Exodus from U.S. equity funds continues in July
Overall flows into long-term mutual funds remained positive in July at $14.4 billion, but this total is noticeably lower than in recent months.
Talk exceeds progress on state-run private retirement plans
Workers without access can open personal IRAs, but backers of state-run plans say people want the convenience of a workplace savings option.
The Bucket
Brief or late-breaking items from Milliman, New York Life, TrimTabs, Alta Trust and ETF Model Solutions.
AllianceBernstein launches fiduciary-minded TDFs
“Our question was, what’s the next stage in the evolution of target date funds? After talking to advisers and plan sponsors, we decided that ‘2.0’ in TDFs will be...
Fidelity settles suit for $12 million, revises its own 401(k) plan
“Fidelity’s settlement of this case is somewhat surprising as typically vigorously defended itself in other excessive fee litigation," wrote ERISA blogger Thomas E. Clark.
Denmark’s ATP pension switches to 15-year guarantee
While current guarantees set a return for as long as 80 years, under the new system, each year’s contribution will be guaranteed a certain return for 15 years, based...
Many participants would prefer bigger match, lower pay
Only 13% of those surveyed by Fidelity said they would take a job with no company match, even if it came with a higher pay level.
The Bucket
Brief or late-breaking items from TIAA-CREF, Prudential, MetLife, Jackson National, and BNY Mellon.
Forethought launches two new FIAs
“With these new offerings, we have combined our experience in the index annuity market with our strong partnerships with broker-dealers and their advisors,” said Paula Nelson, head of Forethought’s...
New report assesses future of ‘liquid alts’
“Alternative assets are expected to grow with robust momentum, and double their share of total mutual fund assets in the next two years,” said Michele Giuditta, associate director at...
Two new annuity contracts from Midland National
Owners of the LiveWell VA can reduce their annual separate account annual expenses to 1.15% from 1.35% if they accept a surrender schedule.
Inequality Reduces GDP: S&P
"At extreme levels, income inequality can harm sustained economic growth over long periods. The U.S. is approaching that threshold," said the Standard & Poor's report.
Flight from DC plans could roil Polish markets
Poland created a national mandatory defined contribution plan in 1999. Now the DC plan is optional, and many of the participants of the twelve DC funds are transferring their...
Social Security: Short by 2.9% of payroll
Raising the payroll tax rate to 15.23% (without alternating the level of income subject to the tax) or reducing benefits by 17.4%, or a combination of the two, would...
IMCA magazine focuses on alts
The current issue of 'Investments and Wealth Monitor' includes eight articles about alternative investments, including such strategies and assets as global infrastructure, master limited partnerships and managed futures, among...
Symetra’s income annuity sales double in 2Q2014
Symetra’s income annuities sales were $89.0 million for the latest quarter, up from $45.5 million in the prior-year quarter, thanks to 'effective selling strategies and a more favorable interest...
With so many tools, why are participants still so worried?
A new report from State Street Global Advisors finds little confidence about retirement among U.S., UK and Irish plan participants.
Retirement Income Journal Takes A Vacation
During August, Retirement Income Journal will be published in abbreviated form. We're allocating much of our time this month to improving the website experience and making new information resources...
Ex-official calls for a ‘universal 401(k)’
As one way to finance the program, Gene B. Sperling suggested reducing the estate tax exclusion for couples to $7 million from $10.7 milllion, a move that he said...
Half of working-age Americans save too little
A household is at risk, according to the CRR, if it’s not on track to reach retirement with enough savings to generate an income (from an inflation-adjusted life annuity)...
