Investing

Study finds more actively-managed funds have higher performance

22c-2 reverberates with retirement plan advisers

General information about Exchange Traded Funds.

The most alluring feature of ETF-based retirement accounts is their cost advantage. Darwin Abrahamson, CEO of Invest n Retire in Portland, Oregon, and a 401(k) innovator, contends he is able to deliver a plan for a combined cost to participants and sponsors of between 65 and 105 basis points per year, depending on the size of the plan.

Exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, appear to be enjoying a resurgence in popularity among 401(k) providers.

Some equity fund offerings were comparatively hot in August as investors added a net $4.8 billion to US-based stock mutual funds, up from $738 million the month before, according to Investment Company Institute (ICI) data.

Developed world equity markets gained 1.12% in September 2006, while emerging markets rose 0.38%, according to Standard & Poor's World by Numbers report.

The latest Standard & Poor's Indices Versus Active Funds Scorecard (SPIVA) results revealed the S&P 500 outperformed 80.3% of actively managed large-cap funds during the third quarter of 2006.

401kDIRECT Network (401kDIRECT, 401kTechTeam, & Pension Retirement Online) has introduced a "TOTAL Solutions Package" that will be available to qualified plans via the Plan's 401k Professional, whether it is a Broker, RIA, TPA, CPA, Benefit Consultant, etc. The package includes PlanTool's Risk Management System, the Retirement Analyst Participant Advice and Fiduciary Reporting Program, ICC Super Statements, plus ETFs that are sub-advised by portfolio strategist Barclays Global Investors (BGI), State Street Global, and other ETF Managers.

Putnam Small Cap Value Equity Managed Account has been selected by Merrill Lynch's Global Private Client Investment Management & Guidance for inclusion in the financial services firm's separately managed account (SMA) platform called Merrill Lynch Consults. The portfolio team includes portfolio leader James Polk and Edward T. Shadek, who is deputy head of investments for small-cap equities.

Fidelity Investments has expanded its line-up of asset allocation funds available through financial advisors with the launch of Advisor classes of the Fidelity Asset Manager funds.