2007 was an eventful year for equity markets, marked by a drop in the dollar, a significant increase in the price of oil and the real estate lending crisis in the US.
2007 was an eventful year for equity markets, marked by a drop in the dollar, a significant increase in the price of oil and the real estate lending crisis in the US. As a result, 2008 has begun in a context in which prudence is essential, with many investors wondering when will be the best time to invest.
In a climate like this, Aviva reminds investors that it is important to focus on long-term investment and invest progressively to smooth out the jolts inherent in the stock market. The new Aviva Lisséo January 2009 and Aviva Lisséo Premium January 2009 products offer a solution that is particularly adapted to savers wishing to enter equity markets prudently, minimising the impact of a possible short-term downturn.
These products are fully in line with the Good Advice policy implemented throughout the Aviva sales network since 2004. The policy consists of helping all clients find the best asset allocation for their circumstances and ensure that the beneficiary clause - a fundamental element of life insurance - is clearly worded.
Aviva Lisséo January 2009 and Aviva Lisséo Premium January 2009 will be available from 7 January to 28 March 20084.
- With the Aviva Lisséo January 2009 offer1, for which the minimum payment is €12,000, investors' capital goes directly into the guaranteed product of the offer, with an APR of 4.40%2 guaranteed from 7 January 2008 to 6 January 2009.
- Meanwhile, Aviva Lisséo Premium January 20091 offers an APR of 4.80%3, guaranteed from 6 January 2008 to 6 January 2009. The minimum investment threshold is €50,000.
Then, until 6 January 2009, free automatic monthly switching regularly invests clients' savings in unit-linked products, taking advantage of products in the Aviva Gestion d'Actifs UCITS range.
The Aviva Lisséo products are suitable for all investors who, while accepting the degree of risk inherent in equity investment, wish to make scheduled investments in order to smooth out the regular market fluctuations.
With these offers, Aviva Vie remains faithful to its convictions, recommending unit-linked products for life insurance portfolios, accompanied by a strong customer guidance policy.
It is within the framework of this guidance policy that Aviva introduced the "Investor Profile" document on 1 May 2007. This document, which must be completed for every insurance policy taken out, ensures that investors choose the asset allocation best suited to their circumstances.
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1 Offer limited to new payments made between 7 January and 28 March 2008, only for the life insurance policies offering this deal and subject to the specific terms and conditions of this offer.
2 Excluding social security and tax deductions. Rate applicable to the net amounts invested in the product of the "Aviva Lisséo January 2009" offer. The APR of 4.40% is guaranteed from 7 January 2008 to 6 January 2009, pro rata over the period of investment in this product. On 6 January 2009, all remaining savings invested in the guaranteed product following the last scheduled monthly switch will be automatically switched, free of charge, in line with the distribution recorded for the scheduled monthly switch carried out on 6 January 2009.
3 Excluding social security and tax deductions. Rate applicable to the net amounts invested in the product of the "Aviva Lisséo Premium January 2009" offer. The APR of 4.80% is guaranteed from 6 January 2008 to 6 January 2009, pro rata over the period of investment in this product. On 6 January 2009, all remaining savings invested in the guaranteed product following the last scheduled monthly switch will be automatically switched, free of charge, in line with the distribution recorded for the scheduled monthly switch carried out on 6 January 2009.
4 Aviva reserves the right to end the subscription period before 28 March 2008.
Press Contacts:
Aviva Vie
David Chenu
Telephone: +33 (0)1 7662 6792
E-mail: david_chenu@aviva.fr
HDL Communication
Alexandra Rigaud
Telephone: +33 (0)1 5865 2015
E-mail: arigaud@hdlcom.com
Notes to editors
About Aviva
Aviva is Europe's leading provider of life insurance and retirement savings products with strong positions in other markets around the world. Based on gross premiums at 31 December 2006, Aviva was the world's fifth-largest insurance group. Aviva's principal business activities are: life insurance and long-term savings, fund management and general insurance. At 31 December 2006, Aviva had turnover of €61.9 billion and €543 billion of assets under management.
With more than 150 years' experience in France, Aviva is one of the top 10 players in the insurance market. Aviva France operates with a balanced multi-distribution model, which has proved hugely successful: 875 general agents, 1,800 branch staff, 400 life insurance advisers, 1,000+ brokers, and its partners (Union Financière de France and Médéric). Aviva France also has important partnerships with AFER, the largest savings association in France, and the Crédit du Nord Group. Specialising in unit-linked products, Aviva is recognised for the excellent performance of its long-term funds and solid commitment to its customers through its Good Advice approach. Aviva employs more than 3,200 staff. At 31 December 2006, Aviva France recorded consolidated sales of €6.4 billion, a consolidated operating profit of €689 million (based on the embedded value - EEV/IFRS standards) and managed assets worth €72.9 billion.