Important Disclosures
Opinions are as of 11/13/2023 and are subject to change.
Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Asset allocation, diversification, and rebalancing do not ensure a profit or protect against loss in declining markets.
This information should not be construed as investment advice and is subject to change. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be either a specific offer by Bank of America, Merrill or any affiliate to sell or provide, or a specific invitation for a consumer to apply for, any particular retail financial product or service that may be available.
The Chief Investment Office (CIO) provides thought leadership on wealth management, investment strategy and global markets; portfolio management solutions; due diligence; and solutions oversight and data analytics. CIO viewpoints are developed for Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., (“Bank of America”) and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S” or “Merrill”), a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”).
Investments have varying degrees of risk. Some of the risks involved with equity securities include the possibility that the value of the stocks may fluctuate in response to events specific to the companies or markets, as well as economic, political or social events in the U.S. or abroad.
Annuities are long-term investments designed to help meet retirement needs. They are a contractual agreement where a client makes payments to an insurance company, which, in turn, agrees to pay out an income stream or a lump sum amount at a later date. There are contract limitations, fees and charges associated with annuities which include, but are not limited to mortality and expense risk charges, sales and surrender charges, administrative fees, charges for any optional benefits, and charges for the underlying investment options in variable annuities. In addition, variable annuity contract values will fluctuate and are subject to market risk including the possible loss of principal. Early withdrawals may be subject to surrender charges, and taxed as ordinary income, and in addition, if taken prior to age 59½ an additional 10% federal tax may apply.
All annuity contract and rider guarantees, including optional benefits and any fixed crediting rates or annuity payout rates, are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. They are not backed by Merrill or its affiliates, nor does Merrill or its affiliates make any representations or guarantees regarding the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.