Income taxes

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2021

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income taxes

Note 18. Income taxes

Our consolidated effective income tax rates were 20.4% for the second quarter and 19.9% for the first six months of 2021 compared to 25.4% for the second quarter and 15.7% for the first six months of 2020. Our effective income tax rate normally reflects recurring benefits from dividends-received deductions applicable to investments in equity securities and production tax credits related to wind-powered electricity generation placed in service in the U.S. Our periodic effective income tax rate will also vary due to the changes in mix of pre-tax earnings, the magnitude of gains or losses with respect to our investments in equity securities, the amount of non-deductible goodwill impairment charges and other expenses and the underlying income tax rates applicable in the various taxing jurisdictions.