December 23rd, 2021 Insight on Plan Design & Investment Strategy Every Weekday Editor’s Note NewsDash Special Edition PLANSPONSOR is fortunate to partner with experts who offer insights and education for plan sponsors in our magazine. This edition of NewsDash highlights those columns. Fiduciary Focus Mistakes Happen Common errors that occur and how the EPCRS helps to correct them. Most Read Compliance IRS Reminds Plan Sponsors of Plan Amendment Deadlines Data and Research More DC Plan Sponsors Take Stance on Retirement Income Investing Morningstar to Change Medalist Rating Methodology for Managed Investments Economic Events The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index increased again in December, after an upward revision in November. The Index now stands at 115.8 (1985=100), up from 111.9 (an upward revision) in November. The Present Situation Index—based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions—was relatively flat at 144.1, down from 144.4 last month. The Expectations Index—based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—rose to 96.9 from 90.2. Existing-home sales rose in November, denoting three consecutive months of increases, according to the National Association of Realtors. Three of the four major U.S. regions reported growth in monthly sales, while the fourth region held steady in November. From a year-over-year perspective, only one region experienced a rise in sales as the three others saw home sales decline. Total existing-home sales, completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, grew 1.9% from October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.46 million in November. Sales fell 2.0% from a year ago (6.59 million in November 2020). Market Mirror Market data will resume next week. Fiduciary Forum, A Useful Gauge Benchmarking can help sponsors meet their fiduciary duty to monitor. DOL Investigations What to do if the Department of Labor calls. Inside Angle, ESG for Fiduciaries DOL proposal gives green light to ESG investing. DOL’s Next Moves What’s in store for the rest of the year? Enforced by EBSA A GAO report outlines DOL investigation practices. A DOL Download Cybersecurity guidance for plan sponsors, providers and participants. Missing Participants Do new DOL best practices deliver on plan sponsors’ requests? What to Expect The Department of Labor under a Biden administration. ERISA Examination Record Keeping A document retention policy can guard against future claims. Another Line of Defense When following a prudent process does not defend a claim. Small Talk ON THIS DATE: In 1823, the poem “An Account of a Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement C. Moore was published. In 1913, the Federal Reserve Bill was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson. The act established 12 Federal Reserve Banks. In 1942, Bob Hope agreed to entertain U.S. airmen in Alaska. It was the first of the traditional Christmas shows. In 1972, the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Oakland Raiders, 13-7, on rookie running back Franco Harris’ “Immaculate Reception” touchdown in the waning seconds of a playoff game—one of the greatest plays in NFL history. In 1986, the experimental airplane Voyager, piloted by Dick Rutan and Jeana Yeager, completed the first non-stop, around-the-world flight without refueling as it landed safely at Edwards Air Force Base in California. In 1997, Terry Nichols was convicted by a Denver jury on charges of conspiracy and involuntary manslaughter in the 1995 federal building bombing in Oklahoma City. Happy holidays to everyone! NewsDash will be back in your inbox Monday. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Sign up here to get NEWSDash directly in your mailbox! Unsubscribe | Manage Subscriptions | Contact Us Copyright ©2024 Asset International, Inc. All rights reserved. No reproduction without prior authorization. Modern Slavery Statement 2022 | Do Not Sell My Personal Information | Privacy (including cookies), Social Media & Legal 702 King Farm Boulevard, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20850