December 24th, 2024 Insight on Plan Design & Investment Strategy Every Weekday OPINIONS Encouraging Trends in 401(k) Plan Design A review of topics plan sponsors should consider as they review their plans before the 2024 enrollment season. Editor's Note Editor’s Note During the holiday week, please enjoy compilations of our work from throughout the year. Today, a roundup of the 10 most-read PLANSPONSOR Opinion pieces submitted by industry participants in 2024. Find out more about PLANSPONSOR’s 2025 editorial coverage plans on our 2025 Editorial Calendar.  The daily NewsDASH will resume on January 3.  Most Read Compliance American Trust Notifies Participants of Data Breach Compliance American Airlines Failed to Protect Workers’ 401(k)s in ESG Case, Federal Court Finds Compliance Treasury, IRS Issue Proposed Regulations on SECURE 2.0 Provisions MARKET MIRROR Monday, the Dow rose 66.69 points (0.16%) to close at 42,906.95, the Nasdaq rose 192.29 points (0.98%) to close at 19,764.88 and the S&P 500 rose 43.22 points (0.73%) to close at 5,974.07. The Russell 2000 fell 4.93 points (0.22%) to close at 2,237.44, and the FT Wilshire 5000 Index rose 361.04 points (0.61%) to close at 59,855.18. The 10-year Treasury note decreased 6/32, bringing the yield to 4.593%. The 30-year Treasury bond decreased 32/32, bringing the yield to 4.781%. Opinions Securing Retirement: 2025 Trends in DC Retirement Income Solutions The IRIC’s executive director shares expectations for what to expect from defined contribution plans next year. Opinions The Golden Anniversary of ERISA: Celebrating Progress and Charting the Future of Retirement Security As we mark the 50th anniversary of the law, it is an opportune moment to reflect on its profound impact on the American retirement landscape and consider the opportunities ahead. Opinions To Drive Engagement and Improve Retirement Readiness, Plan Sponsors Need to Meet Participants Where They Are Move beyond plan-specific education to respond to what employees really want. Opinions PRT: Myths and Reality Pension risk transfers benefit plan sponsors and plan participants.  Opinions The Life Expectancy of Actuarial Equivalence Lawsuits Despite the volume of cases, no court has yet issued a favorable judgment on the merits for any pension plan participant plaintiff. Opinions The Retirement Income Dilemma Retirement income is top of mind for many these days, but too often, the conversation focuses solely on products, instead of on creating and articulating a retirement income philosophy. Opinions 3 Data-Driven Trends in Retirement Plan Management Plan sponsors are interested in restructuring consultant relationships, expanding investment lineups, and enhancing participant education, writes Morgan Stanley's head of institutional consulting. Opinions The Option of Total Retirement Outsourcing Increasing plan complexity and fiduciary liability continue to steer employers toward this growing trend. Opinions Accumulating Differences: Why Personalization Matters More for Older Investors Research shows how advice and recommendation needs are likely to be increasingly varied among investors as they age.  SMALL TALK ON THIS DATE: In 1814, the U.S. and Great Britain signed the Treaty of Ghent in Belgium, ending the War of 1812, marking a decline of American dependence on Europe, and stimulating a sense of U.S. nationalism. In 1943, General Dwight D. Eisenhower was appointed supreme commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force during World War II. In 1973, writer Stephanie Meyer—author of the Twilight Saga, a series of vampire-themed novels for teenagers—was born. In 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan to aid the Afghan communist government in its conflict with anti-communist Muslim guerrillas during the Afghan War. In 2008, English playwright Harold Pinter, who achieved international renown—and was awarded the 2005 Nobel Prize for Literature—as one of the most complex and challenging post-World War II dramatists, died at age 78. In 2009, Indian cricketer Virat Kohli scored his first century, in a one-day international match against Sri Lanka.  Did someone forward you this newsletter? Sign up here to get NEWSDash directly in your mailbox! Unsubscribe | Manage Subscriptions | Contact Us Copyright ©2025 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