Investing

Growing at the fastest rate since 2017, the 300 largest funds worldwide now manage a record $27.7 trillion, according to a WTW's Thinking Ahead Institute. 

The $73.6 billion retirement firm is adding wealth services in response to feedback from plan participants.

The manager will take over investment of $70 billion in defined benefit and defined contribution plan investments. 

Despite a strong month for equities, participants reduced equity exposure and redirected allocations into fixed income, according to Alight.

Advisers and providers praised top target-date funds but said personalized investing is on the horizon for defined contribution plans.

Despite geopolitical uncertainty and market volatility, most retirement plan investors took a ‘long-term, buy-and-hold approach’ in April, according to Alight.

While the Department of Labor estimated a $178 billion inflow to target-date funds based on its proposed safe harbor, plan sponsors seem lukewarm so far.

The Department of Labor’s $178 billion-per-year estimate would mean private assets make up nearly 3.7% of target-date funds, the dominant investment in defined contribution plans.

Experts shared mixed forecasts of the speed of adoption of private market assets in defined contribution retirement plans.

The 100 largest public defined benefit plans in the U.S. lost 3.5% on their investments in March, sending funded ratios sharply lower, according to Milliman. 

The new rule outlines fiduciary standards while allowing limited use of private markets in diversified funds.

As the push for alternatives continues, much is left to be worked out, experts say.

Once home to the pioneering Wilshire 5000 stock market gauge, the index provider failed to challenge dominant firms like MSCI and FTSE Russell. 

Industry experts warn pre-retirees need the most assurance.

Despite the global conflict in Iran, the trading tone ‘feels cautious and watchful, not reactive,’ per Alight’s Rob Austin.

From a gated fund to increased redemption requests, experts say the investment class is facing its first major test.

The Hoosier state is the first in the U.S. to require digital assets be an investment option in public defined contribution plans via a brokerage window. 

As regulators prepare guidance, experts say ERISA’s prudence standard remains—but process, documentation and expertise matter more than ever.

The groups aim to advance education, research and policy discussions on the role of alternative investments within defined contribution plans.

Assets in U.S. mutual fund and CIT target-date series grew 21% last year, Sway Research revealed.