SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., March 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — For the second consecutive year, Annexus, a leading designer of indexed annuities and indexed universal life insurance, was named Annuity Innovator of the Year by EQDerivatives. Based on multiple criteria including product innovation, performance data, and annual sales, EQDerivatives is honoring Annexus due in large part to the success of the Nationwide New Heights® fixed indexed annuity (FIA) featuring the J.P Morgan Mozaic II℠ Index and NYSE® Zebra Edge® Index. The latter index applies the award-winning research of Roger Ibbotson and his team at Zebra Capital Management.

Designed in collaboration with Nationwide®, New Heights® was one of 2017’s best-selling FIAs, seeing record sales while the broader annuity industry declined. With a variety of industry-leading index options, as well as an innovative optional rider providing guaranteed retirement income, it has become a primary choice for many risk-averse clients seeking more accumulation potential in today’s low interest rate environment.

New Heights is also the only FIA to feature both the J.P. Morgan Mozaic II℠ Index and the NYSE® Zebra Edge® Index. The NYSE® Zebra Edge® Index is the first index based upon renowned economist Roger Ibbotson’s behavioral finance research, which demonstrates that less popular stocks have historically provided higher returns with less risk. Ibbotson’s latest research presents in simulation that uncapped FIAs help control equity market risk, mitigate longevity risk and have the potential to outperform bonds in the near future.

“Recent scientific research by Professor Roger Ibbotson and his team at Zebra Capital suggests that an uncapped fixed indexed annuity like New Heights may offer greater growth potential – with better downside protection – over the long term than bonds,” said Annexus Co-Founder and lead product designer Don Dady. “As FIAs continue to build momentum and assume an increasingly critical role in portfolio construction, we’re excited to be on the cutting edge of FIA design and honored to be recognized for the second time as Annuity Innovator of the Year.”

“Annexus is built around a core business philosophy of leveraging partnerships with industry thought leaders such as Professor Roger Ibbotson and some of the largest investment banks like J.P. Morgan to drive product innovation and performance,” said Annexus Co-Founder Ron Shurts. “This award reinforces our position as a leader in independent annuity and insurance product design. It also underscores our commitment to advisors and clients who rely on Annexus-powered solutions to protect assets, generate greater growth opportunities and provide better outcomes in today’s shifting retirement landscape.”

Annexus was officially recognized during an awards ceremony on March 12 in New York City. For more information on Annexus products, please visit www.annexus.com.

Nationwide New Heights fixed indexed annuities are available to financial professionals through the Annexus network of Independent Distribution Companies or your Nationwide Wholesaler.  Clients can visit www.nationwidenewheights.com or ask their advisor for more information.

About Annexus

Annexus designs solutions to help Americans grow and protect retirement savings. For over a decade, Annexus has developed market-leading fixed indexed annuities and indexed universal life insurance products. In close collaboration with design partner Genesis Financial, Annexus has forged partnerships with Nationwide, Athene and Securian, as well as J.P. Morgan, UBS, Zebra Capital Management, Barclays and Merrill Lynch. A handpicked network of financial professionals use Annexus solutions to help clients take control of their retirement. Find out more about Annexus and our products at www.annexus.com.

About Nationwide

Nationwide, a Fortune 100 company based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto, commercial, homeowners, farm and life insurance; public and private sector retirement plans, annuities and mutual funds; banking and mortgages; excess & surplus, specialty and surety; pet, motorcycle and boat insurance. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

This material is not a recommendation to buy, sell, hold, or roll over any asset, adopt a financial strategy or use a particular account type. It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, tax and financial condition or particular needs of any specific person. Clients should work with their financial professional to discuss their specific situation.

Nationwide New Heights fixed indexed annuities are issued by Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio. All guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company.

Nationwide New Heights fixed indexed annuity is issued by Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio. New Heights does not directly participate in the stock market or any index. It is not possible to invest in an index. Withdrawals are subject to income tax, and withdrawals before age 59½ may be subject to a 10% federal tax penalty.

Annuities have limitations. They are long-term vehicles designed for retirement purposes. They are not intended to replace emergency funds, to be used as income for day-to-day expenses or to fund short-term savings goals. Please read the contract for complete details.

Guarantees and protections are subject to the claims-paying ability of Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company.

The NYSE^® Zebra Edge^® Index has been licensed to Nationwide Life and Annuity Insurance Company (“Nationwide”). Neither Nationwide nor the Nationwide New Heights^® Fixed Indexed Annuity (the “Product”) is sponsored, operated, endorsed, recommended, sold or promoted by Zebra, NYSE or UBS and in no event shall Zebra, NYSE or UBS have any liability with respect to the Product or the Index. Zebra, NYSE and UBS make no representations, give no express or implied warranties and have no obligations with regard to the Index, the Product, the client or other third party. The marks NYSE^®, and NYSE Arca^® are registered trademarks of NYSE Group, Inc., Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. or their affiliates.  The marks Zebra^® and Zebra Edge^® are trademarks of Zebra, may not be used without prior authorization from Zebra, and are being utilized by NYSE under license and agreement.

Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, Nationwide is on your side, Nationwide New Heights, and New Heights are service marks of the Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2018 Nationwide

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