This chapter surveys recent developments within the Canadian “income annuity” marketplace. We start by computing the Money’s Worth Ratio (MWR) using a unique dataset which includes a decade of Canadian annuity payouts. We then move-on to discuss the Guaranteed Lifetime Withdrawal Benefit (GLWB) product which has recently become available in Canada. This important innovation is extremely popular and shares many characteristics with a conventional income annuity. Finally, we conclude with thoughts on the optimal product allocation within the context of the Canadian retirement portfolio
