 If he knew the elevator was going to start on its way back up, wouldn't he have known when it was going to head for the basement? I'll tell you why you're receiving all this double talk. Brokers that sell risk money, or what they call the industry variable accounts, make their money even when your elevator car is in a free fall. The fees they charge reduce your account whether it's going up or down. This money is made every single year in your account no matter what.