As expected, the DoL has issued the 60-day extension to the application of the Fiduciary Rule just in time before the new rule’s April 10th application date. This writing offers a pre-release copy of the extension.
Plan Sponsors
Northern District of Texas Judge Favors DOL Rule 2/8/2017
Chief Judge Barbara Lynn of the Northern District of Texas granted motion for summary judgment in favor of the Fiduciary Rule and BICE.
Fiduciary Rule – A Never Ending Saga
President Trump has instructed the Secretary of the DOL to rescind or revise the fiduciary rule after conducting an impact study. We have laid out where we go from here.
DOL FAQ 2 – Conflict of Interest
Here is the updated FAQ released by the DOL on their conflict of interest rule.
FAQ – Consumer Protections for Retirement Investors
Here is the updated FAQ document from the DOL regarding its Conflict of Interest Rule.
Quarterly Market Commentary – Q4 2016
Here is Chao & Company’s market commentary for the 4th quarter of 2016.
The market interest rate direction is right…the pace is questionable
On December 16, 2015, the FOMC raised rates for the first time since June 2006. The rise was to signal to the market the start of a new phase in monetary policy by the FOMC
There is No Morning After Pill: A CIO’s view of the Trump Victory
After witnessing Donald Trump’s aggressive Presidential campaign, Philip Chao easily drew comparisons between the campaign and the lessons he’s learned from years of investment management.
“Reasonable” is the right fiduciary approach to controlling plan expenses
With the DOL‘s new fiduciary rule and the introduction of the Best Interest Contract prohibitive transaction exemption, questions have arisen regarding the definition of “reasonableness” when a fiduciary deals with plan fees and costs.
The DOL issues the first Best Interests FAQs
Here is the DOL’s FAQs document on the new conflicts of interest rule.
2017 Annual Qualified Retirement Plan Contribution Limits
On October 27, 2016, the IRS announced cost of living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement related items for Tax Year 2017. The following is a comparison of the 2016 and 2017 limitations.
Quarterly Market Commentary – Q3 2016
Here is Chao & Company’s market commentary for the 3rd quarter of 2016.
Philip Chao featured as Guest on BMO Better Conversations Podcast
Here is an interview of Philip Chao regarding custom target date funds via Podcast.
Wells Fargo Can’t Spell “Fiduciary”
This article goes into detail regarding Wells Fargo’s SEC violations and abusive fiduciary practices.
Quarterly Market Commentary – Q2 2016
Here is Chao & Company’s market commentary for the 2nd quarter of 2016.
A New US Retirement Plan – Be Careful What You Shoot For
Retirement savings accessibility, participation and adequacy are hot topics, and the following article from Institutional Investor offers additional evidence that the vectors are lining up to slowly replace the private employer based DC plan with government intervention and ultimately takeover.
Brexit: The beginning of the end of the European Union?
Brexit is simply the latest manifestation of discontentment with the status quo and finger pointing. Here’s a look at the future of the EU.
U.S. Interest Rates – Lower for Much Longer
Here is an in-depth analysis of US interest rates in the past, currently and what’s to come.
Philip Chao interviewed on DOL Fiduciary ruling for “On Pitch” Podcast
Here is a podcast Philip Chao did on the DOL Fiduciary Ruling.
Capital Preservation Options in Defined Contribution Plans
Here is a summary of capital preservation options in Defined Contribution plans.