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In this all-access summary, we explore how investment expense ratios and fund quality have changed over the noted decade. There is credible evidence that investment management fees in 401(k) plans have declined significantly, especially among active investing strategies and those styles that had higher expense ratios a decade ago. Additionally, overall fund quality, defined as either the Morningstar Medalist Rating or the Morningstar Star Rating, has also generally improved over time.

In this paper, the third and final in our series, we explore how investment expense ratios and fund quality have changed over the noted decade. There is credible evidence that investment management fees in 401(k) plans have declined significantly, especially among active investing strategies and those styles that had higher expense ratios a decade ago. Additionally, overall fund quality, defined as either the Morningstar Medalist Rating or the Morningstar Star Rating, has also generally improved over time. Overall, these findings suggest that investments available in 401(k) plans have been improving, which may help further improve the retirement readiness of American workers.

The Global Retirement Futures Exchange will bring leaders from across countries and sectors to Oxford to shape more resilient and inclusive retirement systems.

In collaboration with Manifest, the DC Data Dashboard provides deep-dives into the headline numbers behind the dashboard. In this deep dive, we learn that every $1 entering the defined contribution system, over $7.40 will roll out to IRAs by the end of 2026.

In collaboration with Manifest, the DC Data Dashboard provides deep-dives into the headline numbers behind the dashboard. In this deep dive, we explore rollovers into active plans representing only 4.2% of total funds entering the defined contribution system by the end of 2026 – offering an outsized opportunity for consolidation rather than for assets to leave the system entirely.

View the replay of our expert speaker's conversation to provide an educational look at managed payout strategies aimed at helping plan sponsors and their consultants/advisors better understand this type of income solutions.