American Equity Investment Life Holding Co., a leading issuer of fixed index annuities based in West Des Moines, on Wednesday reported second-quarter 2016 net income of $14.7 million, or 18 cents per share, compared with net income of $82.8 million, or $1.05 per share, for second quarter 2015. Fixed index annuity sales by broker-dealers and banks for the company’s Eagle Life subsidiary were up modestly, but increased competition in the independent agent channel translated into an 11 percent sequential decrease in sales from that channel at American Equity Life, said John Matovina, president and CEO. The overall decrease in fixed index annuity sales was offset by a 43 percent sequential increase in multiyear rate guaranteed annuity sales in all channels, he said. “While gross sales in the first half of 2016 were on a record pace, we anticipate moderation of sales in the second half of the year,” Matovina said.