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What Are Indexed Annuities Designed to Do?

Stan Haithcock
February 5, 2026
What-Are-Indexed-Annuities-Designed-to-Do?

Short Answer

Indexed Annuities are fixed annuities designed to compete with CD returns, not market returns, and are commonly used to support contractual income guarantees.

What Are Indexed Annuities?

Indexed Annuities are fixed annuities issued by life insurance companies and approved at the state level. They are not securities and are not market products.

How Indexed Annuities Work

Indexed Annuities provide principal protection and credit interest based on an index formula. The interest credited is subject to caps, spreads, and participation rates set by the carrier.

How Indexed Annuities Work Under Current Conditions

Insurance carriers may change caps, spreads, and participation rates over time. As a result, returns are not guaranteed beyond contractual minimums.

How Indexed Annuities Compare to Market Products

Indexed Annuities are not market products and do not provide direct market participation. They are designed to deliver CD-type returns with principal protection.

When Indexed Annuities May Make Sense

Indexed Annuities may be used as an efficient vehicle for Income Riders when contractual income guarantees are needed in the future.

When Indexed Annuities May Not Make Sense

They may not be appropriate when buyers expect market-like returns or believe the product provides market upside with no downside.

Common Misunderstandings About Indexed Annuities

A common misunderstanding is that Indexed Annuities provide market returns. Another is that bonuses represent free money rather than contractual components.

Key Considerations for Indexed Annuities

Indexed Annuities rely on contractual terms set by the carrier. They are commodity products and should be compared based on contractual guarantees.

Bottom Line

Indexed Annuities are fixed annuities designed to compete with CDs and are primarily used to support contractual income guarantees rather than market growth.

FAQ

Are Indexed Annuities market products?

No. Indexed Annuities are fixed annuities, not securities.

Do Indexed Annuities provide principal protection?

Yes. Principal protection is a core feature.

Can Indexed Annuity rules change?

Yes. Caps, spreads, and participation rates can be changed by the carrier.

Why are Indexed Annuities used with Income Riders?

They are currently the most efficient vehicle for delivering contractual income guarantees.

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