Deferred fixed annuities offer a guaranteed rate of return for a specific number of years. Fixed deferred annuities may be more suitable for conservative investors or for those interested in protecting assets from market volatility. In this way, they’re similar to certificates of deposit (CDs).
However, deferred fixed annuities differ from CDs in that:
- If you make withdrawals before age 59½, you may be subject to a 10% IRS penalty
- Deferred fixed annuities may offer more access to assets than a CD
- Annuity earnings compound on a tax-deferred basis