FIA Rates Blog

In-depth analysis on Fixed Index Annuity rates, cap rate trends, and carrier updates

Why FIA Cap Rates Hit 12.5% in 2026: The Perfect Storm Explained

FIA cap rates reached 12.5% in early 2026—levels not seen since 2008. We break down the three economic forces driving this historic rate environment: rising bond yields (10-yr at 4.5%), plummeting option costs (down 35% from 2022), and fierce carrier competition (40+ players). Plus: how long will it last?

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Comparing FIA Cap Rates Across 12 Major Carriers: Who's Leading in 2026?

Athene leads at 12.5%, but American Equity and Global Atlantic aren't far behind. We analyze current rates from all major carriers, examine 5-year cap rate histories, and reveal which carriers consistently renew at competitive rates vs. those that bait-and-switch.

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Annual Cap vs. Monthly Averaging: Which FIA Strategy Wins?

Annual point-to-point caps offer 10-12% upside but suffer volatility drag. Monthly averaging caps at 6.5-8.5% but smooths returns. We model 15 different market scenarios from 2010-2025 to show which strategy delivers higher long-term returns.

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