What factor primarily determines payments to an annuitant in a variable annuity?

In a variable annuity, the payments to an annuitant are primarily determined by the market value variations of the securities backing it. This type of annuity allows the policyholder to invest in various investment options, typically mutual funds, which can fluctuate in value based on market conditions. As the value of these underlying investments changes, so do the payments that the annuitant receives.

The potential for growth in payments is tied directly to the performance of these investments, making variable annuities unique compared to fixed annuities, where payments are based on fixed interest rates. Since the value of the investments can increase or decrease, the annuitant's payments can vary over time, reflecting the actual market performance. This characteristic is what distinguishes variable annuities from those with predetermined payout rates or fixed interest rates, where the payments remain constant regardless of market conditions.