Why can insurance companies offer guarantees in fixed annuities?

Insurance companies can offer guarantees in fixed annuities because they have conservative investment strategies. These strategies typically involve investing in low-risk assets, such as government bonds and high-quality corporate bonds, which provide a stable and predictable return over time.

This conservative approach helps ensure that the insurance company can meet its future payout obligations to annuity holders. By maintaining a well-managed investment portfolio, insurance companies are able to confidently promise fixed returns to their annuity investors, thus providing the security and assurance that many individuals seek when planning for retirement or long-term financial goals.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately explain the source of guarantees provided by fixed annuities. For instance, while federal government backing might help certain financial products, it is not the primary factor for fixed annuities. Additionally, the idea that investors support the company's risk or that they rely on high-interest loans does not align with the principles underlying fixed annuities, as these products are designed to minimize risk rather than engage in speculative or high-risk investments.