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A perpetuity is a type of annuity that continues forever. Unlike standard annuities, which have a set number of payments, a perpetuity's payments are intended to continue indefinitely. A well-known example is the interest paid on British government bonds called consols.12

An annuity, in general, is a series of fixed payments made at regular intervals. These can be for a specified period (annuities certain) or contingent on certain events, such as the annuitant's lifetime (contingent annuities). Annuities are often used to provide a steady income stream during retirement.13

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