Fixed indexed annuity sales reached a new high in the first quarter of 2016 at $15 billion, according to Wink’s Sales & Market Report. Fifty-five indexed annuity carriers participated in the survey, which represents nearly all U.S. indexed annuity sales. Total first-quarter sales were down more than 3 percent from the previous quarter and up nearly 33 percent when compared with the same period last year. Sales typically drop significantly from the fourth quarter to the first quarter, but the small drop indicates strong demand for indexed annuities, said Sheryl Moore, president of Moore Market Intelligence of Pleasant Hill, which produces the report.