Products July 18, 2007

New Tool Gives Advisers Direct Link to Plan Participants

Trust Builders, Inc. has launched a new software tool that gives advisers the ability to provide ongoing customized updates to plan participants.
Reported by

With the new TRAK Batch Gap Analysis Illustration tool, advisers are able to show participants the gap in their savings for retirement (if any) and the change in their contributions required to bridge the gap and achieve a financially secure retirement, according to a press release. The adviser can import all participants’ information into the software’s database in one simple batch transaction.

The gap analysis report can be distributed to plan participants via hard copy or e-mail, or the participant can securely access their report on the plan sponsor’s Intranet site.

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Trust Builders pointed out in the press release that the tool can aid advisers in building future individual retirement account rollover business. Third party administrators (TPAs) and investment fiduciaries may also use the TRAK tool.

An example of a Batch Gap Analysis Illustration report for a fictional 401(k) plan participant may be viewed by clicking http://www.retireneeds.com/Reports/BatchGap_Sales_Sales_Sheet.pdf.

The Markets July 18, 2007

Mid-Cap Growth Stocks Outperform in Q2

Mid-cap growth stocks were up 7.23% in the second quarter, making them the star performers among the nine U.S. investment styles listed by Standard&Poor’s.
Reported by

According to a press release, the average mid-cap growth stock, as determined by the S&P MidCap 400 Growth Index, was up 7.23% for the three months ending June 29, 2007.

Large-cap stocks outperformed both mid- and small-cap stocks during the same period, with the S&P 500 posting returns of 6.27% compared to 5.84% for the S&P MidCap 400 and 5.18% for the S&P SmallCap 600.

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The second quarter 2007 returns look far different than they did a year ago, when all three major indices landed in negative territory with the S&P 500 falling 1.44%, the S&P MidCap 400 losing 3.11%, and the S&P SmallCap 600 dropping 4.16%.

Energy (+14.16%) was the best performing sector within the S&P Composite 1500 (an index comprised of the S&P 500, S&P MidCap 400 and S&P SmallCap 600), gaining 14.16% for the quarter.

Information Technology followed, returning 9.92% and Industrials, returned 9.75%. Utilities ranked as the poorest performing sector, retreating by 1.62%.

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