OMO essential as annuity rates hit 'tipping point'

clock

Annuity rates may have reached a "tipping point" and retirees should begin to consider using the open market option (OMO), Alexander Forbes says.

The financial services provider says level annuity rates are dipping in September – a top level rate from Norwich Union has dropped £110 - suggesting the market may have reached the end of its bull run. It adds pensioner inflation is running at around twice the official rate and argues retirees must begin to think carefully about safeguarding their retirement income, including assessing the benefits of investment-linked products. “With annuity rates slipping and pensioner inflation rising, retirees must make the most of the Open Market Option,” says David Marlow, director at Alexander F...

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

Enhanced annuities: Turning health realities into better retirement outcomes

Enhanced annuities: Turning health realities into better retirement outcomes

'Retirement planning is not about choosing one solution over another but finding the right balance between them'

Mike Batty
clock 20 July 2026 • 3 min read
Robust fact‑finding: Annuities are back but file quality must keep pace

Robust fact‑finding: Annuities are back but file quality must keep pace

'Good quality annuity files tend to have one thing in common: robust fact‑finding'

Shirley Owen
clock 16 July 2026 • 4 min read
Market turbulance, de-risking for retirement and the crucial role of annuities

Market turbulance, de-risking for retirement and the crucial role of annuities

Annuities are now back to pre-2008 credit crunch levels

William Burrows
clock 17 April 2026 • 5 min read