Variable annuity products are exponentially more profitable to their issuers than almost any other retail investment, so lots of money (skimmed from investor accounts) is available to help make the sale and shall we say, greasethewheels.
In addition, some are simply withdrawing money from banks altogether, which is perilous for the banks because they rely on deposits to be able to fund loans, credit lines and other financial products that greasethewheels of the economy and enable banks to make money.
The Fed chief expressed empathy with the challenges of cutting government deficits while trying to promote growth, acknowledging the complex challenge facing policymakers, but renewed his push for Congress to pick up the ball and run with it after the Fed has spent three years trying to greasethewheels of recovery.