TDFs Attract Majority of DC Assets
During the third quarter, Callan DC Index balances improved by more than 4%, mostly because of market appreciation.
The Markets
Lack of Knowledge a Barrier to Using Alts
Nearly three-quarters of advisers use alternatives, but many would still like deeper knowledge about them.
Institutional Investors Rethink Asset Allocation
The continued volatility of global financial markets has identified weaknesses in investment portfolios, causing institutional investors to reconsider asset-allocation strategies.
DC Accounts Recovered from Recession
The 2008 stock market crash wiped out trillions of dollars in defined contribution (DC) retirement accounts.
Transparency of Liabilities a Growing Trend
The trend toward more transparency of plan assets and liabilities seems to be gathering momentum.
Mutual Funds Net $15B of Inflows in October
Stock and bond funds saw more than $1 trillion of capital appreciation in 2012 so far, according to Strategic Insight.
401(k) Participants Less Active in October
Average daily transfer volume among defined contribution (DC) plan participants was very low during October.
European Markets Looking Positive for 2013
The markets are underestimating global growth, according to ING sources.
Investors Seek Higher-Risk Bond Funds
Investors added $27.7 billion to long-term open-end funds during October, according to Morningstar.
Effective Oversight of RFP Groups
Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are more than a calling card—they are an investment manager’s resume.
TDFs Not Well Understood
Only 16% of consumers surveyed by LIMRA said they are familiar with target-date funds (TDFs).
BNY Mellon Master Trusts Show Q3 Muscle
The median return of the BNY Mellon U.S. Master Trust Universe was 4.66% for the third quarter.
Caution Threatens Retirement Savings
Four years after the 2008 global financial crisis, a lack of faith in equity investing appears to be lingering.
Reinvestment Rate Risk Widespread
One of the greatest risks for long-term investors in the current market is reinvestment rate risk.
What the Re-Election Means for Investors
Volatility is likely to continue with current market conditions, but investors should keep a long-term outlook.
ETF Assets Decrease in October
Exchange-traded fund (ETF) assets decreased $11.9 billion, or 0.9%, in October.
Milliman Reports October Drop in Pension Funding
October’s $45 billion funded status decline pushed pension deficit to $498 billion, according to Milliman’s Pension Funding Index.
Fidelity 401(k) Balances Reach Highest Level
New data from Fidelity Investments indicates 401(k) participants are getting the message about saving more and diversifying.
Institutional Plans Show Positive 3Q Returns
Nearly all institutional plans showed positive returns for the third quarter, while 12-month returns hit double digits, Wilshire found.
Pension Funding Falls Back in October
U.S. corporate pension plan funding decreased in October, erasing September gains.