Showing entries from 2019.
19
Jun 2019Decumulation Confusion: The Annuity Conundrum
In part-two of our decumulation series, we discuss annuities; the presence and promotion of which as a decumulation solution is perplexing to many retirement plan participants and retirees.
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Jun 2019Chart of the Month: The Yield Curve is Flashing a Warning Signal
Every recession in the last 50 years has been preceded by an inverted yield curve. So, while economic indicators remain strong, the latest inversion of the yield curve may be sending a warning that an economic slowdown could be coming.
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Jun 2019China A-Shares: The Implications for U.S. Investors
Emerging markets have become an important part of retirement portfolios for many U.S. investors. Recently, global index providers such as MSCI and FTSE announced that they will gradually increase the inclusion of stocks from companies incorporated and traded on mainland China in their global and int…
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Jun 2019Fiduciary Breach Lawsuit Issues Explored Topic #1: Active Versus Passive Investments
With more than 100 lawsuits filed against fiduciaries of defined contribution retirement plans, litigation has plagued the retirement plan industry over the past decade. In our Fiduciary Breach Lawsuit Series, we provide an in-depth exploration of each of the claims.
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May 2019A Closer Look: Decumulation Confusion
Just as the accumulation of sufficient assets for retirement is critical to a successful retirement outcome, proper decumulation, or the spending of those assets throughout retirement, is equally important.
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May 2019Case Study: A University’s Holistic Approach to Maximizing Retirement Plan Benefits
Learn how the University of Pittsburgh created a best-in-class retirement plan program as part of a large-scale focus to provide better services, communications, and outcomes to nearly-25,000 retirement plan participants.
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May 2019Chart of the Month: Fixed Income Provides a Buffer Against Equity Market Sell-Offs
Market Observations: While risk assets have done well over the last decade, particularly against fixed income investments in this low interest rate environment, it has been tempting to forget that bonds are a critical component of a diversified portfolio. The sharp equity correction late last yea…
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May 2019Interest Rates: Lower for Longer
Following a seven year period of no interest rate hikes coming out of the 2008 recession, the Fed has been slowly and steadily raising rates since 2015. We explore why interest rates may remain low, or potentially go lower, in the near future.
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Apr 2019Finding the Right Words: Enhancing Retirement Plan Participant Communications
Could the actual words used within your employer communications be hindering participants' understanding? Two recent studies shed some light on what causes participant confusion and the importance of selecting the appropriate terminology for communication pieces.
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Apr 2019Chart of the Month: U.S. Equities Continue to Outpace Foreign Developed Markets
U.S. equities have substantially outpaced foreign developed markets; good news for retirement plan participants, who traditionally have a heavier allocation to U.S. stocks in their portfolio. However, it may be worthwhile for investors to consider increasing their international exposure.
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