I would recommend being invested in energy companies as they are the only ones with a sound future. I think peak oil is here Peak oil primer and links | EnergyBulletin.net | Peak Oil News Clearinghouse
Energy stocks did really well and probably are the only safe play in the market year on year. Dont buy them though if you cannot stomach the volatility. Energy trusts and MLPS are great choices too if you want income. Annuities IMO are useless as you have huge inflation risk as well as bankruptcy. AAA ratings dont mean much as you might have recently found out. FITCH rated some pretty junky stiff as AAA. The bond insurers too are in pretty bad shape. Outstanding investments is great newsletter that has done 30% plus yearly and has a pretty good grasp on the peak oil situation. Whether or not you invest in stocks is your choice but I would seriously recommend you stay away from annuities and get a grasp on the peak oil situation before you invest.