Exchange traded funds (ETFs) have been trying to break into the 401k retirement market for some time. The latest attempt comes from BenefitStreet, a firm that handles 401k record keeping, which is teaming up with Barclays Global Investors to launch a new platform. A lot of the hold up in breaking into this area of the market has been due to technical difficulties as well as ETF structure. Lawrence Carrel of The Street.com reports BenefitStreet claims its new platform addresses these problems.
BenefitStreet isn’t the first to try and penetrate the 401k marketplace. Invest N Retire began three years ago, but has made little headway. The number of ETF assets in retirement plans is so small the Investment Company Institute doesn’t keep records – yet. As more providers consider offering ETFs in 401k plans, we should see the number of ETFs continue to increase along with new companies throwing their hats in the ring.
The opinions and forecasts expressed herein are solely those of Tom Lydon, and may not actually come to pass. Information on this site should not be used or construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any product.