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Did You Know?

That, as of the first quarter 2011, the combined net assets of U.S. variable annuities were valued at nearly $1.6 trillion, an 11% increase from first quarter 2010 and the highest level ever recorded?
In 2010 fixed annuity assets were valued at $659 billion a 6% increase from 2009?
That in 2010, the total average expense difference between variable annuities and mutual funds was 1.01%?
In 2011, the contribution limits range from $5,000-$6,000 for an IRA, $16,500-$22,000 for a 401(k) and $200,000 plus for a non-qualified annuity?
That the average number of funds per variable annuity contract was 50 in 2010, of which 47% of assets were invested in equities, 11% in bonds, and 20% in fixed-rate accounts?
That the guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit was offered on 79% of variable annuities in 2011 and was elected by 65% of contract holders?
Boomers who own annuities have a higher confidence in retirement expectations, with 92% believing they are doing a good job in preparing for retirement?

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Industry Statistics

The Insured Retirement Institute's mission is to provide financial advisors, the media, regulators, and other interested parties with information and resources to assist in a better understanding of annuities and the role these products play in financial retirement planning. IRI releases quarterly variable and fixed annuity sales data.

Recommended by 57 people

Variable Annuities Post Record New Sales

11.29.2011

The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) today announced final third quarter results for the United States annuity industry. Net variable annuity sales were $8.8 billion, the highest level in fourteen quarters when third quarter 2007 levels were $8.9 billion. In addition, revised annuity sales for the third quarter show a greater year-to-year growth, and a smaller quarter-to-quarter decline than originally estimated. Third quarter industry-wide sales were $58.1 billion, up 6 percent from third quarter 2010 sales of $54.5 billion. Compared to second quarter sales of $60.4 billion, third quarter sales were down 4 percent.

Recommended by 43 people

3Q VA Product Changes Slow, Benefits Trend Toward More Generous

11.22.2011

Compiled by Morningstar, the report found that variable annuity benefit activity for the third quarter slowed significantly from the robust filings made during the second quarter of this year. In the third quarter, carriers made 40 material changes, down from 162 changes in the second quarter, and down from 106 changes in the same quarter last year.

Recommended by 35 people

Total Second Quarter Annuity Sales Post Record Highs

08.25.2011

The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) today announced second quarter results for the U.S. annuity industry. Launched this year, IRI exclusively unites highly trusted and sought-after data from Morningstar, Inc. and Beacon Research, offering a one-of-a-kind, industry-wide overview on the state of both variable annuity and fixed annuity sales.

Recommended by 31 people

Industry Wide Annuity Sales Continue Double Digit Climb

08.24.2011

The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) today announced second quarter results for the United States annuity industry. Annuity sales for the second quarter continued to increase at a double-digit rate. Second quarter industry wide sales were $60.4 billion, up 10 percent from $55 billion in the second quarter of 2010. Second quarter sales also garnered quarter-to-quarter growth, increasing at a rate of 4 percent from $58.1 billion in the first quarter of this year.

Recommended by 35 people

VA Sales Up for 3rd Consecutive Quarter

08.24.2011

Recommended by 38 people

New Variable Annuity Sales Post Double-Digit Increase in 2010

04.28.2011

The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) today released a report on product trend updates within the U.S. variable annuity market. Compiled by Morningstar, the report found that sales flows picked up in calendar year 2010, with a 10.3% increase in new sales.