Is it a good idea to put off buying an annuity?

ANNUITIES

Jenna Towler
clock • 3 min read

Annuity rates are still ‘bumping along the bottom', despite successive rises this year. Jenna Towler finds out if delaying that all-important purchase is worth the risk…

Average annuity rates increased by just short of 2.5% in the second quarter of 2013, and rates are up 5.6% since December 2012. So is the tide finally turning for retirees about to make their all-important annuity purchase? Unfortunately, according to providers, it would seem not. External factors are the crucial element when it comes to annuity rates - the biggest of which is the government gilt-buying programme, quantitative easing (QE). Average annuity rates now stand at about 5.3% - but when the first found of QE took place in March 2009 they were just shy of 7%. MGM Advantage ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Income

What next for the income drawdown 'class of 2015'?

What next for the income drawdown 'class of 2015'?

‘Advisers know that retirement planning does not stop at retirement’

Stephen Lowe
clock 28 March 2024 • 5 min read
Retirement income advice: FCA finds 'mixed picture' among case files

Retirement income advice: FCA finds 'mixed picture' among case files

Regulator published outcome of thematic review into retirement income advice

Jenna Brown
clock 20 March 2024 • 5 min read
FCA tells IFAs to review retirement income advice processes

FCA tells IFAs to review retirement income advice processes

Comes after regulator’s thematic review of retirement income advice

Jenna Brown
clock 20 March 2024 • 2 min read