Newsdash Insight on Plan Design & Investment Strategy from PLANSPONSOR
January 3rd, 2018

2018 PLANADVISER National Conference

Whether you’re looking for fresh perspectives, a new provider partner or even the next adviser teammate, the PLANADVISER National Conference is the place to vault your practice to the next level. As an attendee, you’ll find a networking-friendly environment, inviting you to engage directly with skilled experts and leading advisers to help you differentiate your message, add value for your clients and cultivate sustainable growth in an evolving regulatory environment.  Read more >
SEC Investor and Cyber Initiatives
One of the SEC’s new initiatives is the creation of a cyber-security unit, which is tasked with addressing concerns raised by the increasing use of technology by investors and advisers, as well as the growing risk of market manipulation and other investor harm. The cyber unit will comprise SEC staff with expertise and experience in cyber issues. Read more >
Details from the Retirement Plan Simplification and Enhancement Act
Alongside numerous proposed changes, employees who work for three consecutive years with at least 500 hours of service each year would have to be made eligible to participate in an employer’s plan, but would be excluded from top-heavy and nondiscrimination testing. Read more >
More Small Plans Looking for an Adviser
Advisers should be aware that many small plan sponsors do not think they are large enough to interest an adviser. “We know this is not true,” says David Swallow, senior director of institutional relationships at TIAA. “There are many advisers who specialize in small plans, and they need to help sponsors overcome this misconception.” Read more >
403(b)s Embrace ‘Auto’ Features
Twenty-one percent of 403(b)s now automatically enroll their participants, up from 19% in 2016 and 16.2% in 2014. Among that 21%, 52% pair using auto-enrollment with automatic escalation, up from 43% in 2015. Read more >
MOST READ ARTICLES
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Many Retirees Spending More Than They Expected
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First Deadline Looming for SEC Electronic Disclosure Compliance
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Progressive Plan Design Features Have Moved Down-Market
4
MetLife Pension Calculations Questioned in ERISA Complaint
5
Employee Knowledge Levels Indicate Need for Financial Wellness Education
Competitive Pricing Brings CITs to Center Stage
As the CIT product set expands, it is important for retirement plan fiduciaries to follow the market developments to ensure their participants are presented with cost-efficient and competitive investments. In today’s evolving marketplace, DC plan mandates can be won or lost by the difference of a few basis points. Read more >
Allianz Settles One of the Original ERISA Self-Dealing Lawsuits
The settlement includes $12 million in monetary contributions, along with mandated administrative changes and the appointment of an independent monitor for the investment lineup.  Read more >
AdvisorEngine Acquires CRM Provider Junxure
AdvisorEngine says the move enhances its open-architecture ecosystem and continues the company’s approach of connecting disparate technologies, data and workflows to create a unified user experience.  Read more >
Benefit Limits for Puerto Rico Plans Are Different From U.S. Plans
On December 15, 2017, the Puerto Rico Treasury Department issued Circular Letter of Tax Policy 17-02 formally announcing the key pension limits for 2018, as required by the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code of 2011.  Read more >
Fixed Income Portfolio Outlook for 2018
Year-end analysis shared by Charles Schwab suggests the appointment of Jerome Powell to be the new Federal Reserve leader likely means that interest rates will continue to move up slowly and cautiously. Read more >
Market Mirror
Tuesday, the Dow was up 104.79 points (0.42%) at 24,824.01, the NASDAQ climbed 103.51 points (1.50%) to 7,006.90, and the S&P 500 closed 22.18 points (0.83%) higher at 2,695.79. The Russell 2000 gained 14.50 points (0.94%) to finish at 1,550.01, and the Wilshire 5000 increased 197.01 points (0.71%) to 27,991.18. The price of the 10-year Treasury note decreased 13/32, bringing its yield up to 2.457%. The price of the 30-year Treasury bond fell 1 12/32, increasing its yield to 2.812%.

Editorial: Alison Cooke Mintzer alison.mintzer@strategic-i.com

Advertising: Paul Zampitella paul.zampitella@strategic-i.com

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