Fixed annuities can be a great choice for a variety of investors, especially:
- The conservative investor who does not wish to participate in the fluctuating equity market.
- The pre-retirement investor looking to utilize tax-deferral to maximize competitive fixed rates, over time, when compared to other fixed rate products.
- Any investor looking for a guaranteed income rate.
Fixed annuities pay a guaranteed fixed percentage rate of return, are guaranteed by an insurance company, for a specified period of time (usually between one and 10 years). As with all annuities, fixed annuities offer investors the benefits of tax deferral.
Types of fixed annuities:
- Single premium annuities require a single up-front lump sum payment to cover the entire cost of the annuity.
- Flexible premium annuities allow a series of deposits over a period of time.
Some fixed annuities are designed to have a market value adjustment (MVA) feature. MVA is an adjustment made to the value of a withdrawal or surrender based upon changes in interest rates. The MVA may have a positive effect (increasing the value of the withdrawal), a negative effect (decreasing the value of the withdrawal) or no effect at all.
Fixed annuity choices at Morgan Stanley
Many fixed annuities are sold by prospectus only. Consult the prospectus for complete details including features, benefits risks, fees and expenses. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.