NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG) today announced the launch of the new PIMCO Global Optima Index, developed exclusively by Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (PIMCO) for AIG’s Power Series of Index Annuities. These fixed index annuities are issued by American General Life Insurance Company (AGL) and The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company (VALIC), both member insurance companies of AIG.

The PIMCO Global Optima Index provides the opportunity for more growth potential than indices that focus solely on the U.S. or a single sector. It seeks to outperform by using quantitative rules to adjust its allocations across a diverse range of U.S. equity, international equity and U.S. fixed income markets.

“We are really excited to partner with PIMCO to bring consumers a new index that combines the expertise of a global leader in asset management with the retirement income knowledge and innovativeness of one of the world’s largest insurance organizations,” said Todd Solash, President, Individual Retirement, AIG. “By adding the PIMCO Global Optima Index to our Power Series Index Annuities, individuals can enjoy the same level of principal protection they have today, while potentially benefiting from more growth opportunities.”

To help boost returns, the Index uses an alternative (also known as “smart beta”) approach to equity rebalancing. Equity weightings are rebalanced monthly, using market size or capitalization as a starting point and favoring those sectors that have experienced strong gains (momentum) or appear to be underpriced (value). Allocations between equities and fixed income are then adjusted daily for risk management.

The Index aims for a high equity allocation in up markets and has the ability to allocate up to 100% equities. In down markets, allocations can be quickly shifted to fixed income to help reduce risk. Cash may also be used in times of extreme market volatility.

“We have a history of managing global quantitative strategies and sought to incorporate our investment insights into the construction of this new index,” noted Robert Young, head of PIMCO’s U.S. Financial Institutions Group. “The PIMCO Global Optima Index is one of the first global quantitative indices to incorporate momentum and value signals to be made available in this market. We are happy to partner with AIG to introduce it throughout the U.S.”

The PIMCO Global Optima Index is part of AIG’s Power Series of Index Annuities. While it is not available for direct investment, the Index offers consumers the potential to earn interest based partly on its performance. The Power Series of Index Annuities combine tax deferral, principal protection against down markets, growth potential through a diverse range of index interest accounts, and guaranteed lifetime income options to help clients prepare for retirement. Guarantees are backed by the claim-paying ability of the issuing insurer.

Index annuities are not a direct investment in the stock market. They are long-term insurance products with guarantees backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. They provide the potential for interest to be credited based in part on the performance of the specified index, without the risk of loss of premium due to market downturns or fluctuations. Index annuities may not be suitable or appropriate for all individuals.

Withdrawals may be subject to federal and/or state income taxes. An additional 10% federal tax may apply if clients make withdrawals or surrender their annuity before age 59½. Clients should consult their tax advisor regarding their specific situation.

The PIMCO Global Optima Index™ (the “Index”) is a comprehensive equity and bond index, offering exposure to global equity and U.S. fixed income markets. The Index is a trademark of Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (“PIMCO”) and has been licensed for use for certain purposes by AGL with the Power Series of Index Annuities (the “Product”). The Index is the exclusive property of PIMCO and is made and compiled without regard to the needs, including, but not limited to, the suitability or appropriateness needs, as applicable, of AGL, the Product, or owners of the Product. The Product is not sold, sponsored, endorsed or promoted by PIMCO or any other party involved in, or related to, making or compiling the Index. PIMCO does not provide investment advice to AGL with respect to the Product or to owners of the Product.

Neither PIMCO nor any other party involved in, or related to, making or compiling the Index has any obligation to continue to provide the Index to AGL with respect to the Product. Neither PIMCO nor any other party involved in, or related to, making or compiling the Index makes any representation regarding the Index, Index information, performance, annuities generally or the Product particularly.

PIMCO disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including all warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose or use. PIMCO shall have no responsibility or liability whatsoever with respect to the Product. The Licensed PIMCO Index is comprised of a number of constituents, some of which are owned by entities other than PIMCO. The Licensed PIMCO Indices rely on a variety of publically available data and information and licensable equity and fixed income sub-indices. All disclaimers referenced in the Agreement relative to PIMCO also apply separately to those entities that are owners of the constituents of the Licensed PIMCO Indices. The constituents of the Licensed PIMCO Indices include: MSCI Inc., FTSE International Limited, FTSE TMX Global, Debt Capital Markets, Inc., Frank Russell Company and certain ETFs.

AIG is the marketing name for the worldwide property-casualty, life and retirement, and general insurance operations of American International Group, Inc. For additional information, please visit our website at www.aig.com. All products and services are written or provided by subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc. Products or services may not be available in all countries, and coverage is subject to actual policy language. Non-insurance products and services may be provided by independent third parties. Certain property-casualty coverages may be provided by a surplus lines insurer. Surplus lines insurers do not generally participate in state guaranty funds, and insureds are therefore not protected by such funds.