PORTLAND, Ore.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A new single premium deferred index annuity with returns based upon the performance of the J.P. Morgan U.S. Sector Rotator 5 Index (Annuity Series) is now available from Standard Insurance Company (The Standard). Strategic Choice Annuity 7 combines the strength of an annuity contract with the ability to receive interest based on increases in an index with dynamically adjusting investment allocations.

“Strategic Choice Annuity 7 is an excellent option for clients who are interested in the growth potential of the J.P. Morgan U.S. Sector Rotator 5 Index, with the assurance of a Guaranteed Minimum Accumulation Benefit,” says Rich Lane, senior director of individual annuity sales and marketing at The Standard. “This innovative product is structured to provide safety for clients who want to grow their assets for their post-retirement years.”

Strategic Choice Annuity 7 uses a point-to-point account with a seven-year index term. Unlike the typical index annuity which credits interest annually but limits those credits by a cap, the Strategic Choice Annuity 7 has no cap and credits interest at the end of seven years. This design allows The Standard to provide greater upside potential for clients. In addition, Strategic Choice Annuity 7 includes a Guaranteed Minimum Accumulation Benefit (GMAB), which guarantees that the annuity value will at least reach the guaranteed value of 107% of the original premium after seven years.

“Many clients today are looking for a tax-deferred annuity that ensures their premium is protected, while still providing attractive interest crediting potential,” says Lane. “The GMAB of the Strategic Choice Annuity 7 provides peace of mind to purchasers that, even in a down market, his or her annuity fund will have earned at least the guaranteed minimum in interest growth.”

In addition, Strategic Choice Annuity 7 offers an innovative way to accumulate growth by leveraging the J.P. Morgan U.S. Sector Rotator 5 Index, which targets investment allocations based on market conditions. Each month, the index adjusts to include U.S. sector funds that have exhibited the strongest performance.

“The Index uses a momentum-based strategy, based on the proposition that assets with recent positive performance are more likely to continue such positive trends in the near future,” says Lane. “This helps manage risk and reduces the potential for large index declines by allocating weights to selected sector funds.”

Numerous liquidity provisions are built into Strategic Choice Annuity 7, including the ability to make withdrawals without a surrender charge after the first year if the owner is diagnosed with a terminal condition or is confined to a nursing home.

This product will be distributed by The Standard, select marketing organizations through independent brokers, financial institutions and broker/dealers. For more information, please contact The Standard at 800-378-4578 or www.standard.com/annuities.

About The Standard

The Standard is a leading provider of financial products and services, including group and individual disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, group dental and vision insurance, absence management services, retirement plans products and services, individual annuities and investment advice. For more information on The Standard, visit www.standard.com.

The Standard is the marketing name for the subsidiaries of StanCorp Financial Group, Inc.: Standard Insurance Company; The Standard Life Insurance Company of New York; Standard Retirement Services, Inc.; StanCorp Equities, Inc.; StanCorp Mortgage Investors, LLC; StanCorp Investment Advisers, Inc.; StanCorp Real Estate, LLC; and Standard Management, Inc.