Defined Contribution

The number of launches of alternative and multi-asset funds has increased 15 percent since 2010, Cerulli Associates says.

The settlement in a fiduciary-duty suit against MassMutual Life Insurance Co. appears to open the door to further legal action by plan sponsors in a similar arrangement with other providers.

The court's ruling earlier this year impacts 401(k) plans that offer employer stock as an investment option as well as employee stock ownership plans that invest primarily in employer stock.

State Street found that 81 percent of funds are exploring bringing more management responsibilities in-house over the next three years.

SEC Chair Mary Jo White will announce her position soon on whether to equalize duties for brokers and investment advisers in dealing with retail clients.

By category, equity U.S. large-cap ETFs were ahead, recording $12 billion.