Positioning the ECI Plus FIA

September 3, 2025

Sales Concept: Positioning the ECI Plus FIA as a Compelling Alternative to Fixed Rate Annuities

Unlike traditional fixed rate products, fixed index annuities can provide the opportunity for higher earnings while still protecting principal.1

The Enhanced Choice Index Plus annuity includes the Trigger Rate Plus strategy tied to the S&P 500® Dynamic Intraday TCA Index. This strategy is designed to support retirement savings. 

Trigger Rate Plus Highlights:

  • Always earn something: Clients earn a trigger rate if the index is zero or positive, or a guaranteed earnings rate if the index is negative.
  • Rates guaranteed for five years: Clients can count on steady growth without surprises.
  • No rate banding: Everyone gets the same competitive rates, no matter how much they invest.
     

S&P 500 Dynamic Intraday TCA Index Highlights:

  • Responsive volatility control by rebalancing up to 13 times a day.
  • 15% volatility target allows for higher potential S&P 500® exposure.
  • Historically more stable volatility versus traditional risk control indices.
  • Positive growth since launch on Aug. 15, 2023.2
     

What Could Happen in a 5-Year Scenario?

In a scenario where the index has zero or positive gains in four out of five years, here’s what the credited rates3 might look like:

YearIndex ChangeRates Credited
1+4.25%6.25% guaranteed
2-2.30% 2.00% guaranteed
3+0.75%6.25% guaranteed
4+7.50% 6.25% guaranteed
5+2.25% 6.25% guaranteed

After five years, the annualized ROI is 5.40%. Now, compare that to today’s top five-year fixed rates.

The ECI Plus FIA not only competes with these rates — it also provides protection in down markets with product features designed to protect principal and consistent crediting rates in varying market conditions. As a result, it can be a strong fit for clients seeking both reliable income and the opportunity for growth.

More About Sales Insights & Tools
Offering beneficiary reviews can serve as a conversation starter that helps you deepen client relationships, uncover new needs, and position yourself as a proactive partner in their financial well‑being.
The new Annuity Q&A Playbook is your go‑to tool for FIA questions. This guide helps you have clear, client‑friendly answers that build trust and pave the way to stronger relationships.
Discover how partial index crediting locks in growth and can add valuable benefits for your clients. See an example of how this feature works and the flexibility it offers through life’s changes.
Members of our Annuities team were recently featured in several industry publications, sharing insights on legacy planning, interest rate changes and index product opportunities.
In today’s uncertain market, many clients are looking to protect their savings and grow their funds — ECI Plus delivers both. The innovative Trigger Rate Plus crediting strategy delivers guaranteed earnings no matter what.

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Doing business with The Standard is good for you and your clients. Our annuities offer innovative product design, desirable rates, competitive compensation, high industry ratings and excellent service.