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Latest research from Money Management magazine shows that the average with profits endowments returns have now outstripped alternative investment options such as the Balanced Managed, UK Equity Tracker and UK All Companies sectors for over a year.

Over a 25 year term, the average endowment returned £42,415, beating its closest rival by 29%, the UK All Companies sector, which returned £32,844.

The with profits payout was £27,415 higher than the total £15,000 premium outlay and produced an annual growth rate of 7.5%.

With profits have also topped returns over 20 years, with the average policy paying out £22,269, 5.8% AGR, easily beating the UK Equity Trackers sector by 19%.

However, the data gleaned from this month's survey suggest that the days of these strong returns may soon be over as the market begins its recovery.

With profits maturity values have slipped again over the past quarter – the average 20 year return is down 4% from three months ago and the average 25 year return has dropped by 5%.

Meanwhile, the average UK Equity Tracker sector 20 year return has increased by 12% since 1 February 2009.

For example, while the average Balanced Managed sector has grown by 8%, reflecting the market rally experienced in the past few months.

Money Management's with profits special, which includes our comprehensive endowments survey and the most up to date with profits bonds results, can be found on page 39 of this month's issue.

gareth.shaw@ft.com