September 17, 2012
--- The
annual snapshot of U.S. household finances from Hearts & Wallets reveals a
prolonged negative impact on retirees as a result of low interest rates. ---
“Retirees
are working longer and reducing income drawn from assets because of very low
interest rates resulting from ongoing government policy and uncertain equity
markets,” said Chris Brown, principal at the retirement and savings research
firm. “These factors impact the retirement income market. We’ve revised our
2020 projections downward as a result.”
Hearts
& Wallets projects a retirement income market in 2020 of between 14% and 24%
of all U.S. household investable assets, lower than the 20% to 30% projections
made last year.
“With
interest rates at unprecedented lows and political pressure to keep them low or
lower further, some firms may want to change the definition of the retirement
income market as assets being used to draw 4% or more of income to 3% or more,”
said Laura Varas, Hearts & Wallets partner.
The
projection is based on the behavior of retirees without pensions. In 2012, 45%
of nonpensioner assets are being drawn for income at 4% or more, down from the
50% to 60% rate in 2006 and 2008.
Less
affluent households, which seem to be generating virtually no income or taking
unsustained income, may be more affected. Wealthier households are more
successful at taking moderate income. For households with $100,000 to $250,000,
35% of assets generate virtually nothing, and 20% are withdrawing an
unsustainable 9% or more in income. Only 21% of wealthier households generate
almost no income, and very few take more than 7%.