Journey Magazine

Journey Fall 2009 Issue 2

Download the entire edition of Journey

Earlier this year, we launched our first issue of Journey.

It was an admittedly ambitious foray but we felt strongly that the firm's thought leadership, legislative awareness and keen understanding of participant and plan sponsor needs were such that by opening a conversation with our friends and clients, we would enrich the dialogue.

We have focused our editorial stewardship on critical issues and current ideas, not products. We emphasize an approach featuring open-ended questions rather than lectures on cut-and-dried solutions. And we seek to avoid overbearing self-promotion in an attempt to bring forward a larger debate on industry-wide trends and activities.

The response so far has been tremendous -- a number of appreciative, constructive e-mails and calls directly or through relationship managers. The consensus is that the magazine is headed in the right direction -- answering the bigger questions and informing the key decisions that are foremost in the minds of plan sponsors.

We welcome the feedback and the opportunity to provide a fresh and timely perspective on topics of interest to the entire plan sponsor community.

With the change of season from summer to fall, we introduce our second issue. Focused on legislative matters, we have sought to capture a range of ideas and topics relevant to plan sponsors, investors and advisors interested in the defined contribution (and defined benefit) industry.

On behalf of our team here at J.P. Morgan, thank you for your interest. We look forward to enhancing the dialogue with you in the editions ahead.

Daniel Darst

Editor-In-Chief

daniel.r.darst@jpmorgan.com

	Stat Life “The Big Muddy”—Participant data reveals that the wisest move may have been doing nothing at all.
	Speaking Investments Our proprietary equity survey of 324 institutional investors sheds light on Corporate, Public and E&F attitudes.
	Legislative Corner A quick look at healthcare reform, proposals on DB funding relief and the use of company stock to manage funding ratios.
	Texts, Tweets, Blogs & Information Overload A consideration of what social media can do—and already is doing—to the art of participant education and communication.
	On DC from D.C. A discussion with J.P. Morgan’s man-on-the-spot in Washington, Bob Holcomb.
	Game, Set, Match A look at several examples of the changes company 401(k) matches are going through in a tough economy.
	Ms. Lester Goes to Washington J.P. Morgan’s Anne Lester testifies before the DOL/SEC on TDF strategies.
	Fast Forward Closing thoughts on legislative change, products for the de-cumulation phase and the way we make decisions about our future.

This document is intended solely to report on various investment views held by J.P. Morgan Asset Management. Opinions, estimates, forecasts, and statements of financial market trends that are based on current market conditions constitute our judgment and are subject to change without notice. We believe the information provided here is reliable but should not be assumed to be accurate or complete. The views and strategies described may not be suitable for all investors. References to asset classes and financial markets are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as, recommendations. Indices do not include fees or operating expenses and are not available for actual investment. The information contained herein may employ proprietary projections of expected returns as well as estimates of their future volatility. Any forecasts contained herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not to be relied upon as advice or interpreted as a recommendation. Discussions presented should not be construed as legal opinions or advice. You should consult your own attorney, accountant, financial or tax advisor or other planner or consultant with regard to your own situation or that of any entity which you represent or advise. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

J.P. Morgan Compensation and Benefit Strategies is wholly owned by J.P. Morgan Retirement Plan Services LLC, an affiliate of J.P. Morgan Asset Management.

J.P. Morgan Asset Management is the marketing name for the asset management business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., and its affiliates world wide.

IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: JPMorgan Chase & Co. and its affiliates do not provide tax advice. Accordingly, any discussion of U.S. tax matters contained herein (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, in connection with the promotion, marketing or recommendation by anyone unaffiliated with JPMorgan Chase & Co. of any of the matters addressed herein or for the purpose of avoiding U.S. tax-related penalties