MetLife Adds The MetLife Multi-Index Targeted Risk Portfolio To Its Protected Growth Strategies Lineup

MetLife announced that it has added a new portfolio to the MetLife Protected Growth Strategies ^SM lineup available through its variable annuities with the GMIB Max and EDB Max optional benefit riders. The Protected Growth Strategies seek to give consumers more consistent returns over time by responsively managing market risk and identifying opportunities for growth across global asset classes. The MetLife Multi-Index Targeted Risk Portfolio combines a multi-index asset allocation approach with a risk management strategy. Specifically, the portfolio consists of a base portion investing in index portfolios coupled with a volatility overlay that uses an objective, rules-based approach to help manage the portfolio’s volatility. MetLife Investment Management, LLC—a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc.—is responsible for managing the volatility overlay.

In May 2011, MetLife was the first insurer to introduce investment options available with their optional benefit riders that expanded beyond traditional asset allocation to include more asset classes and a stronger focus on risk. The Protected Growth Strategies are tailor-made for today’s markets.

“We introduced the Protected Growth Strategy portfolios to offer consumers a better balance between growth potential and market protection, and, as a result, have received a very positive response from the marketplace,” said Elizabeth Forget, Senior Vice President, MetLife Retail Annuities. “Our customers have found that the Protected Growth Strategies have helped smooth out portfolio volatility while being invested in global markets. The introduction of the MetLife Multi-Index Targeted Risk Portfolio combines the ease of investing in index portfolios with the proven risk management skills of MetLife Investment Management.”

The portfolios’ key characteristics include:

• Risk managed – By monitoring key indicators of market risk and volatility, these portfolios seek to emphasize growth when markets are more stable and protection when markets are more risky.
• Professionally managed – These portfolios offer the expertise of leading firms and access to investing techniques once available primarily to universities, endowments, and other large institutions.
• Responsively managed – By seeking to anticipate risk and responding quickly to changing market conditions, these managers look for opportunities across global asset classes.

The MetLife Multi-Index Targeted Risk Portfolio is now available to new MetLife variable annuity contract holders who elect the MetLife Guaranteed Minimum Income Benefit Max ^SM (GMIB Max IV) or both the GMIB Max IV and the MetLife Enhanced Death Benefit Max ^SM,1 (EDB Max IV) optional riders, each for an additional charge.

The Protected Growth Strategy portfolios lineup for these features now includes:

• AllianceBerstein Global Dynamic Allocation Portfolio
• AQR Global Risk Balanced Portfolio
• BlackRock Global Tactical Strategies Portfolio
• Invesco Balanced-Risk Allocation Portfolio
• JPMorgan Global Active Allocation Portfolio
• MetLife Balanced Plus Portfolio (co-managed with PIMCO)
• MetLife Multi-Index Targeted Risk Portfolio
• Schroders Global Multi-Asset Portfolio

MetLife, Inc. is a leading global provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs, serving 90 million customers. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.

The above descriptions of the Protected Growth Strategies are only brief summaries. Detailed descriptions of the terms of the portfolios appear in the related prospectuses. You should carefully consider whether an investment option meets your investment objectives and risk tolerance. Variable annuities are offered by prospectus only, which is available from a registered representative. A client should carefully consider the product’s features, risks, charges and expenses, and the investment objectives, risks and policies of the underlying portfolios, as well other information about the underlying funding choices.

If you do not elect an optional rider with your variable annuity, there are additional investment options available to you. You may allocate your purchase payments any way you like among the available investment options including the Protected Growth Strategy portfolios with the exception of the MetLife Multi-Index Targeted Risk Portfolio which is only available with the election of the optional GMIB Max IV or optional EDB Max IV in combination with the GMIB Max IV.

Amounts allocated to the variable investment options of an account value are subject to market fluctuations, and when withdrawn or annuitized, may be worth more or less than their original value. The principal value and rate of return in a variable annuity will fluctuate due to market conditions. Therefore, at any point in time, the value of the annuity contract may be worth more or less than the owner’s actual investment in the contract. There is no guarantee that any of the variable options in this product will meet their stated goals or objectives. This and other information is available in the prospectuses, which a client should read carefully before investing. Product availability and features may vary by state. All variable annuity product guarantees, including optional benefits, are based on the claims-paying ability and financial strength of the issuing insurance company.

Pursuant to IRS Circular 230, MetLife is providing you with the following notification: The information in this press release is not intended to (and cannot) be used by anyone to avoid IRS penalties. This press release supports the promotion and marketing of variable annuity products and portfolios. Clients should seek advice based on their particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

MetLife, its agents, and representatives may not give legal or tax advice. Any discussion of taxes herein or related to this document is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be complete or cover every situation. Tax law is subject to interpretation and legislative change. Tax results and the appropriateness of any product for any specific taxpayer may vary depending on the facts and circumstances. You should consult with and rely on your own independent legal and tax advisors regarding your particular set of facts and circumstances.

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