American Equity AssetShield Annuity Review

The American Equity AssetShield policy is almost identical for all policy tenures, except the crediting period and surrender charge schedule. For ease of discussion and better clarity, we will discuss the American Equity AssetShield 10 policy for the rest of the article.

How does the American Equity AsseyShield 10 policy work?

Any annuitant (maximum age at the time of policy issue: 80) can purchase the American Equity AssetShield 10 policy with a minimum initial purchase amount of $5,000; and in return, he will earn market index returns (calculated through a formula that we will discuss shortly), credited as per the chosen crediting period. Apart from the regular crediting period, there are various events that may trigger earnings credit: On free withdrawals; For a long-term care event or terminal illness or injury event; or when a death benefit is payable.

The American Equity AssetShield 10 offers the annuitant to chose from one or more of the five indexes to determine his earnings crediting formula. Four of these indexes have two strategies each, and the S&P 500 index has four strategies to chose from  (making a total of 12 strategy options). The minimum allocation for each strategy is $1,000. We will discuss each available index briefly:

BofA Destinations Index

The Index uses a rules-based approach to determine a balanced risk allocation between three asset classes: US equities, US treasuries, and gold. Next, aiming to adapt to current markets, the Index adjusts the weights away from recently underperforming assets toward assets that have recently outperformed. The Index combines two classic asset allocation methods to balance risk, then seek returns. The BofA Destinations Index was created in June 2020 and targets a 5% annualized realized volatility. The hypothetical back-tested historical annual return from 2003-2020 as shown by BofA stands at 5.30%

Credit Suisse Tech Edge Index

The Credit Suisse Tech Edge Index is a rules-based multi-asset index that offers exposure to four equity ETFs known for their focus on innovation and technology. The Index implements a strategy that combines exposure to U.S. equities and fixed income and seeks to adapt to various market conditions. The Index also applies a bespoke volatility control mechanism designed by Salt Financial to identify changing market conditions using intraday data. The Credit Suisse Tech Edge Index was created in January 2021 and targets a 4.5% annualized realized volatility. The hypothetical back-tested historical annual return from 2003-2020 as shown by CS stands at ~6.00%

S&P 500 Index

The S&P 500 index is one of the most popular and oldest indexes in the world. It tracks 500 large-cap publicly traded stocks listed in the United States. It is a reliable index and has often succeeded in the test of time. It is very important to note that the American Equity AssetShield plan offers a low participation rate for the S&P 500 index, meaning that you will be credited only a small part of the S&P 500 return to your annuity. These rates tend to change frequently; I will discuss more on the rates shortly.

S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Daily Risk Control 5% Excess Return Index

The S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats measure the performance of companies within the S&P 500 that have followed a policy of consistently increasing dividends every year for at least 25 years. Constituents are equal-weighted every quarter, with the qualifying universe reviewed once a year in January. The S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index was created in August 2010 and targets a 5% annualized realized volatility. The historical annual return from 2010-2020 as shown by S&P stands at 4.25%

SG Global Sentiment Index:

The SG Global Sentiment Index uses a simple allocation methodology that responds to dynamic markets using analytics that assesses whether a market is in the growth, intermediate, or shrinking phase. Plus, a built-in volatility control feature helps manage exposure in turbulent markets. This index provides exposure to equities and bonds from the US, Germany, Japan, and China. The SG Global Sentiment Index was created in December 2020 and targets a maximum of 5% annualized realized volatility. The hypothetical back-tested historical annual return from 2002-2021 as shown by SG stands at ~7.32% In my opinion, the SG Global Sentiment Index is an ideal index to choose from, as it offers a high participation rate and back-tested returns are also higher compared to other indexes. Note: In addition to allocating the funds in the following indexes, the annuitant also has an option to allocate funds at a fixed interest. These Fixed Rates tend to change from time to time. The Fixed Value Rate at the time of writing this article was 2%.

BlackRock Adaptive US Equity 7% Index:

The BlackRock Adaptive U.S. Equity 7% Index (the “Index”) is designed to deliver exposure to the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF, subject to a Target Volatility. The Index manages to a 7% Target Volatility by incorporating Fixed Income U.S. Treasury iShares® ETFs, and a cash constituent. The Index tracks the return of the weighted Index constituents, above the sum of the return on the Interest Rate and the Index Fee.

Rates and Costs associated with the American Equity AssetShield Annuity

The earnings crediting formula

The earnings crediting formula is the most important part of this annuity discussion. It is important to know that we don’t simply get the index return credited to our annuity. There are a few rates and caps that the company has in place that affect our earnings. These rates tend to change over time, and the updated rates can always be checked at the company website.

The formula to calculate the earnings credited is:

(Participation Rate % X Index Return) – (Annual Fee* X Crediting Period)
*Annual Fee applicable in case of Performance Rate Rider (PRR). It will be discussed shortly.

Before understanding the earnings crediting strategy, let us look at the two optional riders that American Equity AssetShield annuity offers.

Rate Integrity Rider (RIR)

This rider allows for a waiver of surrender charges upon termination of the annuity contract. During the waiver election period, American Equity will waive surrender charges if we declare a cap or participation rate for any crediting strategy included in the Rate Integrity Rider that is less than or equal to the surrender charge waiver rate. The surrender charge waiver rate for each crediting strategy is determined at the date of purchase.

Performance Rate Rider (PRR)

Performance Rate Rider offers more options for magnified growth potential. exchange for a fee, this rider provides the opportunity to increase the cap, participation rate, or replacement rate on elected index-linked crediting strategies. The rider fee is locked in for the surrender charge schedule and deducted on the last day of each term. Now that we are clear about the two riders it offers, let us quickly go through all the rates and caps that American Equity AssetShield levies. Let’s have a look at the American Equity AssetShield 10 rate sheet (as of 02/18/2021) to understand how the earnings are determined.

The first thing to note is that we have five indexes. Four indexes have 2 strategies each and the S&P 500 index has 4 strategies. All in, it gives us an option to allocate our contract to a total of 12 strategies.

Let’s quickly go through the terminologies described by American Equity:

Participation rate (PR)

Participation rate describes the annuitant’s participation percentage in a return of an index. For example, suppose the participation rate is 60%, and the index returned 10% over the agreed time. In that case, the annuitant will be eligible for only 60% of the return, i.e., 6%.

Cap rates

It means at what rate your interest-earning capacity is capped. For example, if an index returned 12% but the contract’s cap rate is 6%. In this situation, the annuitant will be eligible for an interest credit of 6% only. It doesn’t matter how much the index goes above the cap rate; the maximum interest that can be earned is the cap rate.

Replacement Rate (RR)

Replacement Rate is only applicable for monthly point-to-point strategies. The three highest monthly index changes are replaced with the replacement rate declared at the beginning of each contract year. We can think of it as a partial cap that reduces your capacity to earn high index returns.

Rate Integrity Rider Rate (RIRR)

It is basically the cost of opting for the Rate Integrity Rider (discussed earlier). American Equity doesn’t directly levy a fee for opting for this rider, but the annuitant has to settle with lower participation or cap rate.

Performance Rate Rider Rate (PRR)

As discussed, PRR helps an annuitant to earn magnified returns, but, in return, he has to pay a fixed fee, specified at the beginning of the contract.

Now, that we know all of these terms, it becomes very easy for us to understand the earnings crediting method. The first 9 strategies have a participation rate-based cap; the next 2 strategies have an earnings rate cap in place and the last strategy doesn’t have a participation rate or cap in place, but a replacement rate that limits your maximum earnings potential. You must consult a trusted financial advisor to know what indexes and strategies suit you best.

Surrender Charge

Should your needs change unexpectedly and you need to take an excess withdrawal (a withdrawal that is above the free withdrawal amount available in a given contract year) you may be entitled to access additional monies; although certain charges and penalties may apply. Any amount withdrawn in excess of the remaining free withdrawal amount is subject to a Surrender Charge. Below is the Surrender Charge schedule for American Equity AssetShield 10

In case you need to surrender your policy, your contract value will be calculated assuming a Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate (MGIR) of 1% for the period you held the policy.

Note that this surrender charge schedule is only valid for the American Equity AssetShield 10 product for select states. For complete details about each state, you may visit the product rate card.

The surrender charge schedule is different for the different tenure of annuities. For a quick comparison of surrender charges across different products of American Equity, you may visit their fixed indexed annuities product page.

The surrender charge of the American Equity AssetShield fixed indexed annuity is pretty much in line with all the other annuity issuers.

Contract/Administrative Charge

The American Equity AssetShield levies no annual contract or administrative fees

What makes this product stand out?

This no-fee rider is automatically included for owners under age 75 at issue and includes both a Qualified Nursing Care and Terminal Illness Benefit:

Free Enhanced Benefit Rider

Qualified Nursing Care Benefit

After the first contract year, one additional free withdrawal of up to 100% of the contract value is allowed if the owner is confined in a qualified care facility for a minimum of 90 days. Confinement must begin after the contract issue date and written proof is required from both the qualified care facility and recommending physician.

Terminal Illness Benefit

After the first contract year, one additional free withdrawal of up to 100% of the contract value is allowed if the owner is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Diagnosis must occur after the contract is issued and written proof with supporting documentation is required from a qualified physician.

2. Optional Rider to increase potential returns

The Performance Rate rider helps to Increase cap, participation rate, or replacement rate on available strategies for more accumulation options that can align with a wide variety of goals. But one must keep in mind that it comes with a fixed fee, varied according to the strategy selected.

3. Minimum Guaranteed Income Rate

In case you need to surrender your policy, your contract value will be calculated assuming a Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate (MGIR) of 1% for the period you held the policy. This rate is generally higher than other policies that offer ~0.50-0.75% MGIR.

4. Low minimum purchase amount

The minimum purchase amount for this annuity is low at just $5,000. Many of the popular annuities available in the market require a high minimum purchase amount of anywhere between $10,000 to $25,000. The low minimum purchase requirement enables even small investors to purchase annuity products.

What I don’t like

This product is generally good on all fronts, still, there are some features that I don’t like about this annuity.

Low Participation Rate on the S&P 500 Index

The rate sheet mentions that the participation rate on all the strategies of the S&P 500 Index is very low. Even with the low participation rate, the company still applies a high fee when opted for riders. The S&P 500 is the most popular index in the world, and I believe that the annuitant should be given a decent opportunity to participate in the S&P 500 index.

Above-average optional rider cost

American Equity doesn’t outright charge for the additional riders, but it imposes high participation and cap restrictions in the case if you wish to opt for a rider.

A limited number of riders to choose from

American Equity doesn’t offer any enhanced living or death benefit riders, so, it may not be useful for people who are sure that they will need a guaranteed income stream from this annuity.

No free withdrawal in the first year

You must keep this term in mind while purchasing the American Equity AssetShield annuity.

What’s new in the revamped version of AssetShield annuity?

As said earlier, the AssetShield annuity was revamped in February 2021. The American Equity AssetShield has TWO additional features in the revamped version.

More Index Options

The American Equity AssetShield has two more Indexes to choose from; the Credit Suisse Tech Edge Index, and the SG Global Sentiment Index.

Increase in MGIR

The Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate (MGIR), which is applicable on the policy surrender has increased from 0.50% to 1%, enabling annuitants to earn more return if they surrender their policy.

Company Details

You must always keep in mind that, unlike CDs, annuities are not guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or any other federal insurance agency. An annuity’s “guarantee” is only as strong as the insurance company that issues the annuity, so it is always important to assess the issuing company before buying an annuity.

American Equity

American Equity Investment Life insurance company has been in the business since 1995. It has been a major player in the fixed indexed annuity market for many years and has been regularly been in the top ten Fixed Indexed Annuity Sales.

It is rated as follows by the rating agencies:

American Equity has managed to maintain decent ratings for many years. It is considered to be strong and stable financially. In 2020, the company paid out nearly $1.6 billion in claims. As of year-end 2020, some of the other financial highlights for American Equity include its:

$3.7 billion in total sales / direct written premium
$6.6 billion of a total stockholders’ equity
$69 million in net operating income
$71.4 billion in total assets

Thus, going by the operating history and financial numbers, we can safely gauge that you can trust your savings with American Equity.

Conclusion

With the advancement in healthcare and technology, an average American today is living longer than ever. So, it’s very important to have a stream of income that can grow safely, steadily and have the ability to provide a fixed guaranteed income during the retirement years. This not only helps you to mitigate the risk of outliving your income but also ensures that you continue to live a decent life even in your retirement.

The American Equity is one such annuity that helps you grow your savings with much less risk. Through its Fixed Income Annuity, It offers principal protection, or opportunity to participate risk-free in the market index, or providing a stream of guaranteed income, or even legacy planning. If you are considering buying a Fixed Income Annuity, the American Equity AssetShield is an ideal product to look after.