Long-form

Annuities using Monthly Average vs Point to Point

1:55 · Uploaded 2026-01-27 · 29,225 views (YouTube)

Summary

In this 1:55 Annuities Explained video, Jeffrey Scott McLeod, LUTC, covers “Annuities using Monthly Average vs Point to Point.” Can you make more interest with monthly averaging in a fixed index annuity? Now you apply a a participation rate, a cap, or a spread. And in this example, let's say it's 70% participation rate. You're participating with the insurance company in the rate of increase on that index. On an average, 70% of that would be seven. And one more note, point to point would have paid you zero. That's what I mean by could monthly averaging be a better calculation. Be sure to get the buyer's guide, like Insurance education only—not securities advice.

Key takeaways

  • Can you make more interest with monthly averaging in a fixed index annuity?.
  • you apply a a participation rate, a cap, or a spread.
  • in this example, let's say it's 70% participation rate.
  • Be sure to get the buyer's guide, like.
  • Confirm every feature, rate, and charge in the insurance contract and illustration for your state—not in a video alone.

Chapters

  1. Index annuities explained (0:00)
  2. How the index crediting works (1:12)

From the NAIC Buyer’s Guide

Index interest formulas may use features such as participation rates, cap rates, and spread/margin rates, so credited interest may reflect only part of an index change. If the index goes down over the period, zero interest is added for that feature and annuity value will not go down from that index change as long as you do not withdraw the money.

Fixed indexed annuities are a type of fixed annuity that earn interest based on changes in a market index; the interest rate is guaranteed never to be less than zero, even if the market goes down. When you buy an indexed annuity, you are not investing directly in the market or the index.

Common indexing methods described in NAIC materials include annual reset (ratcheting), high-water mark, and point-to-point. The indexing method is the approach used to measure the amount of change, if any, in the index.

Sources: NAIC Buyer’s Guide for Deferred Annuities (2022); NAIC Buyer’s Guide for Fixed Deferred Annuities — Appendix for Equity-Indexed Annuities (2007 materials). The guides do not endorse any company or policy. State insurance departments: www.naic.org.

Questions about fixed index annuities?

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Insurance-only disclaimer

Jeffrey Scott McLeod, LUTC, is a licensed insurance producer. Content on this page is educational and discusses insurance products only—not securities, brokerage, or investment advisory services. Texas license 901162. Arkansas / National Producer Number 558629. Product availability, rates, and features vary by state and insurer. Read the NAIC Buyer’s Guide and the insurance contract before you buy.

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Jeffrey Scott McLeod, LUTC — Licensed insurance producer. Texas license 901162. Arkansas / National Producer Number 558629. Insurance products only; not securities or investment advisory services.