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Russell Retirement Report 2008


The Russell Retirement Report 2008 provides information and perspectives to help you evaluate your key objectives in context of the broader investment environment.

401(k)s: The Launch of Version 2.0


What's the purpose of a 401(k) plan?

It seems like a pretty basic question. But if you asked 10 different people on the street today, you might get 10 different responses—ranging from "I don't know" to "Something to help me save more for my future" or "The only retirement savings I have."

These wide-ranging answers may appear problematic for defined contribution (DC) plan sponsors. Because without knowing the core purpose of a 401(k) plan, it's tough to manage, build or measure one's effectiveness.

We believe the purpose of the 401(k) plan is evolving. While many have historically viewed 401(k)s as supplemental savings, they are entering a new phase (we're calling version 2.0) where they are quickly becoming the primary retirement savings vehicles for millions of Americans.

The Russell Retirement Report 2008 discusses how DC plans are being redesigned and re-evaluated in light of this changing purpose.

So what does the 401(k) plan version 2.0 look like? Perhaps more like a traditional defined benefit (DB) pension plan. DC plans are leveraging some of the strong characteristics of DB plans—like automatic participation or asset allocation set by investment professionals. This report outlines what we view as 15 key features of the 401(k) plan version 2.0.

Market Outlook 2008

As we think about the future of the 401(k) plan, we also want to look toward the future investment environment. In the second half of this report, you'll find forecasts for the next 12 to 18 months from 18 Russell investment professionals. These forecasts cover topics ranging from infrastructure to longevity swaps to private equity—some of which may impact 401(k) plans, others that take a broader view of the investment landscape, and some that specifically address issues with DB plans, endowments and foundations.




Contact Bill or Gerry if you have any questions regarding the Russell Retirement Report 2008:


  West Coast   East Coast
Bill Borland
Bill Borland
Director
866-926-5934
Gerry Lillis
Gerry Lillis
Director
866-459-4128






Russell Investment Group is a Washington, USA corporation, which operates through subsidiaries worldwide, including Russell Investments, and is a subsidiary of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company.

Nothing contained in this material is intended to constitute legal, tax, securities, or investment advice, nor an opinion regarding the appropriateness of any investment, nor a solicitation of any type. The general information contained in this publication should not be acted upon without obtaining specific legal, tax, and investment advice from a licensed professional.

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Related Information
Download the Report (PDF)
Learn about our capabilities for defined contribution plans
Department of Labor Issues Regulation for DC Plans on Default Investment Options


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