Annuities are a popular way to create dependable income in retirement and come with a variety of options to suit different needs. Some, like variable annuities, offer market exposure with a higher risk, while others, like fixed annuities, prioritize safety by protecting against losses.

Registered index linked annuities (RILAs) fall somewhere in between. They combine the potential for market-linked growth with built-in protections that help limit downside risk. For investors, this balance can provide opportunities for higher returns while potentially offering more security than a traditional variable annuity. 

Explore how RILA annuities work, what makes them different, and how to decide whether they’re right for you.

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What is a registered index linked annuity?

A RILA is a type of deferred annuity tied to a market index, such as the S&P 500 or NASDAQ. It’s designed to offer growth potential with downside protection. 

With a RILA, you’re not investing directly in stocks or funds. Instead, the issuing insurance company tracks the performance of the selected index and credits your account based on predefined terms, often through caps, participation rates, or buffers. This means you can benefit when the market performs well, but your losses are limited when markets decline. 

RILAs can also offer tax-deferred growth, allowing your investment to compound until retirement, when you transition into the payout phase. 

How registered index-linked annuities manage risk and return

RILAs balance risk and return by combining three key features. Here’s a breakdown.

Strategy term 

Every RILA contract has a fixed strategy term, commonly one, three, or six years. This is the length of time your money is tied to the chosen market index. At the end of each term, your returns are calculated and credited, and you can decide whether to renew, reallocate funds, or start withdrawals. Shorter terms can provide more flexibility, while longer terms often come with higher caps or participation rates. 

Downside protection

One of the main advantages of a RILA is protection from steep market losses. Depending on your contract, this could be in the form of:

• Buffer: The insurer absorbs a set percentage of losses before your investment is affected. For example, with a 10% buffer, a 15% index decline results in only a 5% loss for you.
• Floor: This is a cap on how much you can lose. If your contract includes a 15% floor and the index drops 25%, your maximum loss is limited to 15%.

Upside caps and participation rates

In exchange for downside protection, RILAs limit your earning potential during periods of growth. This feature comes in two forms: 

• Upside cap: This is the maximum return for the term, regardless of market performance. With a 10% cap, even if the index rises 20%, your return is capped at 10%.
• Participation rate: This is a fixed percentage of index growth. If your contract sets an 80% participation rate and the index climbs 10%, your return is 8%.

What makes RILAs different from other annuities?

Every type of annuity balances growth and protection differently. Understanding how RILAs compare to other options can help you decide if they fit your needs and retirement strategy. Here’s what to know.

RILA vs. variable annuities

RILAs are similar to variable annuities, as they involve some market exposure, but the risk structure differs. Variable annuities let you invest into subaccounts (similar to mutual funds), allowing for full participation in market gains and losses. Your returns can be unlimited, but so can your losses. RILAs, by contrast, use structured limits and protections to provide greater principal security. Some variable annuities may offer option riders that can provide protection as well. 

RILA vs. fixed indexed annuities

The key distinctions between RILAs and fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) also come down to risk exposure and growth potential. FIAs link returns to a market index but guarantee full protection of your principal. The trade-off is typically lower growth potential, since caps and participation rates are typically more restrictive than with RILAs. 

For more conservative investors who value full protection, FIAs may be more appealing. Gainbridge’s OneUp™ annuity guarantees principal protection while still offering index-linked growth, making it a predictable retirement income solution. 

Who should consider a RILA for retirement income?

RILAs aren’t right for everyone, but they can be a strong fit for some investor profiles. Here’s an overview of those who would be ideal for a RILA. It is always important to fully review all available options to you before making a decision. 

Comfortable with modest market exposure

RILAs suit investors who want more upside than fixed products can provide, but don’t want the full risk of variable annuities or the market. If you’re comfortable with limited exposure to the markets, a RILA offers a structured way to pursue growth. 

Want partial protection against downturns

Market volatility can cause stress, particularly when planning for retirement. RILAs use buffers and floors to help reduce losses in down markets, giving investors peace of mind while still allowing for participation in market gains. Similarly, variable annuities with downside protection riders can offer a similar approach. 

Nearing retirement but still growth-oriented

If you’re approaching retirement, you may want to protect your savings without giving up the chance for growth. RILAs can serve as a middle ground, limiting your downside while preserving the potential for higher returns than a fixed product. 

Interested in tax-deferred compounding

Like some other annuities, RILAs can offer tax-deferred growth. This means you typically won’t owe taxes until withdrawals begin, which can allow your account value to compound more efficiently over time. 

Explore your annuity options with Gainbridge

With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which annuity is right for you. Gainbridge’s innovative platform aims to simplify the retirement planning process, offering straightforward terms, customizable protection, and no hidden fees or commissions. 

Explore Gainbridge today to see how an annuity can fit into your retirement strategy. 

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This article is intended for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide, and should not be interpreted as, individualized investment, legal, or tax advice. For advice concerning your own situation please contact the appropriate professional. The GainbridgeⓇ digital platform provides informational and educational resources intended only for self-directed purposes. Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuer. Investing involves risk, including loss of principal and past performance does not guarantee future results. 

Withdrawals of taxable amounts are subject to ordinary income tax and if made before age 59½, may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty. Distributions of taxable amounts from a nonqualified annuity may also be subject to an additional 3.8% federal tax on net investment income.