What type of growth do annuities offer while funds remain invested?

Annuities are designed to provide a tax-deferred growth potential while funds are invested. This means that any earnings or interest accrued on the invested principal do not incur taxes until withdrawals are made or the annuity is surrendered. This characteristic allows individuals to maximize their investment returns over time, as the effects of compounding can be more pronounced without the drag of immediate tax liabilities.

While other options may present different forms of growth or investment characteristics, they do not accurately reflect the fundamental feature of tax-deferred growth associated with annuities. For instance, taxable growth would require immediate taxation on earnings, which is not how annuities operate. Guaranteed fixed interest growth might apply to certain specific types of annuities, but it does not encompass the broader characteristic of all annuities that allow for varied investment strategies. Lastly, the notion of no growth during the accumulation phase contradicts the concept of how annuities are structured, as they are intended to grow funds over time before payouts begin.

Thus, understanding that annuities provide tax-deferred growth during the accumulation phase is crucial for evaluating their role in long-term financial planning.