Data & Research

 Europe, China and the U.S. must overcome hurdles to keep the global economic recovery intact.  

Defined contribution (DC) plans cost more than defined benefit (DB) plans per employee hour worked, but DB plans cost more than DC plans per participant.  

Interest in annuities is growing as consumers demand guaranteed lifetime income in the face of challenging economic conditions, according to a report.

Shifting sales strategies cause asset managers to focus on value-add programs, research found.

Plan sponsors can use behavioral economics to educate employees about saving for retirement.  

An analysis of 401(k) accounts for 2011 shows more balanced investments.

Of concern is whether individuals’ ability to make good financial decisions will deteriorate as they age.

Assets in 529 savings plans were an estimated $163.7 billion as of the third quarter of 2012, according to Financial Research Corporation.

Plan sponsors can avoid paying hidden provider costs by asking detailed questions.

Total U.S. retirement assets reached $19.4 trillion in third-quarter 2012, according to the Investment Company Institute (ICI).  

Supplemental, non-qualified retirement plans are important for executives earning more than $125K annually.

Employers are increasingly using 401(k) plan design strategies to simplify plan participant decision-making around enrollment, contributions and investing, a survey found.

 There is a stark contrast between the 1st Wave Baby Boomers, ages 57 to 66, and the 2nd Wave, ages 48...

A majority (80%) of investors polled say the U.S. government should make it a national priority to encourage Americans to save.

Rollovers into traditional individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are playing an important role as households consolidate retirement assets.

Most Americans are still more likely to consult a personal trainer than financial adviser, Allianz reports.

Adviser adoption levels of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are guideposts to their fund evaluation and selection processes, a survey found.

Sustained low interest rates and market volatility are putting Americans’ retirement security at risk, according to Prudential Financial.

A Vanguard study finds defined benefit (DB) plan sponsors are planning fewer design and investment changes than two years ago.

Plan design coupled with product design can result in better outcomes for retirement plan participants, said Stephen Bozeman, senior product strategist at BlackRock.