With the increased focus on integrating environmental, social and governance factors into pension plans, a new approach by BlackRock Inc. could have a significant impact on many Canadian defined contribution pension plans, group registered retirement savings plans and other types of workplace capital accumulation plans. The money manager recently announced it will be adopting an ESG approach […]
While there’s broad interest in environmental, social and governance factors, the majority of U.S. defined contribution pension plan consultants said their plan sponsor clients are looking for further clarity on the Department of Labor’s proposed guidelines before incorporating ESG into their investment options, according to a new survey by the Schaus Group and T. Rowe […]
The Pension Investment Association of Canada is urging the federal government to allow for tax-free mergers of maturing target-date funds. In a letter to the Department of Finance Canada, the PIAC said current tax rules don’t permit tax-free mergers of a target-date fund series into a terminal fund — where a target-date fund provider will […]
As the default funds in defined contribution plans evolve, two experts weigh in on the merits of more customized options. Olivia S. Mitchell, professor and director of the Pension Research Council at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania Although DC plan sponsors are legally responsible for selecting and overseeing the investment options offered […]
Three-quarters (75 per cent) of defined contribution plan sponsors cite reviewing fees as the most important step they took to improve their fiduciary position in 2021, according to a new survey by U.S. investment consulting firm Callan. This was followed by examining the plan’s investment policy statement (63 per cent) and investment structure (61 per cent) […]
More than a third (38 per cent) of U.S. employees increased their 401(k) contributions by an average of three per cent in 2021, according to a new survey by Fidelity Investments Inc. By the end of 2021, 83 per cent of workers with a 401(k) received a contribution from their employer, with the average employer […]
The 2022 Defined Contribution Investment Forum, held virtually on Jan. 21, explored how generational priorities impact investment options and strategies, including the growing importance of environmental, social and governance factors; the introduction of liquid investments and real assets, helping all age groups set the right glide path to retirement; and ensuring communication reaches all plan members. […]
Defined contribution plan sponsors must carefully consider diversification and risk as they evaluate their target-date fund strategy to ensure it’s meeting the needs of members. But while these terms are commonly used in the industry, they can take on different meanings when it comes to target-date funds, said Ruthann Pritchard, institutional portfolio manager of global […]
While target-date funds have traditionally been a one-sized-fits-almost-all solution, innovation to integrate environmental, social and governance-oriented strategies into these funds is coming just as plan members are seeking more sustainable investing options. “The vast majority of Canadians say ESG integration is important in their investing,” said Wylie Tollette, executive vice-president and head of client investment […]
Alternative assets have long been the domain of institutional investors seeking to increase their risk-adjusted returns, but defined contribution plan sponsors now have the opportunity to access these assets in the form of liquid alternatives in their target-date fund offerings. Over the last five years, the expected returns of traditional balanced portfolios in target-date funds […]