Common Investment Options
Exchange Traded Funds
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are collections of investments, such as stocks, commodities, or bonds, which are traded on an exchange. An ETF offers a variety of assets within each fund, helping to diversify your portfolio. An investment in Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), structured as a mutual fund or unit investment trust, involves the risk of losing money and should be considered as part of an overall program, not a complete investment program. An investment in ETFs involves additional risks such as not diversified, price volatility, competitive industry pressure, international political and economic developments, possible trading halts, and index tracking errors.
Mutual Funds
Liquidity, diversification, and simplicity are three of the advantages of investing in mutual funds.[1] Investing in mutual funds involves risk, including possible loss of principal.
Stocks and Bonds
Stocks and bonds are the core of securities markets across the world. Stocks can be strong investments to grow portfolios; bonds can be attractive as income-producing investments. Stock investing involves risk including loss of principal. Bonds are subject to market and interest rate risk if sold prior to maturity. Bond values will decline as interest rates rise and bonds are subject to availability and change in price.
Annuities
Annuities provide deferred or immediate regular payments over a set period of time. Annuities are tax deferred and can be fixed, variable, or indexed. Fixed annuities offer a fixed interest rate and set amount for periodic payments. Fixed annuities guarantee the return of the principal investment. Variable annuities allow the investor to choose mutual funds or other investment accounts in which to place payouts.[2] Variable annuities are long term, tax-deferred investment vehicles designed for retirement purposes and contain both an investment and insurance component. They have fees and charges, including mortality and expense risk charges, administrative fees, and contract fees. They are sold only by prospectus. Guarantees are based on the claims paying ability of the issuer. Withdrawals made prior to age 59 ½ are subject to 10% IRS penalty tax and surrender charges may apply. Gains from tax-deferred investments are taxable as ordinary income upon withdrawal. The investment returns and principal value of the available sub-account portfolios will fluctuate so that the value of an investor’s unit, when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original value. Indexed annuities offer payouts based on the stock market performance.
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[1]Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. Every investment has a prospectus that contains important information about the investment. Please read it carefully.
[2]Variable annuities are sold by prospectus, which discusses the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses before investing. Please read the investment prospectus carefully before investing.