The objective of our survey was to assess how defined benefit plan sponsors are making investment decisions related to asset allocation, the execution of those decisions and then preferences towards investment outsourcing. We received 124 responses.

Contents includes:

• Key findings
• Survey demographics
• Funded status monitoring and asset allocation
• Committee/Board decision making
• Outsourcing investment decisions

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Mercer’s Defined Contribution Universe Summary analyzes returns of various funds and helps institutional investors evaluate their mutual fund managers’ performance against other funds and asset class benchmarks.

Summary Performance of US Institutional Portfolios is intended  to provide marketplace participants with summarized performance data for the most recent quarter and historical periods.

The funded status of pension plans sponsored by S&P1500 companies, as measured by US financial reporting standards, was 75 percent at the end of December 31, 2008, which represents a deficit of $409 billion. This compares to a funded status of 104 percent (surplus of $60bn) on December 31, 2007, and a funded status of 97 percent (deficit of $35bn) on September 30, 2007. This deficit will be included on the balance sheet of companies’ financial statements, many of which have a December 31 financial year end.

Through these brief, internet based surveys we solicit input from the plan sponsor community regarding current issues with defined contribution plans. Recent surveys have addressed reactions to the current financial crisis, automatic enrollment practices, and the management of plan fees. Key findings from each survey are distributed to respondents and accessible through the links on this site.

Participation

To participate in future surveys, contact your local Mercer consultant or e-mail Mercer DC Surveys  

Further information

For more information contact your local Mercer office or e-mail Mercer DC Surveys