
The Future of the 60/40 Portfolio

Looking for Investment Standouts in the Current Environment
401(k) Investors Traded Exclusively Into Fixed Income in October
It was the first time in the more than 20-year history of the Alight Solutions 401(k) Index that this happened over the course of an entire month.

Can Fixed and Variable Annuities Go Together?
Investing experts say smartly pairing the two types of annuities with other investments in a retirement portfolio can deliver significantly more income compared with a traditional withdrawal strategy.

Interest Rates’ ‘New Normal’
Coronavirus Rocks Long-View Capital Market Assumptions
Comparing asset managers’ five-year capital market assumptions published in late 2019 and early 2020 with the newly updated versions being circulated today is an eye-opening exercise that underscores the staggering economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Market Observers Mixed on Where Stocks Go From Here
While the S&P 500 has recovered all its losses from the first quarter plunge, the comeback hasn’t been equal across all sectors. What comes next is anyone's guess.

FOMC Action Cements New Normal for Rates, Inflation Outlook
The economy is always evolving, says Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and so the nation’s monetary and fiscal strategies for achieving its goals must evolve as well.
401(k) Participants Barely Touched Accounts in July
However, the movement from equities to fixed income continues, according to the Alight Solutions 401(k) Index.

A Bad Time to Stretch for Yield
We were already in a new normal of very low interest rates before the coronavirus pandemic struck. It now seems even less likely that the old rate regime will re-establish itself any time soon.
Should Fixed Income Come First in Glide Path Discussions?
The equity side of the portfolio tends to get a lot of air time, but experts agree that a more balanced approach should increase the likelihood of participants attaining their desired outcomes.

ESG and Fixed Income—a Natural Fit

Make It Last
401(k) Equity Allocations Edged Higher in October
While trading during the month favored fixed-income funds, with the positive stock market movements, average asset allocation in equities increased from 67.1% in September to 67.3% in October.

Is Fixed Income Working?

What Prolonged Low Rates Mean for TDF Investors
401(k) Investors Continue to Flee Equities
The third quarter marked the seventh consecutive quarter that 401(k) participants have moved their money from equities into fixed income, according to Alight.
Investors Favored Fixed Income in the First Quarter
Nearly 90% of the days in the quarter saw net trading activity favor fixed income, according to the Alight Solutions 401(k) Index.
Participants Favored Fixed Income in February
On 89% of the trading days, 401(k) participants moved the majority of their money into fixed income, according to the Alight Solutions 401(k) Index
Teachable Moments from Bill Gross’ Run as the ‘Bond King’
Bill Gross’ reign as the “Bond King” offers a chance to reflect on the benefits and challenges firms face when they have superstar employees.