The question was: Which of the following best depicts what is happening to the popular variable annuity guaranteed benefit riders in 2009?
a) Fees are being lowered to meet cost constraints of customers
b) Many VA companies are expanding the rider benefits
c) Everything is the same as in 2008
d) Fees are being increased
e) Fees are being increased and benefits are being trimmed back
The answer is: e) Fees are being increased and benefits are being trimmed back. That is according to a study conducted this spring by Symetra Life Insurance Company, a unit of Symetra Financial Corp., Bellevue, Wash.
