January 10th, 2025 Insight on Plan Design & Investment Strategy Every Weekday Compliance American Trust Notifies Participants of Data Breach The recordkeeper reported that participant information was exposed in August 2024 due to suspicious email activity. Benefits Telehealth Relief Extension for HDHPs Expires Congress failed to extend the high-deductible health plan exception for telehealth services as part of the American Relief Act of 2025. Most Read Compliance DOL Makes Improvements to Voluntary Fiduciary Correction Program Compliance IRS Provides Relief for Participants Impacted by California Wildfires Compliance Sentara Healthcare Sued Over ‘Underperforming’ Stable Value Investment Option ECONOMIC EVENTS In the week ending January 4, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 201,000, a decrease of 10,000 from the previous week’s unrevised level of 211,000, the Department of Labor announced. The four-week moving average was 213,000, a decrease of 10,250 from the previous week’s unrevised average of 223,250. Interest on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.93% for the week ending January 9, up from last week when it averaged 6.91%, Freddie Mac reported. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.66%. Interest on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.14%, up from last week when it averaged 6.13%. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.87%. MARKET MIRROR On Thursday, U.S. stock markets were closed in observance of the National Day of Mourning for President Jimmy Carter. The 10-year Treasury note increased 1/32, bringing the yield to 4.688%. The 30-year Treasury bond decreased 5/32, bringing the yield to 4.938%. Opinions Gender-Affirming Benefits: Best Practices for Group Health Plans The outcome of 2024’s U.S. elections could affect health plan issues that include gender-affirming care, and a trio of attorneys from McDermott Will & Emery explain some of the challenges. PRODUCTS Product & Service Launches AllianzIM brings buffer allocation ETFs to market; Ibexis Life & Annuity announces new fixed-index annuity series; Payroll Provider Green Leaf launches cannabis industry 401(k). SMALL TALK ON THIS DATE: In 1776, Thomas Paine published “Common Sense,” a 50-page pamphlet that sold more than 500,000 copies within a few months and called for a war of independence that would become the American Revolution. In 1861, Florida seceded from the Union and in February 1861 joined the Confederacy. In 1920, the League of Nations was established in Geneva. In 1946, radar signals bouncing off the moon were detected for the first time. The same year, the first United Nations General Assembly met in London. In 1949, boxer George Foreman, who became the oldest world heavyweight champion in 1994, was born in Marshall, Texas. In 1971, “Masterpiece Theatre” debuted on PBS; the first series aired was “The First Churchills.” In 1984, the U.S. and the Vatican established diplomatic relations after a 117-year break. In 1999, the first episode of “The Sopranos” aired on HBO, and the dramatic series, which starred James Gandolfini and Edie Falco, was later hailed as a classic. In 2016, British singer, songwriter and actor David Bowie—who transformed himself from a traditional pop crooner into a trendsetting international superstar best known for his metamorphic personae on-and offstage—died in New York City.   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