It is not possible to invest directly in an index. There is no assurance that investment products based on the index will accurately track index performance or provide positive investment returns. There is no guarantee that any strategies utilizing the Index will be effective or successful. Multi-asset indices and diversification do not promise any level of performance, success, or guarantee against loss of principal. This does not serve as an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any product or security or the use or suitability of the Index. This information should not be relied upon as investment advice, research, or a recommendation by Franklin regarding (i) any products tied to the Index, (ii) the use or suitability of the Index, or (iii) any security in particular.
Any information, statement or opinion set forth herein is general in nature, is not directed to or based on the financial situation or needs of any particular investor, and does not constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice, forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results, or a recommendation with respect to any particular security or investment strategy or type of retirement account. Individuals seeking financial advice regarding the appropriateness of investing in any securities or investment strategies should consult their financial professional.
Index Information
The Franklin US Equity Index (the “Index”), is calculated and maintained by FTSE Russell which aims to reflect the performance of a Franklin Templeton strategy. The Index is licensed for use by Forethought Insurance Company (“Forethought”). Forethought’s annuity products are not in any way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Franklin Templeton, Russell or the London Stock Exchange Group companies (“LSEG”) (together the “Licensor Parties”) and none of the Licensor Parties make any claim, prediction, warranty or representation whatsoever, expressly or impliedly, either as to (i) the results to be obtained from the use of an Index (upon which Forethought’s annuity products are based), (ii) the figure at which an Index is said to stand at any particular time on any particular day or otherwise, or (iii) the suitability of an Index for the purpose to which it is being put in connection with the Forethought annuity product. None of the Licensor Parties have provided or will provide any financial or investment advice or recommendation in relation to an Index to Forethought or to its clients. Each Index is calculated by Russell or its agent. None of the Licensor Parties shall be (a) liable (whether in negligence or otherwise) to any person for any error in an Index or (b) under any obligation to advise any person of any error therein. Franklin Templeton®, Franklin®, Franklin US Equity Index and the corresponding logos are trademarks of Franklin Templeton. Frank Russell Company (“Russell”) is the source and owner of the trademarks, service marks and copyrights related to the Russell Indexes. Russell® is a trademark of Frank Russell Company.
The Franklin US Equity Index is a price return index. A price return index tracks the capital appreciation of the index constituents. Associated cash distributions, such as dividends or interest, are not captured in the index value.
There are risks relating to the Index discussed herein. Please request a copy of the applicable Index rulebook for additional information and disclosure.
Index-linked annuities are insurance contracts issued by an insurance company. Index-linked annuities are not invested in the Index itself, but rather interest is credited based on the performance of the Index and the rules prescribed in the insurer's Index crediting strategy. Index-linked annuities are not issued by Franklin.
Hypothetical and Live Performance
Any data for the period prior to index inception consists of pre-inception data calculated by retroactively applying the Index methodology. Simulated returns and pre-inception data are hypothetical and included for illustrative purposes only. Performance is based on hypothetical returns prior to index inception and actual returns thereafter.
The Index was created on December 16, 2016. Levels for the Index prior to December 16, 2016 represent hypothetical data determined by retroactive application of a back-tested model, itself designed with the benefit of hindsight. Actual performance will vary, perhaps materially, from the performance set forth herein.
The performance of the Index may include certain embedded transaction costs but does not include fees or costs of any financial instrument referencing the Index.
Hypothetical performance results may have other inherent risks. No representation is being made that any account will or is likely to achieve profit or loss. The relevant market and economic conditions that prevailed will not necessarily reoccur. There are numerous other factors related to the markets in general or to the implementation of any specific trading program which cannot be accounted for. All hypothetical results are presented for illustrative purposes only.
Hypothetical and past performance is no guarantee of future performance.
Back-testing and other statistical analysis material that is provided in connection with the Index use simulated analysis and hypothetical circumstances to estimate how it may have performed prior to its actual existence. The results obtained from "back-testing" information should not be considered indicative of the actual results that might be obtained from an investment or participation in a financial instrument or transaction referencing the Index. Neither Franklin nor FTSE Russell provide assurance or guarantee that the products linked to the Index will operate or would have operated in the past in a manner consistent with these materials. The hypothetical historical levels have inherent limitations. Alternative simulations, techniques, modeling or assumptions might produce significantly different results and prove to be more appropriate. Actual results will vary, perhaps materially, from the simulated returns presented in this document.
The hypothetical performance information presented herein does not reflect the results of actual trading and calculation of the Index levels and performance do not reflect the fees and expenses that an investor would pay. These fees and expenses would cause the actual and back-tested performance of the Index to be lower.
Investment Risks
Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, particular industries or sectors, or general market conditions. During times of extreme market volatility, the Index will not be able to eliminate market losses or capture all market gains.
