What are the Three Main Types of Investments?
(And how can they benefit your organization?)
Variable Investments
Variable investments encompass a broad spectrum of financial instruments whose returns are subject to change, influenced by factors like market dynamics, economic conditions, and management decisions. Variable investments include publicly traded assets like stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs, whose values fluctuate based on market conditions. In the private market, variable investments comprise alternative assets such as private equity and venture capital, offering potentially high returns but with greater risk and longer investment horizons.
- Flexibility
- Transparency
- Exposure to Other Asset Classes
Structured Products
Index Life(IUL)Structured products, including Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance policies, are financial instruments designed to provide investors with customized risk-return profiles. IUL policies offer a combination of life insurance coverage and a cash value component linked to the performance of a stock market index, such as the S&P 500. Policyholders can potentially benefit from market gains while being protected from market losses, making IULs attractive for those seeking both insurance protection and investment growth.
- Principal Protection (at Maturity)
- FDIC Insured (up to $250,000)
- Unrealized Gain/(Loss)
- Variety of Index Options
- 0% Floor and capped upside (IUL)
Fixed Investments
Fixed investments refer to financial assets with predetermined, stable returns over a specified period. These investments typically offer a fixed interest rate or dividend payment, providing investors with predictable income streams. Examples of fixed investments include bonds, certificates of deposit (CDs), savings accounts, institutionally priced Corporate Owned Life Insurance (COLI), fixed annuities, and funding agreements. They are often favored by conservative investors seeking steady income and capital preservation, although they may offer lower returns compared to variable investments.
- Death Benefit Liability Projection (Life)
- Contractual Guarantees
- High Credit Quality
- No Duration Risk
- Predictable Returns / Monthly Income
- Book Value Treatment
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