CITs May Be the New Mutual Funds of DC Plans: Have They Earned It?
Low-fee collective investment trusts, already popular among large plan sponsors, may be moving down-market to smaller plans.
The Markets
TDF Asset Growth Off to Good Start in ‘23, Still Below Record ‘21
American Funds and Vanguard captured the most new TDF inflows in the year’s first quarter.
Prime Time for Diversifying with Municipal Bonds, According to Capital Group
Munis provide a good recession buffer in the current market, experts say.
Investment Service & Product Launches
American Century launches actively managed ETF; Nomura starts fund with exposure to private credit; Singapore-based Eastspring launches first CIT for...
TDF Assets Fell 14% in ‘22, but Inflows Stayed Strong
While market depreciation drove TDFs off a record '21, inflows stayed strong, according to Morningstar.
In Face of Volatility, Diversity Rules in Retirement Plan Menus
Experts discuss how to diversify—and remain calm—despite the headlines.
SVB Collapse Likely to Discourage Rate Hikes
PGIM fixed income experts see a 25 basis point hike next week, no others this year as inflation is less...
To Rollover or Not to Rollover? That is the Question for Retirees
A line is being drawn in the retirement industry between those advocating for participants to roll out of plans and...
As US Awaits Biden Veto to Keep ESG Rule, Advisers Shrug
Much ink has been spilled over legislation to overturn a DOL rule that allows ESG investing in retirement plans. Plan...
Fidelity: Gen Z Savers Pour Into IRAs
For all age groups, however, average 401(k) balances were down 23% in 2022 due to declines in both stocks and...
Investment Service and Product Launches
California ABLE program selects Vestwell for disability savings; Embark launches automated investing platform; and more.
60/40 Portfolio Can Be Improved With Creative Use of Alternatives, Experts Say
After stock-and-bond “bloodbath” in 2022, retirement savers may want to rework the old 60/40 return model.
Collective Trusts Expected to Top Mutual Funds as Primary Target-Date Vehicles in 2023
Most target-date providers saw losses in 2022, with gains coming mostly from CIT-based funds.
Putnam Adds Sustainable Retirement TDFs
Putnam brings its first ESG-focused target-date series to defined contribution plans, with plans for further choice, personalization.
529 Flows Dip to $1.5B, But Still Strong Amid Market Volatility
As of the fourth quarter of 2022, the total market for 529 savings plans rose to 16 million accounts with...
Advisers Anticipate Difficult Investment Year in 2023
A recent survey of U.S.-based financial advisers revealed they expect elevated volatility in 2023 and will position their clients more...
Adviser Product Partnerships
FLX picks Broadridge for asset management distribution platform; Hub partners with employee recognition company Blueboard; more than 100 financial firms...
LIMRA: Individual Annuity Sales Shatter Prior Record in 2022
The trade association found retail annuity sales were 17% higher than a prior 2008 record, driven in part by investors...
TDF Mutual Fund Flows Jump 35%, With CITs Stealing Growth
Target-date mutual funds were by far the top investment vehicle for retirement savers last year, but new research shows collective...
Passive Mutual Funds Rising, but Won’t Overtake Actives Due to DC Plan “Stronghold”
Passive mutual funds' popularity is growing among investors, but defined contribution retirement plans will help actively managed funds maintain their...