PLANADVISERdash – October 27, 2021

Weekday news and analysis for retirement plan advisers

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

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Could This Be a DOL ESG Framework That’s Here to Stay?

In addition to the important practical takeaways of the DOL’s proposed rule on ESG investing and proxy voting, sources say the potential impact and what the department is signaling with the proposal are enormous.

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Morningstar Finds ESG Funds Are More Expensive Than Conventional Funds

In general, fund fees continue to decline, including those of actively managed funds.

Today’s Most Read

1.	Republican Tax Bill Expands 529s and HSAs, Limits Changes to Retirement
2.	Senate Bill Would Expand Retirement Plan Access to Younger Americans
3.	Latest Equity Investment Values Hub International at $29 Billion

Sponsored by Natixis Investment Managers

Sustainable investing. Built for business.

ESG investing is about wisdom and smart choices. And strategies aimed at managing risk, uncovering opportunities, meeting mandates, and reaching financial goals. >Discover how ESG Means Business.

Walgreen Co. Agrees to Settle Suit Challenging Underperforming TDFs

The challenged target-date funds have already been taken out of the plan, and the defendants have agreed to pay $13.75 million into a settlement fund.

Fidelity Program Aims to Facilitate Easier Wealth Transitions

Fewer than four in 10 advisers say they have a successful track record of partnering with their clients’ children or spouses on successful wealth transitions, meaning the stability and longevity of many advisers’ practices may be in question.

Provider Recommendations

Does relying on certain ‘go-to’ providers have implications under ERISA?

Market Mirror

Tuesday, the Dow closed 15.73 points (0.04%) higher at 35,756.88, the Nasdaq was up 9.01 points (0.06%) at 15,235.72, and the S&P 500 inched up 8.31 points (0.18%) to 4,574.79. The Russell 2000 lost 16.56 points (0.72%) to finish at 2,296.08, and the Wilshire 5000 increased 12.52 points (0.03%) to 47,560.57.

The price of the 10-year Treasury note was up 2/32, decreasing its yield to 1.612%. The price of the 30-year Treasury bond increased 31/32, bringing its yield down to 2.040%.

Industry Intel Roundup Featured Webinars

PLANADVISER is pleased to present the next edition of our Industry Intelligence roundup. This week, we are featuring webinars sponsored by or featuring experts in the industry. The content was created to supply actionable insights to retirement plan advisers regarding client service and practice management.

Sponsored by Commonwealth | June 10, 2025

The 4-1-1(k): A SECURE 2.0 Provision’s “Grand” Impact on Emergency and Retirement Savings

How big of a difference can $1K make? For retirement plan engagement, the answer could depend on how well RPAs and recordkeepers understand and communicate the relationship between short-term and long-term savings to plan sponsors and their benefit-eligible employees. Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, employees can withdraw up to $1,000 once a year from their traditional 401(k) retirement accounts for self-identified emergencies, without paying the 10% early withdrawal tax. Research and thought leadership from Commonwealth, BlackRock’s Emergency Savings Initiative, Compass Financial Partners, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company, and Voya Financial sheds light on the wide-ranging needs of employees in a geographically diverse workforce, and how a suite of emergency savings and liquidity options can best serve workers, and where the new provision fits into those options. This webinar will: ● Dive into the impacts of SECURE 2.0’s $1K withdrawal provision on retirement plan engagement ● Share the RPA and recordkeeper's points of view on the implementation and impact of emergency savings benefits ● Provide tangible action steps for attendees to consider adopting a proactive provision promotion approach for their teams All views and opinions expressed by panelists are their own and are not intended to be those of sponsoring or partner organizations.