hybrid of a fixed annuity and a variable annuity, having some characteristics of both, and falling in between with regard to potential for return and level of risk.

With a traditional fixed annuity, the annuity issuer guarantees both the rate of return and the payout. Investors in fixed annuities elect safety of principal and guaranteed returns over market risks and the potential for higher returns.

With a variable annuity, on the other hand, the rate of return varies according to the performance of the investments you choose from those offered by the issuer (these investments are often called subaccounts). With the exception of a guaranteed subaccount, variable annuities don’t offer any guarantees on the performance of the subaccounts. You assume all the risk related to those investments including the risk that you may lose principal. In return for assuming a greater amount of risk, investors in variable annuities have a greater potential for growth in earnings.

EIAs take the middle ground, offering limited downside risk balanced by limited upside potential for returns. They offer safety of principal, and generally a minimum rate of return (provided the EIA is held for the full term). EIAs also offer the potential for higher returns by tying interest paid to the performance of a stock index.