Milliman is reporting that multiemployer DB plans have seen a pick-up in their funded status during the first half of 2017, as asset returns have exceeded the annual return on asset (ROA) targets. That is terrific news! However, that is...

Most everyone is aware of the significant seachange occurring within the U.S. retirement industry. We've documented for years the demise of the traditional defined benefit pension and the push by sponsors to use defined contribution plans. This trend has been...

In an industry as exacting as the investment industry where trading is measured in milliseconds, a penny miss in earnings can tank a stock, and where performance results are measured to a minimum of hundredths, it is shocking that we...

For years now, we've been hearing that U.S. interest rates MUST rise due to the aggressively easy monetary policy that will lead to inflation. We'll, glad that we weren't holding our collective breath! The following chart once again highlights how...

Living only on Social Security is a frightening thought, but it is the scary reality for millions of Americans. In fact, nearly 20% of those 65-years-old or older count on their monthly social security check for 100% of their income...

The following information was provided by the Boston College Center For Retirement Research. The brief ’s key findings are: The Federal Reserve’s 2016 Survey of Consumer Finances offers an opportunity to examine households’ holdings in 401(k)s and IRAs. For working...

It has recently been reported that 63% of private industry participants in defined benefit (DB) plans were in plans still open to new employees. Are we supposed to be impressed with that finding? Regrettably, only 18% (according to BLS data)...

On the Foxnews.com website, there is an article by Rachel Greszler, Heritage Foundation, discussing a potential bailout of the UMWA pension plan (coal miners). She laments the potential federal taxpayer bailout of this plan, proclaiming that this could be the...

We are pleased to share with you the latest edition of the KCS Fireside Chat series . We've taken a slightly different approach to this article by covering four topics, instead of one, while keeping the length to the normal...

As reported in the WSJ, "two credit-ratings firms on Tuesday downgraded the city of Hartford further into junk status, citing an increased likelihood of default as early as November. S&P Global Ratings knocked down Hartford’s rating by four notches to...