From the Field
Plan sponsor, plan sponsor, make me a match
Savings behavior impacts glide paths more than defined contribution plan match formulas.
Justin Harvey, ASA, CFA, Head of Analysis, Multi‑Asset Solutions
Adam Langer, CFA, Senior Quantitative Investment Analyst
Key Insights
  • Our modeling work found that participant savings behavior had a greater impact on glide path design than employer match generosity did.
  • The richness of the match formula shifted the optimal glide path equity allocation by less than 5% at all ages, even in the absence of a defined benefit plan.
  • These findings support the idea that participants ultimately own their outcomes when their retirements are supported primarily by defined contribution plans.

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