American Equity to Present at J.P. Morgan SMid Cap Conference

American Equity Investment Life Holding Company (NYSE: AEL), a leading underwriter of index and fixed rate annuities, today announced that Wendy Waugaman, President and Chief Executive Officer, and John Matovina, Chief Financial Officer, will be presenting at the J.P. Morgan SMid Cap Conference in New York, NY on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. EST. Investors may access a webcast of this presentation on American Equity's website at www.american-equity.com.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements made during this presentation may constitute forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties discussed in detail in American Equity's most recent SEC filings.

ABOUT AMERICAN EQUITY

American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, through its wholly-owned operating subsidiaries, is a full service underwriter of a broad line of fixed annuity and life insurance products, with a primary emphasis on the sale of index and fixed rate annuities. American Equity Investment Life Holding Company, a New York Stock Exchange Listed company (NYSE: AEL), is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa. For more information, visit www.american-equity.com.