Market & Legal Update

MARKET: June marked a transition period for financial markets, where the strong momentum seen in April and May began to moderate as investors digested a more complex macroeconomic backdrop. LEGAL: Learn about the fast-approaching deadlines for required SECURE 2.0 amendments and plan restatements.

MARKET: The economy showed continued growth in May but faced increasing pressure from elevated inflation, rising yields and continued weakness in consumer confidence. LEGAL: New IRS guidance on a SECURE 2.0 optional feature allowing distributions from eligible retirement plans to pay premiums for certified long-term care insurance.

MARKET: While geopolitical issues, such as the conflict in Iran remain, optimism for companies reporting earnings growth and guidance for the quarter-end March 31 were key catalysts to propelling the markets higher. LEGAL: Learn about the Department of Labor's proposed fiduciary safe harbor for investment selection which clarifies how plan fiduciaries can satisfy ERISA’s duty of prudence when selecting investment options.

MARKET: Get up to speed with the implications of global oil markets taking a sharp upswing, recent economic data and rising Treasury yields. LEGAL: Learn about the Department of Labor's national enforcement projects for insights into operational and compliance areas plan sponsors and fiduciaries should consider reviewing proactively.

MARKET: February’s economic and market activity reaffirmed that the U.S. economy and financial markets are navigating a phase defined by moderation rather than crisis. LEGAL: Learn about the DOL's new paper statement requirement under Section 338 of the SECURE 2.0 Act.

MARKET: Markets have tailwinds to possibly deliver a fourth year in a row of double digit gains due to strong earnings growth projections and expected continued interest rate easing by the Fed but roadblocks remain ahead. LEGAL: Learn about the most common pitfalls administrators can avoid for retirement plans.

MARKET: Global equity markets posted solid gains for 2025 with the S&P 500 Index returning 17.9% and having a third consecutive year of double-digit gains. LEGAL: Get up to speed with 2026 contribution and catch-up limits impacting retirement plans.

MARKET: A backlog of delayed economic releases after the government shutdown led to a month of recalibration for investors. LEGAL: Get up to speed with 2026 contribution and catch-up limits impacting retirement plans.

MARKET: Markets showed resiliency despite the lack of clarity and an uncertain outlook. LEGAL: Learn about the executive order aiming to provide opportunities for alternative investment options in defined contribution plans.

MARKET: Following the much-anticipated Federal Reserve rate cut on September 17th, equity markets surged during the month. The looming government shutdown came to fruition October 1st at 12:01 a.m. ET. LEGAL: We provide a general overview of the Roth catch-up requirements and a review of some of the most impactful changes from the proposed to the final regulations.

MARKET: U.S. equity markets set record highs with technology and communication services sectors leading the way, as earnings for Q2 2025 largely exceeded analysts' expectations. LEGAL: Read our summary of key provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that directly impact employer-sponsored plans.

MARKET: Markets extended their momentum through the month of July as investors cheered a trade deal between the U.S. and the European Union and Japan. LEGAL: Learn about the recent regulatory and litigation-related developments at the U.S. Department of Labor.

MARKET: Markets reached record highs as economic and geopolitical challenges tested the resolve of investors and policymakers. LEGAL: Learn about three recent court rulings that emphasize the importance of best practices in mitigating liability for employee benefit plan fiduciaries.

MARKET: Despite the continued uncertainty regarding tariffs and lower consumer confidence, markets posted positive returns for the month of May. LEGAL: Learn how to address retirement plan issues in mergers and acquisitions.

MARKET: Markets were on track for the worst performance since 1932, but recovered from the April lows with relief coming from a pivot on tariff policy. LEGAL: Learn about Department of Labor guidance and best practices on cybersecurity for plan fiduciaries.

MARKET: Markets experienced their worst month since 2022 with volatility driven by the unpredictable trade policy that unfolded through March. LEGAL: Learn about the DOL's and EBSA's detailed guidance and best practices employers should take to locate missing participants.

MARKET: Investors looked past tariff threats, and a disappointing inflation report to push the S&P 500 to a record high mid-month, only to give back gains in the final weeks of February for the same reasons. LEGAL: Learn about the DOL's final rules regarding Voluntary Fiduciary Compliance Program Self Correction Component and what retirement plan sponsors need to address.

MARKET: Following two phenomenal years of back-to-back 20% plus gains for the S&P 500 in 2023 and 2024, investors aren’t sure what to expect in 2025. LEGAL: Learn about two key provisions for Roth Catch-up Contributions and Mandatory Automatic Enrollment from the SECURE 2.0 Act.

MARKET: Despite lingering inflation and higher interest rates for much of 2024, the S&P 500 posted back-to-back years of 20% plus gains for the first time since the late 1990s. LEGAL: Learn about important 2025 compliance deadlines and action items for employer-sponsored retirement plans.

MARKET: Despite volatility, election month leaves the market at record highs and the Federal Reserve announced another rate cut. LEGAL: Learn about 2025 super catch-up contributions and 2026 Roth catch-up contributions for high wage earners.

MARKET: Equities continued the trend of October being the weakest month during an election year and the Mag 7 has begun to loosen their grip on the stock market. LEGAL: Learn how the overturning of the Chevron doctrine may impact ERISA retirement plans.

MARKET: The Fed announced the first rate cut since 2020 and they continue to see inflation moving in the right direction towards 2% target. LEGAL: The IRS issued interim guidance on Qualified Student Loan Payments (QSLPs) and the steps employers can take to implement a QSLP match feature in their plan.