A week with compliance news coming in from all sides. What issue will have the greatest impact?
Tag "ETF"
With Congress in recess, the anti-fiduciary lobbyists have moved to major media outlets. Meanwhile, we’re continually discovering government regulation too often produces Rube Goldberg fiascos like target-date funds.
It’s a tale of two regulators. One wants to play politics while the other wants to accomplish something. Meanwhile, ETFs continue to get mixed reviews.
Do you get the feeling a this fee talk is just sleight-of-hand? There are so many fees, no wonder why investors are confused between the fees that matter and the fees that don’t matter.
This week we learn to ask the question: “If the regulators don’t care, why should the investors?” Which is like saying “If the police don’t care, why should the victims?” On a brighter note, John Bogle isn’t happy he’s been proven wrong.
How many different ways can you mention “passive investing” in an article relating to 401k plans? It seems like reporters had a theme last week – and it showed up in the strangest of places.
Just as a major brokerage firm begins to yield on its opposition to the fiduciary standard, the co-author of the bill compelling the SEC to look into it tells the regulator to lay off brokers. And that’s only the beginning. We’ve also see cracks in the cult of ETF (or is it indexing?).
It was a bad week for fans of pensions, ETFs and annuities. At least we had Babe Ruth to save us.
This week features more bad news from Washington for fiduciary fans, the surprising return of the investment debate, the overly simplistic matter of fees and continued dour forebodings regarding pension plans.
FiduciaryNews Trending Topics for ERISA Plan Sponsors: Week Ending 12/16/11
The battle of public pensions begins with an attack on the 401k as the 401k industry digs in its heels against the DOL Fiduciary Rule while many anticipate sticker shock from the looming Fee Disclosure Rule.