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Financial rain could fall in 2026, or the sun could shine.
Mainstream U.S. economists just about always emphasize that investment market performance is almost impossible to predict, but right now, retirement savers seem especially uncertain and especially hungry for products that can do some good in either up or down markets.
Tim Walsh, the chief executive officer of American National, an annuity issuer owned by Brookfield Wealth Solutions, gave that assessment of savers' mood in a recent commentary.
The end of the year is a good time for people to lock in long-term income strategies, and a good time to reassess their long-term goals, Walsh said.
"Annuity sales tend to track market momentum," he added. "Shifts in rates, bouts of volatility, and seasonal factors like year-end planning all influence demand. These patterns aren't just about short-term reactions. It's a clear reflection of how investors recalibrate risk and security as market conditions evolve."
On Dec. 23, the S&P 500 index was up almost 16% since Jan. 1, but the market wobbled plenty along the way.
In addition to helping investors generate retirement income, annuities "provide stability amid an uncertain economic environment," Walsh said.
Today, fixed indexed annuities are "striking the right balance between protection and growth as investors seek security amid ongoing volatility and inflation pressures," Walsh said. "Overall, products that deliver guaranteed income with room for upside — without full market risk — are set to lead the annuity market in 2026."
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