NAPA Net - Polling Places 0714717

Is There a Change with Exchange-Traded Funds?

ETFs offer intra-day trading, no early redemption fees, or minimum holding periods, and many have a passive investment focus – all of which have led a number of providers to offer ETF-centric platforms that purport to have significantly lower fees compared with the typical mutual fund laden 401(k).

And yet, by most accounts, they have been slow to catch on with 401(k)s – in some cases possibly because of the very differences that provide those pricing advantages.

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* 1. Are you using exchange-traded funds (ETFs) in the programs you work with?

Yes, all of them.

Yes, most of them.

Yes, some of them.

Not really.

No, none of them.

Other (please specify)

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* 2. Has that usage of ETFs changed in the past 5 years?

No.

Yes, it's increased.

Yes, it's decreased.

Other (please specify)

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* 3. Have your plan sponsor clients asked about ETFs?

No.

Some have, most haven't.

It comes up occasionally.

Yes, there is some interest.

Never, though I have mentioned it from time to time.

Yes, and the interest seems to be growing.

Other (please specify)

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* 4. Have you seen ETFs used in the plans on which you have bid?

Some.

A few.

A growing number.

A lot.

Can't really recall.

Other (please specify)

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* 5. Why do you think ETFs have been so slow to catch on with 401(k) plans?

Intra-day trading not needed

Intra-day trading doesn't fit with the rest of the platform.

Lack of revenue-sharing.

Other (please specify)

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* 6. Any other comments on ETFs, a shift to ETFs, the lack of a shift to ETFs, or the potential for litigation and/or the fiduciary regulation to inspire a shift to ETFs?

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* 7. What is your role working with retirement plans?

Advisor

Provider

TPA

Plan sponsor

Recordkeeper

Other (please specify)

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* 8. What size plans do you PRIMARILY work with?

Under $10 million in assets

$10-$20 million

$20-$50 million

$50-100 million

$100 million - $250 million

$250 million - $500 million

Above $500 million

Other (please specify)

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* 9. Suggestions for future survey questions?

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* 10. All responses are anonymous and confidential, of course - but if you'd like me to know who you are, or allow for a response, you can leave your email below...