Request for Question Clarification by
pafalafa-ga
on
30 May 2005 08:23 PDT
Hello Fred,
I am posting my information in the "Clarifications" section because
I'm not sure it will serve as a full-fledged answer.
I don't know what you had in your lost packet of articles, but I am
not finding much out there that isn't of the "mixed news" variety, nor
is there much in the mainstream press.
Here's what I found after a search of the web, along with newspaper
and magazine databases...let me know if these meet your needs or not:
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http://csmweb2.emcweb.com/2004/0503/p16s01-wmgn.html
Christian Science Monitor
Work & Money: "Financial Q&A" Column
May 03, 2004
Seeking a steady stream of income through index annuities
...the worst thing that could happen to such an investment is if the
stock market drops during all the years you own it. Even then, he
says, you'd still get back your initial investment, plus a little
interest.
http://www.annuitynexus.com/pdfs/EIA_Article.pdf
Annuity Market News
February 2005
Upside, Downside Protection Drives Success of Index Annuities
...The success of indexed annuities made them big news in 2004.
Participants in Beacon Research's Fixed Annuity Premium Study saw
their 2004 indexed annuity sales increase almost 52% from the second
to third quarter alone. Relative to third quarter of 2003, sales rose
an amazing 173%. With that kind of growth, it's no surprise that
indexed annuities account for an increasing share of overall fixed
annuity sales for these companies.
...A combination of factors appears to have made indexed annuities the
right product at the right time. "In general, indexed annuities are
attracting investment dollars from people who want to be in the middle
of the risk spectrum," said Pat Foley, president and CEO of Allianz
Individual Insurance Group of Minneapolis.
...By crediting a return based on the performance of an index, usually
the S&P 500, indexed annuities provide more upside potential than a
traditional fixed deferred annuity. But they also feature a minimum
guaranteed rate, offering more downside protection than a variable
annuity or mutual fund. "Index annuities sit between both kinds of
investments, offering some of both," observed Sharon Havener, vice
president of agency annuity marketing at Jefferson Pilot Financial of
Greensboro, S.C. "It's the best of both worlds."
...Demographics are also playing a role. Indexed annuities are very
popular with aging Baby Boomers. Both Foley and Havener said that
Boomers are better-educated investors than the last generation of
retirees. "They want the opportunity to hedge against inflation and
participate in equity market increases, but they can't afford to lose
principal at this point," Foley said. "They need supplemental income
from their assets, but they're not excited about today's low interest
rates. The indexed annuity value proposition offers the opportunity to
participate in market upswings with no downside risk. This value
proposition plus market demographics is a formula for explosive
growth."
http://www.financial-planning.com/pubs/fp/20040501025.html
Financial Planning
May 1, 2004
Safety Cushion
An equity-indexed annuity can offer clients a share of the market's
gains while protecting against a loss.
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3257/is_n12_v51/ai_20446258
Equity-indexed annuities: the new tax-deferred annuity
Healthcare Financial Management, Dec, 1997
Equity-indexed annuity (EIA) products are currently in great demand
with investors. Their appeal stems from investors' desire to take
advantage of potentially high stock market returns while minimizing
the risk associated with a market downturn.
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Again, let me know how these look,
paf
