Retirement Trends

Overall, 2013 was a very strong year for corporate pension plans, with the average funding ratio rising by about 17 percentage points due to strong investment returns of 4.7 percent

The big unknown is the effect of the stimulus on the equity market, said Zorast Wadia, principal and consulting actuary for Milliman Inc. in New York. A loss [in those markets] could offset gains garnered from higher interest rates.

The C (common stocks) and S (small and midsize companies) funds, gained about 32 percent and 38 percent, respectively, The I Fund, which is centered on international equities, rose 22 percent.

Help both employees and clients by reminding them to be aware of Medicare eligibility and signup rules, as well other possible sources of health insurance.

Fully 46 percent of worker respondents to the Workplace Benefits Survey indicate they are extremely or very confident about their ability to get the treatments they need today.

A one-day drop in equities of around 1.5 percent is followed by about a 0.26 percent increase in hospital admissions on average over the next two days.