Top Portfolio Products: Russell, Barclays Introduce New Index Series

Plus, it will partially hedge the stock portfolio by selling near-term index call options. RGHVX is being offered in two share classes, retail and institutional, with expense ratios of 1.50% and 1.25% respectively.

3) Allianz Life Adds Variable Annuity Rider with Increasing Income Payments

Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, and in New York, Allianz Life Insurance Company of New York recently announced the launch of the optional Income Focus rider on Allianz Vision, Allianz Vision New York and Allianz Connections variable annuities. Available in 48 states, the optional rider offers payment percentage increases of 1% every year the contract experiences positive performance, no matter the size of the increase. There is no limit on the number of income increases, up to age 91, whether the contract holder takes income immediately or in the future.

The rider is designed for investors who seek a greater risk/reward tradeoff and provides income that is not driven by how high the contract value grows, but by how many times it grows. Additionally, there are no guaranteed annual increases in accumulation. The rider is powered by the Allianz Managed Volatility Portfolio of investment options. The current annual cost is 1.30% calculated on the purchase payments adjusted for withdrawals (total income value) for both single and joint life payout, and is subject to change on each quarterly anniversary, but will never be less than the minimum charge of 0.50% or exceed the maximum of 2.75% for single or 2.95% for joint.

4) Jackson Launches MarketGuard Stretch for Variable Annuities

Jackson National Life Insurance Company recently launched MarketGuard Stretch, a new option for policyholders of the Perspective family of variable annuities. It is a guaranteed minimum withdrawal benefit that allows beneficiaries the flexibility to spread distribution payments over their lifetime, keeping more money in a tax-deferred account for continued growth potential.

The withdrawal benefit can also help guarantee return of premium on a stretch contract over a number of years, regardless of investment performance. Policyholders can take up to 5.5% of their protected balance each year, or their stretch required minimum distribution, if higher, depending on their age at the time of the first withdrawal.

The options allow for distribution of the original investment amount without risking an excess withdrawal. In some circumstances, remainder beneficiaries may also elect to continue the MarketGuard Stretch benefit, guaranteeing they will receive at least the remaining protected balance back while remaining in a tax-deferred contract.

Read the April 30 Portfolio Products Roundup at AdvisorOne.com