Index-Linked Annuities

Index-linked annuities are sometimes called ‘buffer annuities’ or ‘structured annuities.’ Since they are variable annuities, investing in them may entail some risk. Unlike variable annuities, however, they include on-board features that aim to mitigate or eliminate some of that risk, and they don’t generally offer the option to invest directly in equities via underlying subaccounts.

Investment gains in Index-linked annuities are credited to investors via ‘crediting methods’ that are linked to indexes like the S&P 500. No-load index-linked annuities on the RetireOne Platform help advisors manage market risk via ‘buffers’ and ‘floors’—optional components that aim to minimize investor exposure to market losses.