Data and Research

The program continues to serve as a lifeline, despite its fiscal challenges. 

Students from the Harris School of Public Policy will offer their best solutions to improve the quality and sustainability of public pensions.

An EBRI study found 39% of health plan participants were unsure whether mental health services were covered in the same way as medical care.

Participants with at least $2,000 in emergency savings contributed more to their 401(k) accounts and took fewer withdrawals than those without, the firm found.

The closure followed the Social Security Administration’s cuts to research funding, announced in February. 

Congress introduced a bill this year to remove early withdrawal penalties for participants in qualified retirement plans that have been affected by fraud.  

Growth has continued on both the asset and account level in 2025.

The analysis urges plan sponsors to incorporate private credit into defined contribution plan investments, particularly target-date funds.

A much-anticipated executive order and industry promotion have led to increased attention on private investments’ inclusion in retirement plans, even though few currently offer them. 

LIMRA finds the IRA growth is driven by investors’ desires for control, consolidation, convenience and lower fees than their DC plans.

The Retiree Health Care Cost Estimate shows health expenses for retirees up 4.5% since 2024, making HSAs more important than ever.

The firm’s annual 401(k) plan participant survey found retirement confidence has stagnated amid inflation concerns.

A Thinking Ahead Institute study found that 60% of global defined contribution organizations consider retirement income a top issue.

The firm reported its service increased participants’ saving rates, especially among those who were not on track for retirement.

The five principles aim to help fiduciaries responsibly utilize alternative investments within a defined contribution framework.

The funding ratio of state and local pension plans is projected to have increased slightly since 2023, despite greater stock market growth.

Researchers found the availability and affordability of long-term services and support pose threats to retirement readiness.

The expenses that 401(k) participants incur have declined considerably since 2000, according to the Investment Company Institute.

Cerulli found that UMA and SMA programs are poised for robust growth, as the industry moves toward personalization and consolidation.

J.P. Morgan released a report predicting the pension risk transfer market will boom—but not without incurring new risks of its own.