Sigma Advisers Get New Managed Account Platform
Rebecca Moore
November 20, 2008—Sigma Planning Corporation (SPC) and FundQuest announced the launch of a new managed account platform for Sigma's national network of 500 investment adviser representatives.
Morningstar Enhances Investment Web Site
Rebecca Moore
November 20, 2008—Morningstar has introduced several enhancements to its investment Web site, including expanded benchmarks, customization capabilities, and new data.
CPI Gets 403(b)s into Compliance, PDQ!
Rebecca Moore
November 20, 2008—CPI Common Remitter Services, a division of CPI Qualified Plan Consultants, Inc., released CRS PDQ, a 403(b) common remitter and compliance oversight program.
T. Rowe Unveils Global Equity Offerings
Fred Schneyer
November 20, 2008—T. Rowe Price launched the Global Large-Cap and Global Real Estate strategies with offerings tailored for institutional and retail investors as well as shares available through advisers.
MetLife Expands Workforce Retirement Education Program
Rebecca Moore
November 19, 2008—MetLife announced the national expansion of its retirewise program.
Principal Guide Outlines a Course
Nevin E. Adams
November 18, 2008—As market turbulence takes its toll on everything from 401(k) account balances to pension plan funding, employers are scrambling to assess the full impact on their retirement programs.
Schwab Makes Plan Benchmarking Data Available to TPAs
Rebecca Moore
November 18, 2008—Charles Schwab is now making available industry insights and benchmarking data compiled from retirement plan clients to third-party administrator (TPA) clients.
Morningstar Offers Managed Accounts for Both the Tortoise and the Hare
Fred Schneyer
November 18, 2008—Morningstar Investment Services has introduced three new managed portfolios—the Tortoise, the Hare, and Dividend Stock Baskets.
Putnam Eliminates Six Equity Funds
Fred Schneyer
November 17, 2008—Putnam Investments announced Monday the merge of half a dozen equity funds to remove product redundancies.
Schwab Introduces Institutional Services Business Unit
Rebecca Moore
November 17, 2008—Charles Schwab established a new business unit, Institutional Services, to serve the needs of independent investment advisers, corporate benefit plan sponsors, and third-party retirement plan recordkeepers.
FTSE Adds Nine Environmental Indexes
Fred Schneyer
November 17, 2008—FTSE Group has expanded the FTSE Environmental Opportunities Index Series with the addition of nine new indexes, according to an FTSE news release.
John Hancock Announces New Adviser Business Model
Ellie Behling
November 17, 2008—John Hancock Financial Network (JHFN) is implementing a business model offering financial professionals a choice of three types of affiliation, based on the level of independence and support they want.
Nuveen Introduces Alternative Investments Unit
Rebecca Moore
November 14, 2008—Nuveen Investments announced the creation of Nuveen Alternative Investments, a new unit designed to serve the needs of institutional investors seeking alternative forms of alpha and uncorrelated returns.
MassMutual Adds Adviser-Requested Taft-Hartley Investment Options
Fred Schneyer
November 13, 2008—MassMutual said it added seven investment options to its platform for Taft-Hartley plans.
Securian Offers 401(k) Participants an Annual Checkup
Nevin E. Adams
November 12, 2008—Participants enrolled in Securian Retirement 401(k) plans can track their savings progress on their plan statements.
Van Kampen Unveils Target-Date Offerings, Adviser Program
Fred Schneyer
November 11, 2008—Van Kampen Funds has launched Van Kampen Retirement Strategy Funds, a new series of target-date portfolios.
Mercer Adds Recession Coping Skills to Web Content for Employers
Fred Schneyer
November 11, 2008—Mercer launched a new section of its corporate Web site that provides insights and solutions to the challenges posed by the economic environment.
Mercer to Size Up Carbon Footprints
Nevin E. Adams
November 11, 2008—Mercer said it can now provide clients with a carbon footprint analysis of their portfolios, and compare it to a chosen benchmark, such as the FTSE All-Share, S&P 500, or Russell 1000.
Lincoln’s Director Program Adds QDIA Option
Nevin E. Adams
November 10, 2008—Financial has added 401k Toolbox's Manage It For Me offering as a qualified default investment alternative (QDIA) solution.
Securian Adviser Tool Helps Clients Move Past Debt
Ellie Behling
November 7, 2008—Securian said it now offers advisers tools they can use to help clients face their issues with debt and develop a strategy for setting up a steady stream of income in retirement.
