Variable annuity total sales rose nearly 5% in second quarter 2009 from the first quarter, according to the Insured Retirement Institute, Washington, D.C.
Second quarter sales of $31.8 billion were up nearly 5% from $30.4 billion in first quarter, but still down by nearly 4.5% from fourth quarter 2008, when total sales were $33.3 trillion, reports IRI, formerly known as NAVA.
Net sales in second quarter 2009 were $6.1 billion. That is also up from first quarter when net sales were $5.1 billion, says the association, which obtains its statistics from Morningstar, Inc., Chicago. Second quarter net sales were also up from fourth quarter 2008, when net sales were $4.2 billion.
Net sales, also called net flows, refers to total premium sales minus surrenders, withdrawals, inter-and intra-company exchanges, and benefit payments.