Each year since 2012, Natixis Investment Managers has released its Global Retirement Index ranking countries’ retirement security — or how well-equipped citizens feel their country can support its aging population. According to the 2025 Global Retirement Index, the United States ranks 21st out of 44 countries assessed resulting in many asking, “Why so low?” First, it’s important to remember that the United States is a large country, and large countries tend to lag behind smaller countries when it comes t ...

More than half of Americans fear artificial intelligence will shrink job opportunities — and their retirement prospects. A new survey from Thrivent found that 53% of non-retirees believe that AI reducing the number of available jobs will negatively impact their retirement, and 45% said that AI changing the type of work people do will negatively impact it. Check Out: This ‘Boring’ Investment Could Be the Secret To Never Running Out of Retirement Income Read Next: 5 Clever Ways Retirees Are Earning Up To $1K ...

Constantly reacting to headlines can hurt your retirement security. Advisors explain when to tune out the news—and when it really matters. https://t.co/actaNPRhK7 ...

Core Insights - Vanguard's Retirement Outlook report indicates a mixed situation for different generations regarding retirement readiness, with baby boomers and Gen X facing significant challenges while younger generations appear to be better prepared [1][4]. Financial Security in Retirement - Approximately 60% of Americans are not on track for financial security in retirement, with only the top 30% of income earners aged 61 to 65 being adequately prepared [2]. - The reliance on Social Security is highlighted as a major concern, especially as the Social Security trust fund is projected to deplete in eight years, potentially reducing benefits to 77% of what is currently promised [3]. Retirement Readiness Definition - The report defines retirement readiness as having sufficient wealth to maintain a comparable lifestyle in retirement, emphasizing that this definition can vary among individuals [4][6]. Younger Generations' Preparedness - Workers aged 24 to 28 and millennials are expected to be significantly better prepared for retirement compared to baby boomers, with younger Gen Xers also showing improved readiness [5]. - The younger generations benefit from broader access to employer-provided direct contribution plans, such as 401(k)s, which became mainstream in the 1980s [6]. Features of Direct Contribution Plans - Newer features of direct contribution plans, such as auto-enrollment and auto-escalation of savings, have contributed to better retirement preparedness. Currently, about 60% of these plans offer auto-enrollment, a significant increase from 10% in 2006 [7]. - The median contribution rate for participants in these plans exceeds 11% per year, with one-third of plans having a default contribution rate of 6% or higher [7]. Investment Behavior - Access to direct contribution plans has led to a higher likelihood of younger workers being invested in the stock market, with estimated equity allocations at 40% for those with access compared to just 10% for those without [8].

Core Insights - A significant increase in optimism regarding retirement security among U.S. investors, with those believing it will "take a miracle" to achieve retirement security dropping from 39% in 2023 to 21% in 2025 [1][2] Group 1: Market Performance - The positive shift in sentiment is largely attributed to strong stock market performance, with the S&P 500 delivering over 20% returns for two consecutive years, significantly higher than its historical average of around 10% [2] - In contrast, the year 2022 saw a decline of approximately -18% in market returns, highlighting the volatility of market conditions [2] Group 2: Investor Concerns - Despite increased confidence, 69% of American investors express feelings of instability in the current economic environment, with concerns about finances persisting [3] - Inflation remains a primary source of anxiety, with 41% of Americans worried about its impact on retirement security, and 60% reporting reduced savings due to high living costs [4] - The classic 4% rule for retirement withdrawals has been revised to a 4.7% rule, reflecting modern costs and asset class mixes [6] Group 3: Retirement Anxiety - A significant concern among Americans is the fear of running out of money in retirement, with 64% indicating this worry is greater than the fear of dying [7]

Core Insights - Prudential Financial, Inc. and LPL Financial LLC are expanding their partnership to introduce an Insurance Overlay retirement lifetime income strategy for LPL's managed accounts platform [1] - The new solution aims to target financial advisors who currently do not utilize protected lifetime income and insurance-led retirement solutions in their wealth management practices [1]

Retirement Security Ranking - Norway ranks number one in retirement security, followed by Ireland, Switzerland, and Iceland [2] - The US ranks 21st in retirement security with a C grade [2][3] - Smaller countries are perceived to have an easier time implementing programs that enhance retirement security due to less concern about losing benefits and income inequality [4] Concerns and Fears - 67% of people are concerned that inflation will erode the future value of their savings [5] - 20% (one in five) of people believe it will take a miracle to achieve retirement security [6] - People are afraid of running out of money and are concerned about the future of social security and government benefits [5] Factors Influencing Retirement Security - Retirement security is viewed holistically, encompassing healthcare, finances, quality of life, and overall well-being [2]