The document demonstrates the benefits of an indexed annuity product called Index-5 from American Equity over a 12-year period from 1998 to 2010. The Index-5 was able to accumulate value based on the appreciation of the S&P 500 index without losses in down years of the index due to its annual reset design. It provided upside potential while guaranteeing the principal. Indexed annuities offer benefits like minimum guarantees, tax deferral, guaranteed lifetime income and preservation of premium.

1. The REAL BENEFITS of Indexed Annuities with
“ ”
the Annual Reset Design
A history of American
Equity’s Index-5*
(9/30/98 - 9/30/10)
$170,000 $160,747
$160,000 $156,857 Annual Monthly
$156,857 $156,857 Average
$149,160 (Index-5)
$150,000 $145,749
$145,542
$140,930
$140,000 $136,937 $142,576
$134,091 S&P 500®
$130,000 $125,080
$125,155 $127,344
$120,909 $125,080
$120,000 $117,033 Minimum
$115,090 Guaranteed
$108,789 Contract Value
$110,000 $111,033
$106,268
$99,228 *This graph is based on actual
credited rates for the period shown
$100,000 on the Index-5 product which is no
$100,000 $95,952 $100,770
longer available for sale.
$90,000
Past performance is not an
indication of future results. Please
$80,000 $78,869 call your American Equity Agent for
new product information. Check
out product disclosure for specific
$70,000 information.
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
(09/30/98)
Year
8109 10.05.10
“Standard & Poors®”, “S&P®”, “S&P 500®”, “Standard & Poor’s 500”, and “500” are trademarks of the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. and have been licensed for use by
American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company. This product is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Standard & Poor’s, and Standard & Poor’s
makes no representation regarding the advisability of purchasing this product.

2. The REAL BENEFITS of Indexed Annuities with
“ ”
the Annual Reset Design
A history of American Equity’s Index-5* (9/30/98 - 9/30/10)
This history of American Equity’s Index-5 Indexed Annuity demonstrates the powerful benefits of Indexed Annuities
with the annual reset interest crediting design. All of our current products offer annual reset design as well. The
Index-5 did exactly what it was supposed to do... gave the Contract Owner the opportunity to accumulate value based on
the appreciation of the S&P 500® Index, without the risk of loss of Premium in years when the S&P 500® was negative. All of
this supported by a Minimum Guarantee.
This is not an illustration. This is a depiction of an actual policyholder’s INDEX-5 annuity.
These results should not be an indication that Indexed Annuities will outperform the S&P 500®. This simply demonstrates
the effectiveness of Indexed Annuities in years when the S&P 500® was negative.
Don’t forget the basic benefits of Indexed Annuities.
• MINIMUM GUARANTEES
• TAX-DEFERRAL
• GUARANTEED LIFETIME INCOME
• PRESERVATION OF PREMIUM
• POSSIBLE PROBATE AVOIDANCE
Surrender Charges apply to surrenders or withdrawals taken in excess of the free withdrawal provision during the Surrender Charge Period.
Participation Rates apply, may change annually on Contract Anniversary.
Neither American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company nor any of our agents give legal, tax or investment advice. Consult your own personal
advisor regarding these matters. We answer the phones!
Indexed Annuities are products of the insurance industry and are not guaranteed by any bank, or insured by the FDIC.
S&P 500® index does not contain dividends. 888-647 1371 - y
Claims paying ability based on the financial strength of American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company. www.american-equity.com
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AMERICAN EQUITY INVESTMENT West Des Moines, IA 50266
LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
P.O. BOX 71216
DES MOINES, IA 50325
www.american-equity.com
888-647-1371