Fitch Ratings has affirmed the “A-minus” Insurer Financial Strength ratings of Athene Holding Ltd.’s operating companies, including Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Co., Athene Annuity and Life Co. Athene Annuity & Life Assurance Company of New York, and Athene Life Re Ltd. Fitch has also affirmed the Long-Term Issuer Default Rating of Athene Holding Ltd. at “BBB.” The affirmation of Athene’s ratings reflects the company’s continued strong earnings, solid capital position, lack of financial leverage, and market leadership position in the fixed-indexed annuity market. Fitch said. Offsetting these positives are the company’s very rapid acquisition-driven growth, relatively short operating history, narrow business profile, and somewhat aggressive investment portfolio. Athene acquired the West Des Moines-based U.S. operations of Aviva PLC in October 2013, making it one of the top five U.S. issuers of fixed-indexed annuities.