While SEC rules typically seek to provide transparency between financial institutions and investors, a new study suggests that several mutual funds are providing misleading information to investors by exploiting a loophole in the Commission’s mutual fund disclosure rule. Under existing SEC rules,... READ MORE

With the current economic environment exacerbating the financial situation of many workers, a new white paper shares insights on how emergency savings solutions designed for low-to-moderate income (LMI) workers can improve financial security and bolster retirement outcomes.   And plan sponsors and... READ MORE

New research by the Principal Financial Group finds that many workers lack awareness of what’s in their retirement accounts—but at the same time, many don’t feel comfortable making their own investment decisions and are looking for help. According to the research, roughly a third of U.S. workers... READ MORE

Move over Gen X and Baby Boomers, a new report from Cerulli reveals that Millennial wealth is rising faster than that of any other generation over the last five years, providing a key opportunity for advisors.   In the past, Millennials were seen as “too young and not wealthy enough” for full... READ MORE

While many employers made difficult cost-cutting decisions during the pandemic, a new survey finds that most feel responsible for their employees and are addressing their needs through enhanced benefit offerings and business practices.  The report from the Transamerica Institute and its... READ MORE

Preliminary results from a national survey finds that U.S. employers expect health benefit cost per employee to rise next year, but most are not planning to shift costs, which would be welcome news for retirement savings.    According to Mercer’s National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans... READ MORE

Notwithstanding challenging markets and the rising cost of capital, July M&A activity among registered investment advisors and independent broker-dealers continued 2022’s rapid pace.  According to Fidelity Institutional’s latest Wealth Management M&A Transaction Report, July M&A saw 13... READ MORE

If the GOP takes control of Congress, one priority may be fighting the DOL’s efforts to make it easier for plan fiduciaries to consider environmental, social and governance factors when selecting plan investments.  The Maximize Americans’ Retirement Security Act (S. 4613), legislation introduced... READ MORE

Amid the dog days of summer, 401(k) plan investors were light traders in July, according to the Alight 401(k) Index.   In fact, there were no above-normal trading days, as Wall Street posted its best month since November 2020, the firm notes in its July 2022 Observations. In comparison, the month... READ MORE