In this issue of GSAM Defined Contribution Viewpoints we discuss rising episodic risks against the backdrop of a moderating market expansion. From a retirement public policy perspective, progress towards retirement reform which previously garnered overwhelming bipartisan support in the House earlier in the year is currently stalled in the Senate, while the regulatory agenda has been active on several fronts. For our DC in Focus topic, we discuss the challenges of participants investing for income in a low-rate environment and opportunities for considering retirement income options in DC plans.
- Market Highlights – Easy Does It: The global expansion continues, but at a moderating pace. We believe markets remain supportive for risk assets despite emergent, late-cycle vulnerabilities. We would emphasize the potential importance of maintaining strategic asset allocation weights, alpha-oriented, bottom-up strategies over pure equity beta, and income-oriented investing and alternatives as a response to moderating returns.
- Heard on the Hill – Retirement Public Policy: While the SECURE Act is currently stalled in the Senate, regulators have been busy. The Department of Labor (DOL) finalized rules on “association” multiple employer plans and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) finalized its Regulation Best Interest for broker-dealers when providing recommendations to retail customers.
- DC in Focus – Investing for Income: More than half of all 401(k) assets are controlled by investors at or near retirement. As plan design trends have moved towards menu simplification, we assess potential income needs relative to typical investment options available in DC plans and implications for income planning in retirement.
