Glossary

A buffer, in the registered index-linked annuity context, is a contractually defined amount of negative index return that the carrier absorbs before any loss is passed to the contract owner, typically expressed as a percentage of the index decline over a crediting period. Why it matters The buffer is the central structural feature that distinguishes registered index-linked annuities from fixed indexed annuities — fixed indexed annuities have a 0% floor on the credited return for a

A C-share variable annuity is a share class of variable annuity contract that carries no surrender charge schedule — providing the contract owner with full liquidity from contract issue — in exchange for a higher ongoing mortality and expense charge than the surrender-charge-bearing share classes (B-share, L-share, X-share) carry over their surrender periods. Why it matters The C-share structure is the variable annuity share class that resolves the liquidity-versus-cost tradeoff i