Taft-Hartley defined benefit plans are a vital part of the retirement and financial wellness strategies for millions of American workers and their families. Yet trends such as aging workforces and a volatile economic landscape are impacting plan sponsors’ efforts to provide their members with more secure retirements while strengthening the health of their plans.
With that in mind, Morgan Stanley, in partnership with 8 Acre Perspective, surveyed 150 investment representatives at Taft-Hartley plans to get their input on some of the most pressing topics facing boards and investment committees. Key themes emerging from this research include:
- An evolving set of market, economic and regulatory challenges is affecting plan sponsor confidence in achieving plan objectives.
- Plan sponsors recognize the value in educating board members and participants, yet many lack the resources needed to deliver this training.
- Trustees and investment committees often share discretion with consultants, and plans are seeking new ways to optimize the value of these relationships.
- Alternative investments continue to play an increasingly important role in delivering potential diversification, risk mitigation and return benefits for Taft-Hartley portfolios.
