Lifecycle funds - one size fits all?

A collection of global perspectives

Our first issue discusses an important trend in DC investments – lifecycle funds, particularly target-date and target-age funds. We’re seeing an increased interest by plan sponsors (and in certain countries even an interest by legislators) in helping plan participants reach a secure retirement…especially participants who may not be able to properly develop their own investment portfolio.

In this issue we’ll give you an update on how these funds have evolved in Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States and, interestingly, why in Australia, one of the most mature DC markets, this is not common. We’ll also discuss why some organizations are building custom target-date/age funds, as well as what should be considered when choosing “off the shelf” target-date/age products.  
 
In addition to DC Connections, we have also just released three short videos of a roundtable discussion featuring our global defined contribution experts. The three videos provide an overview of DC trends around the world, DC investment issues, and employee engagement.

In this issue

 What's in a name? Lifecycle, lifestyle, target-date - What next?

 Choosing the right lifecycle fund for your defined contribution plan - a US perspective

 A snapshot of DC lifestyle solutions in Europe

Tim Burggraaf, Rotterdam

 An alternative perspective on lifecycle funds, from Australia, a mature DC market

Russell Mason, Sydney

 Case study: Developing a DC investment structure in the UK

Rob Curtis, Birmingham

 Developing customised target-date funds: A conversation with Mercer's chief US economist, Louis Finney

Louis Finney, PhD, Chicago

Interviewer: Andrew Kramer

 Annuities as part of target-date/age funds

Andrew Shafer, Chicago

Retirement video

Mercer had just released three short videos of a roundtable discussion featuring our global DC experts. The three videos provide an overview of DC trends around the world, DC investment issues and employee engagement.

 Mercer's retirement video

Mercer is a leading global provider of investment consulting services, and offers customized guidance at every stage of the investment decision, risk management and investment monitoring process. We have been dedicated to meeting the needs of clients for more than 30 years, and we work with the fiduciaries of pension funds, foundations, endowments and other investors in some 35 countries. We assist with every aspect of institutional investing (and retail portfolios in some geographies), from strategy, structure and implementation to ongoing portfolio management. We create value through our commitment to thought leadership; world-class, independent research; and top-notch consultants with local expertise.