Variable annuity assets in the second quarter were $829 billion, down 8.9% from the previous year's $910 billion, according to a report from the National Association for Variable Annuities. Flow figures present a contradictory picture, as total premium flow figures appear relatively stable, while net flows indicate a continued decline in VA assets.
Total premium flows remained nearly level at $28.8 billion, only 1.8% below last year's flows of $29.3 billion and 10.2% better than the first quarter's $26.2 billion. Net flows, on the other hand, were down a dramatic 18.8% from $8.3 billion in the second quarter of last year to $6.7 billion this year. Furthermore, despite an increase in total premium flows, net flows decreased by 16.3% from $8.1 billion last quarter.
