Are you seeing increased interest in annuities?

Trump’s recent actions have inadvertently delivered a triple boost to the annuity market.
First, the initial market falls spooked cautious investors, nudging them towards the security of guaranteed income.
Second, the heightened uncertainty drove gilt yields—and by extension, annuity rates—higher, a double win for those considering annuities.
Finally, Trump’s U-turn on tariffs triggered a swift market rebound, giving pension pots a timely lift. For many pensioners, that combination offers the perfect window to secure a strong annuity rate without needing to delay retirement or stay exposed via Drawdown. A true triple boost—however accidental.

Annuities continue to be a consideration in retirement planning discussions, particularly in light of higher gilt yields, which have made annuity rates more attractive for some clients. However, any increased interest is nuanced and very much dependent on individual client circumstances. For clients who value flexibility in retirement, the benefits of locking into an annuity may be outweighed by the limitations on access and adaptability. Since the introduction of pension freedoms in 2015, annuities have generally become less popular, with flexi-access drawdown emerging as the preferred option for many. That said, where the client's attitude to risk is more cautious, and their objectives align with the security of a guaranteed income, annuities may present a compelling solution. Ultimately, while higher gilt yields have made annuities more attractive from a rate perspective, decisions remain client-specific, grounded in risk tolerance and retirement planning priorities.