IDS Life
Variable
Annuity
Fund A
Invests in a wide range of growth-oriented securities in pursuit of its goal to
provide long-term capital appreciation for contract owners
1997 SEMIANNUAL REPORT
Managed by IDS Life Insurance Company
IDS Life Variable Annuity Fund A
<PAGE>
Message from the Executive Vice President
(picture of) Pam Moret
Dear Contract Owner:
As you probably know, the past six months was another strong period for the
stock market and, as it turned out, this Fund. While such positive performance
is, of course, quite gratifying, it's important to keep in mind that investment
gains cannot be taken for granted. The upcoming months could bring a very
different result.
Still, there is one solid prediction that we can make based on history.
Financial markets will likely be volatile in the short term. Moreover, because
the Fund emphasizes investments in stocks of rapidly growing companies, it's
somewhat more affected by short-term market volatility.
Such volatility is a fact of life. But history also tells us that, in the long
run, the stock market has been a solid performer. So, we urge contract owners to
continue to take a long-term perspective, which the structure of this Fund
provides for you. To read more about the specific gains in the Fund and
strategies for the future, please see the letter from the Fund's portfolio
manager.
One way to benefit from short-term market fluctuation is by making regular
investments of fixed amounts of money. This systematic approach, called
dollar-cost averaging, smoothes the effect of stock market volatility. If your
contract allows additional payments, you can dollar-cost average. And if your
contract has a fixed account, you can also set up a systematic transfer program
from the fixed account to the variable account in order to dollar-cost average,
subject to certain restrictions.
Here's how dollar-cost averaging works:
o You invest a fixed amount of money at regular time periods.
o Your fixed investment amount buys more accumulation units when stock market
prices are low and buys fewer units when prices are high.
o Over time, if you continue to invest through volatile markets, you obtain
accumulation units at a lower average cost than the general market prices.
Dollar-cost averaging doesn't ensure a
profit or protect against a loss if the market declines at the time you withdraw
funds, but it is an effective way for contract owners to meet long-term goals,
provided they continue investing through changing market conditions.
Your financial advisor can tell you more about systematic investing and how it
can help you meet your financial objectives. He or she also can help keep your
investment strategies in line with your financial objectives. Ask your financial
advisor about the broad range of products and services offered by American
Express Financial Corporation and IDS Life designed to help you meet a variety
of investment and protection needs.
Sincerely,
Pam Moret
<PAGE>
IDS Life Variable Annuity Fund A
(picture of) Mitzi Malevich
From Your Portfolio Manager: A Perspective
A resounding rally by the stock market in May and June helped propel the Fund to
a double-digit gain during the first half of the fiscal year (January through
June 1997).
On June 30, 1997, the accumulation unit value of IDS Life Variable Fund A was
$19.85, compared with $17.04 at the beginning of the year. The increase
represented a gain of 16.49% for the six-month period. (If you purchased
additional accumulation units during the period, your return would have been
affected by the sales and administrative charges, as described in the Fund's
prospectus.)
The period got off to a good start, as reports of low inflation and healthy
corporate profits sent stocks higher during January and February. By March,
though, concerns about potentially higher inflation leading to higher interest
rates began to surface, ultimately sending the market down through mid-April.
But, with the remarkable resilience they've shown in recent years, stocks more
than made up for that downturn with a powerful rally that ran through June.
The Fund's performance roughly tracked that of the broad stock market -- gaining
ground early, slumping in early spring, then rebounding strongly. As has been
the case for some time, the largest area of investment for the Fund was in
technology-related stocks, which comprised about 40% of assets. Although they
experienced a sharp decline during the market's downturn, they enjoyed sharp
gains at other times and overall made the greatest contribution to the Fund's
performance. Consumer-related stocks, including those of health-care providers,
constituted another substantial investment and proved to be relatively
consistent, positive performers. Financial services, although a considerably
smaller area of investment, also provided very good results.
Consistent with my management style, there was modest turnover of holdings
during the six months. Among the stocks I have held for some time, Coca-Cola,
Microsoft, Cisco Systems, Nike and HEALTHSOUTH were among the standout
performers. As usual, I kept only a small amount of cash reserves during the
period, preferring instead to keep the great majority of assets at work in
stocks. While this strategy adds to volatility in the Fund's value, I think it
benefits the Fund's performance in the long run.
I'm pleased to say that the investment environment is little changed from the
start of the year. Inflation remains under control, corporate profits continue
to be encouragingly high and long-term interest rates are still at comfortable
levels. While it would be naive to expect perfectly smooth sailing in the months
ahead, I think the fundamentals continue to work in stocks' favor. I'm currently
sticking with the basic investment mix that has been successful for the Fund in
recent years, and I'll update you on the results six months from now.
Mitzi Malevich
<PAGE>
IDS Life Variable Annuity Fund A
Ten Largest Holdings June 30, 1997
Percent of
Fund's
Common Stocks Value Net Assets
Tellabs $ 16,762,500 4.53%
Oracle 15,112,500 4.09
Cisco Systems 14,767,500 3.99
Medtronic 14,580,000 3.94
Coca-Cola 13,446,000 3.64
Pfizer 13,145,000 3.55
HEALTHSOUTH 12,199,425 3.30
Compaq Computer 9,925,000 2.68
Ericsson (LM) ADR 9,843,750 2.66
Washington Mutual 9,560,000 2.58
Total $129,341,675 34.96%
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IDS Life Variable Annuity Fund A
Statement of assets, liabilities and contract owners' equity June 30, 1997
Assets
<S> <C>
(Unaudited)
Investments in securities, at value (Note 1)
(identified cost, $185,766,707)........................................................ $369,624,976
Cash in bank on demand deposit......................................................... 170,317
Dividends and interest receivable...................................................... 164,137
Receivable from IDS Life Insurance Company
for contract purchase payments......................................................... 49,671
-------
Total assets........................................................................... $370,009,101
============
Liabilities
Payable for contract terminations............................................... ...... $ 36,335
Payable to IDS Life Insurance Company for:
Mortality and expense assurance fee.................................................... 24,180
Investment management fee.............................................................. 18,657
------
Total liabilities...................................................................... 79,172
======
Contract owners' equity
Contracts in accumulation period - 18,341,496 units at $19.85 per unit (Note 5)........ 364,138,076
Contracts in payment period - 11,785 annuity units..................................... 5,791,853
------ ---------
Total contract owners' equity.......................................................... 369,929,929
-----------
Total liabilities and contract owners' equity.......................................... $370,009,101
============
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
Statement of operations Six months ended June 30, 1997
Investment loss -- net
(Unaudited)
Income:
Dividends (net of foreign taxes withheld of $12)..................................... $ 965,294
Interest............................................................................. 515,126
-------
Total income......................................................................... 1,480,420
---------
Expenses:
Mortality and expense assurance fee (Note 2)........................................ 1,674,392
Investment management fee (Note 3).................................................. 669,793
- -------
Total expenses...................................................................... 2,344,185
---------
Investment loss-- net............................................................... (863,765)
========
Realized and unrealized gain on investments -- net
Net realized gain on investments................................................ 9,634,122
Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments............ 44,215,452
----------
Net gain on investments......................................................... 53,849,574
----------
Net increase in contract owners' equity from operations......................... $52,985,809
===========
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
Statement of changes in contract owners' equity
Six months ended Year ended
Operations June 30, 1997 Dec. 31, 1996
(Unaudited)
<S> <C> <C>
Investment loss-- net........................................................... $ (863,765) $ (1,318,813)
Net realized gain on investments................................................ 9,634,122 14,687,216
Net change in unrealized appreciation or depreciation of investments............ 44,215,452 48,566,206
---------- ----------
Net increase in contract owners' equity from operations......................... 52,985,809 61,934,609
========== ==========
Contract transactions
Net contract purchase payments (Note 2)......................................... 1,014,131 2,007,523
Repayment of temporary withdrawals.............................................. 7,657 19,676
Net transfers from (to) fixed annuities......................................... (984,498) 1,191,131
Actuarial adjustment for mortality assurance on
annuities in payment period (Note 2) ........................................... -- 257,601
Contract termination payments and temporary withdrawals......................... (10,507,047) (21,377,456)
Annuity payments................................................................ (364,304) (662,354)
-------- --------
Net decrease from contract transactions......................................... (10,834,061) (18,563,879)
----------- -----------
Net increase in contract owners' equity......................................... 42,151,748 43,370,730
========== ==========
Contract owners' equity at beginning of period.................................. 327,778,181 284,407,451
=========== ===========
Contract owners' equity at end of period........................................ $369,929,929 $327,778,181
============ ============
See accompanying notes to financial statements.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
IDS Life Variable Annuity Fund A
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
1. Organization and summary of significant accounting policies
IDS Life Variable Annuity Fund A (the Fund) is organized as a segregated asset
account of IDS Life Insurance Company (IDS Life) under Minnesota law and is
registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 as a diversified, open-end
management investment company. The Fund's assets are held for the exclusive
benefit of its variable annuity contract owners and are not chargeable with any
liabilities arising from the other business activities of IDS Life. The
significant accounting policies followed by the Fund are summarized as follows:
Investments in securities
Securities traded on national securities exchanges are valued at the last quoted
sales price on the principal exchange on which traded. Securities traded in the
over-the-counter market are valued at the mean of the last quoted bid and asked
price. Short-term securities that mature in 60 days or less are valued at
amortized cost. Those maturing in more than 60 days from the valuation date are
valued at the market price or approximate market value based on current interest
rates. Short-term securities originally purchased with maturities of more than
60 days but which currently mature in 60 days or less are valued on an amortized
cost basis using the market value or approximate market value on the 61st day
before maturity. Bonds and other securities are valued at fair value as
determined by the Board of Managers when market quotations are not readily
available. Determination of fair value involves, among other things, references
to market indexes, matrices and data from independent brokers.
Security transactions are accounted for on the date the securities are purchased
and sold. Dividend income is recorded on the ex-dividend date.
Option contracts
In order to produce incremental earnings, protect gains and facilitate buying
and selling of securities for investment purposes, the Fund may buy and sell put
and call options and write covered call options on portfolio securities. The
risk in writing a call option is that the Fund gives up the opportunity of
profit if the market price of the security increases. The risk in writing a put
option is that the Fund may incur a loss if the market price of the security
decreases and the option is exercised. The risk in buying an option is that the
Fund pays a premium whether or not the option is exercised. The Fund also has
the additional risk of not being able to enter into a closing transaction if a
liquid secondary market does not exist.
Option contracts are valued daily at the closing prices on their primary
exchanges and unrealized appreciation or depreciation is recorded. The Fund will
realize a gain or loss upon expiration or closing of the option transaction.
When an option is exercised, the proceeds on sales for a written call option,
the purchase cost for a written put option or the cost of a security for a
purchased put or call option is adjusted by the amount of premium received or
paid.
During the six months ended June 30, 1997, the Fund did not buy or sell any put
or call options or write any covered call or put options. There were no option
contracts outstanding at June 30, 1997.
Futures contracts
In order to gain exposure to or protect itself from changes in the market, the
Fund may buy and sell stock index futures contracts and related options. Risks
of entering into futures contracts and related options include the possibility
that there may be an illiquid market and that a change in the value of the
contract or option may not correlate with the changes in the value of the
underlying securities.
Upon entering into a futures contract, the Fund is required to deposit either
cash or securities in an amount (initial margin) equal to a certain percentage
of the contract value. Subsequent payments (variation margin) are made or
received by the Fund each day. The variation margin payments are equal to the
daily changes in thecontract value and are recorded as unrealized gains and
losses. The Fund recognizes a realized gain or loss when the contract is closed
or expires.
During the six months ended June 30, 1997, the Fund did not buy or sell stock
index futures contracts and related options. There were no stock index futures
contracts outstanding at June 30, 1997.
Foreign currency translations and
foreign currency contracts
Securities and other assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies
are translated daily into U.S. dollars at the closing rate of exchange. Foreign
currency amounts related to the purchase or sale of securities and income and
expenses are translated at the rate of exchange on the transaction date. It is
not practicable to identify that portion of realized and unrealized gain or loss
arising from changes in the exchange rates from the portion arising from changes
in the market value of investments.
The Fund may also enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts for
operational purposes and to protect against adverse exchange rate fluctation.
The net U.S. dollar value of foreign currency underlying all contractual
commitments held by the Fund and the resulting unrealized appreciation or
depreciation are determined using foreign currency exchange rates from an
independent pricing service. The Fund is subject to the credit risk that the
other party will not complete the obligations of the contract.
There were no forward foreign currency exchange contracts outstanding at June
30, 1997.
Federal income taxes
IDS Life is taxed as a life insurance company. The Fund is treated as part of
IDS Life for federal income tax purposes. Under current federal income tax law,
no taxes are payable with respect to any income of the Fund.
2. Mortality and expense assurance fee and sales charges
IDS Life makes contractual assurances to the Fund that possible future adverse
changes in administrative expenses and mortality experience of the annuitants
and beneficiaries will not affect the Fund. The mortality and expense assurance
fee paid to IDS Life is computed daily and is equal on an annual basis to 1
percent of the average daily net assets of the Fund.
Charges by IDS Life for its sales and administrative services applicable to the
variable annuity contracts amounted to $41,083 for the six months ended June 30,
1997 and $83,478 for the year ended Dec. 31, 1996. Such charges are not an
expense of the Fund. They are deducted from contract purchase payments and are
not included in the net contract purchase payments to the Fund.
3. Investment management agreement
The Fund has an Investment Management Agreement with IDS Life. For its services,
IDS Life is paid a fee based on the aggregate average daily net assets of the
Fund. The investment management fee paid to IDS Life is computed daily and is
equal on an annual basis to 0.4 percent of the average daily net assets of the
Fund.
In addition to paying its own management fee, the Fund also pays all brokerage
commissions and charges in the purchase and sale of assets. Brokerage charges
are paid to IDS Life for reimbursement of charges incurred in the purchase and
sale of foreign securities.
4. Security transactions and basis for determining realized gain and loss
Cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of securities, (other than short-term
obligations) aggregated $63,547,224 and $74,088,768 for the six months ended
June 30, 1997. Net realized gain on investments has been determined on the basis
of identified costs.
Brokerage commissions paid to brokers affiliated with IDS Life were $594 for the
six months ended June 30, 1997.
5. Accumulation units
The changes in number of outstanding units applicable to contracts in the
accumulation period were as follows:
Six months ended Year ended
June 30, 1997 Dec. 31, 1996
Units outstanding at beginning of period.............. 18,939,349 20,131,589
Additions for contract purchase payments and repayments 57,328 132,080
Net transfers from (to) fixed annuities............... (53,705) 71,980
Deductions for contract terminations and withdrawals.. (601,476) (1,396,300)
-------- ----------
Units outstanding at end of period.................... 18,341,496 18,939,349
========== ==========
<PAGE>
6. Financial highlights
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
The table below shows certain important financial information for evaluating the
Fund's results.
Fiscal period ended Dec. 31,
1997(a) 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Accumulation unit value at beginning of period............. $17.04 $13.93 $10.27 $10.70 $ 9.77 $9.13
------ ------ ------ ------ ------- -----
Income from investment operations:
Net investment income (loss)............................... (.04) (.07) (.02) .03 (.02) (.03)
Net gains (losses) on securities, both realized
and unrealized............................................. 2.85 3.18 3.68 (.46) .95 .67
---- ---- ---- ---- --- ---
Total from investment operations........................... 2.81 3.11 3.66 (.43) .93 .64
---- ---- ---- ---- --- ---
Accumulation unit value at end of period................... $19.85 $17.04 $13.93 $10.27 $10.70 $9.77
====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =====
Total return(b)............................................ 16.49% 22.33% 35.64% (4.01)% 9.50% 6.97%
===== ===== ===== ===== ==== ====
Ratios/Supplemental Data
Total contract owner's equity at end of period
(000 omitted)............................................. $369,930 $327,778 $284,407 $223,317 $241,623 $228,366
Ratio of operating expenses to average net assets......... 1.40%c 1.41% 1.40% 1.40% 1.40% 1.40%
Ratio of net investment income (loss) to average
net assets................................................ (.52%)c (.43%) (.19%) .27% (.17%) (.30%)
Portfolio turnover rate................................... 20% 13% 46% 63% 64% 74%
Average brokerage commission rate(d)...................... $ .0515 $ .0550 -- -- -- --
======== ========== ===== ===== ==== ====
</TABLE>
(a) Six months ended June 30, 1997 (Unaudited).
(b) Total return does not reflect payment of a sales charge.
(c) Adjusted to an annual basis.
(d) Effective fiscal year 1996, the Fund is required to disclose an average
brokerage commission rate per share for security trades on which commissions
are charged. The comparability of this information may be affected by the
fact that commission rates per share vary significantly among foreign
countries.
The foregoing table pertains to accumulation units only. There are two kinds of
units. As long as contract holders are paying into the Fund they are called
"accumulation" units. When contract owners begin to receive the annuity, they
change to "annuity" units.
The value of an annuity unit (assuming a 3.5 percent investment rate) was $7.30
as of June 30, 1997, $6.37 as of Dec. 31, 1996, $5.39 as of Dec. 31, 1995, $4.11
as of Dec. 31, 1994, $4.44 as of Dec. 31, 1993 and $4.19 as of Dec. 31, 1992.
The value of an annuity unit (assuming a 5 percent investment rate) was $4.78 as
of June 30, 1997, $4.21 as of Dec. 31, 1996, $3.61 as of Dec. 31, 1995, $2.80 as
of Dec. 31, 1994, $3.06 as of Dec. 31, 1993 and $2.93 as of Dec. 31, 1992.
<PAGE>
IDS Life Variable Annuity Fund A
Investments in securities, June 30, 1997 (Unaudited)
(Percentages represent value of investments compared to total net assets)
Common stocks (94.5%)
Issuer Shares Value(a)
Aerospace & defense (1.7%)
Boeing.......................................... 120,000 $ 6,367,500
Airlines (0.7%)
Northwest Airlines.............................. 75,000(b) 2,728,125
Banks and savings & loans (2.6%)
Washington Mutual............................... 160,000 9,560,000
Beverages & tobacco (3.6%)
Coca-Cola....................................... 199,200 13,446,000
Building materials & construction (1.7%)
Tyco Intl....................................... 90,000 6,260,625
Chemicals (2.1%)
USA Waste Service............................... 200,000(b) 7,725,000
Communications equipment & services (7.2%)
ADC Telecommunications.......................... 160,000(b) 5,340,000
Andrew.......................................... 163,300(b) 4,592,812
Tellabs......................................... 300,000(b) 16,762,500
26,695,312
Computers & office equipment (20.4%)
Cisco Systems................................... 220,000(b) 14,767,500
Compaq Computer................................. 100,000(b) 9,925,000
First Data...................................... 150,456 6,610,661
Hewlett-Packard................................. 100,000 5,600,000
Ikon Office Solutions........................... 120,000 2,992,500
Microsoft....................................... 70,000(b) 8,846,250
Oracle.......................................... 300,000(b) 15,112,500
Parametric Technology........................... 137,600(b) 5,856,600
Solectron....................................... 80,000(b) 5,600,000
75,311,011
Electronics (5.3%)
Applied Materials............................... 97,800(b) 6,925,462
Intel........................................... 60,000 8,508,750
Maxim Intergrated Products...................... 70,000(b) 3,981,250
19,415,462
Energy equipment & services (2.5%)
Schlumberger.................................... 75,000 9,375,000
Financial services (9.5%)
Associates First Capital Cl A................... 100,000 5,550,000
Franklin Resources.............................. 100,000 7,256,250
Green Tree Financial............................ 43,900 1,563,938
Merrill Lynch................................... 160,000 9,540,000
Providian....................................... 51,300 1,648,012
Travelers Group................................. 150,000 9,459,375
35,017,575
Health care (14.1%)
Amgen........................................... 60,000 3,487,500
Boston Scientific............................... 120,000(b) 7,372,500
Guidant......................................... 100,000 8,500,000
Johnson & Johnson............................... 80,000 5,150,000
Medtronic....................................... 180,000 14,580,000
Pfizer.......................................... 110,000 13,145,000
52,235,000
Health care services (6.6%)
HealthCare COMPARE.............................. 150,000(b) 7,856,250
HEALTHSOUTH..................................... 489,200(b) 12,199,425
Service Corp Intl............................... 130,000 4,273,750
24,329,425
Industrial equipment & services (4.9%)
Caterpillar..................................... 80,000 8,590,000
Deere & Co...................................... 171,000 9,383,625
17,973,625
Insurance (0.4%)
Risk Capital Holdings........................... 75,200(b) $ 1,579,200
Leisure time & entertainment (2.0%)
Mattel.......................................... 212,500 7,198,438
Metals (0.5%)
Nucor........................................... 30,000 1,717,500
Textiles & apparel (1.4%)
Nike Cl B....................................... 90,000 5,253,750
Utilities -- electric (1.1%)
CMS Energy...................................... 120,000 4,230,000
Utilities -- telephone (1.8%)
WorldCom........................................ 210,000(b) 6,720,000
Foreign (4.4%)(c)
Danka Business Systems ADR...................... 160,000 6,540,000
Ericsson (LM) ADR............................... 250,000 9,843,750
16,383,750
Total common stocks
(Cost: $165,683,979).................................... $349,522,298
Bond (0.1%)
Issuer Coupon Maturity Principal Value (a)
rate year amount
U.S. government obligation
U.S. Treasury Bond............. 7.25% 2016 $ 250,000 $ 260,742
Total bond
(Cost: $240,792)............................................... $ 260,742
Short-term securities (5.4%)
Annualized
yield on Amount
date of payable at
Issuer purchase maturity Value(a)
U.S. government agency (2.2%)
Federal Natl Mtge Assn Disc Nts
07-14-97................... 5.46% $ 3,200,000 $ 3,193,714
07-24-97................... 5.43 4,800,000 4,783,409
7,977,123
Commercial paper (3.2%)
American General Capital
08-07-97................... 5.58 800,000(d) 795,437
Bell Atlantic
07-11-97................... 5.51 2,200,000 2,196,639
Fleet Funding
07-10-97................... 5.55 2,000,000(d) 1,997,235
Kellogg
07-30-97................... 5.55 1,100,000 1,095,109
Metlife Funding
07-18-97................... 5.53 2,300,000 2,294,015
Paccar Financial
07-28-97................... 5.57 2,300,000 2,290,426
Southwestern Bell Telephone
07-23-97................... 5.54 1,200,000 1,195,952
11,864,813
Total short-term securities
(Cost: $19,841,936)....................................... $ 19,841,936
Total investments in securities
(Cost: $185,766,707)(e)................................... $369,624,976
<PAGE>
(a) Securities are valued by procedures described in Note 1 to the financial
statements.
(b) Non-income producing.
(c) Foreign security values are stated in U.S. dollars.
(d) Commercial paper sold within terms of a private placement memorandum,
exempt from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, and may be sold only to dealers in that program or
otheraccredited investors.This security has been determined to be liquid
under guidelines established by the board.
(e) At June 30, 1997, the cost of securities for federal income tax purposes
was approximately $185,766,000 and the approximate aggregate gross
unrealized appreciation and depreciation based on that cost was:
Unrealized appreciation.................................... $184,713,000
Unrealized depreciation.................................... (854,000)
--------
Net unrealized appreciation................................ $183,859,000
See accompanying notes to investments in securities.
<PAGE>
IDS Life Variable Annuity Fund A
Managers and Officers
Board of Managers
Richard W. Kling
president, IDS Life Insurance Company
Carl N. Platou
president emeritus, Fairview Hospital
and Healthcare Services
Edward Landes
retired, former development consultant
Gordon H. Ritz
president, Con Rad Broadcasting Corp.
Principal Officers
Richard W. Kling
chairman of the board and president
Morris Goodwin, Jr.
vice president and treasurer
Lorraine R. Hart
vice president, investments
Jeffrey S. Horton
vice president and controller
William A. Stoltzmann
general counsel and assistant secretary
Timothy S. Meehan
secretary
Additional Information
The investment objective of IDS Life Variable Annuity Fund A is to invest in
securities that offer opportunities for long-term capital appreciation
consistent with accumulating Fund value and providing annuity payments under
variable annuity contracts issued by IDSLife.
There is a sales and administrative charge to the contract owner included in the
purchase payment.
This report is for the information of contract owners of IDS Life Variable
Annuity Fund A, but it may be used as sales literature when preceded or
accompanied by the current prospectus. For details and other material
information, see the current prospectus.
Issuer and Investment Manager:
IDS Life Insurance Company,
Minneapolis, Minn.
Custodian:
American Express Trust Company
Minneapolis, Minn.
Sub-Custodian:
First Bank National Association
St. Paul, Minn.
IDS Life
Variable
Annuity
Fund A
1997 SEMIANNUAL REPORT
IDS Life Insurance Company
IDS Tower 10
Minneapolis, MN 55440-0010
