Annuities fell in 1Q; indexed up

Annuity sales took a dive during the first quarter, but sales of fixed indexed annuities jumped, thanks in large part to guaranteed-lifetime- withdrawal-benefit riders. Annuity sales fell to $54.8 billion in the quarter, down 8% from a year earlier, according to data from LIMRA International. Variable and fixed annuities were hurt by the decline. Strengthening equity markets couldn't buoy variable annuity sales, which fell to $36.8 billion, down 7% from a year earlier. The S&P 500 gained 12% in the first quarter. Of course, insurers' decision to change their variable annuities to make them more conservative — read: reduced living benefits — helped squash sales. “As we noted last quarter, we are still seeing companies carefully manage the risks associated with guaranteed-living-benefit riders,” said Joseph Montminy, LIMRA's assistant vice president for annuity research. Sales of fixed annuities, too, slipped amid low interest rates. Sales fell 10% from a year earlier. Indexed annuities, however, rose by 14% in the first quarter, reaching $8.1 billion in sales. Guaranteed-lifetime-withdrawal benefits helped move the product among customers. Two of three people who bought fixed indexed annuities decided to buy a GLWB rider, which lets customers get lifetime income without annuitizing their contracts. Allianz Life Insurance Co. of North America held on to its first- place standing among sellers of fixed indexed annuities with its MasterDex X annuity. Aviva Life and Annuity Co. came in second, according to data from AnnuitySpecs.com. American Equity Investment Life Holding Co. ranked third. [email protected]