Products April 25, 2007

ETF Asset Manager Launches Funds for 401(k) Market

April 25, 2007 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - XTF, an asset manager specializing in asset allocation portfolios composed of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), has introduced nine new ETF-based mutual fund portfolios targeted for the 401(k) market and retail advisers.
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According to XTF’s announcement, three tactical asset allocation portfolios – conservative, moderate and aggressive; four target date portfolios from 2010 – 2040+; a Country Rotation Portfolio, and a Sector Rotation Portfolio will be provided both through advisers and companies serving qualified retirement plans that will offer the funds on their platforms.

The three tactical risk-based portfolios – Conservative, Moderate and Aggressive – have equity exposures of 40%, 60% and 80%, respectively. The four target date portfolios – ETF 2010, ETF 2020, ETF 2030 and ETF 2040+ – are reallocated among assets annually, gradually reducing equity exposure as investors approach and enter their retirement years, the announcement said.

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The Country and Sector Rotation Portfolios invest in ETFs based on specific countries and industry sectors. XTF models each country or sector independently, compares its risk/reward profile to an equivalent investment in intermediate-term U.S. Treasuries, and invests in whichever is more favorable.

The new funds will be offered based on the following pricing models:

  • Class I for the institutional market: 69 bps total;
  • Class A: includes a 12(b)1 fee of 25 bps;
  • Class R for the 401(k) market: includes a 50 bps 12(b)1 fee;
  • Class C: includes a 1% CDSC over time to the investor.

More information can be found at www.xtf.com .

Products April 24, 2007

New Pru Funds Opt for 'Morally Responsible Investing'

April 24, 2007 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Prudential Retirement has introduced three new institutional sub-advised funds that will be managed in a manner consistent with socially, ethically and morally responsible investing.
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According to a news release, the three funds – covering the Large Cap Value, Large Cap Growth and Fixed Income asset classes – will be run by existing sub-adviser partners within Prudential Retirement’s Manager-of-Managers program, which evaluates investment options based on nominal and risk-adjusted returns; downside risk; active management expertise; style consistency; and the overall reputation and capabilities of the investment-management firm.

The new funds will be screened to ensure they only invest in companies that avoid business practices that may be viewed as detrimental to society or in violation of religious teachings, according to the announcement. The funds will also be encouraged, consistent with their investment objectives, to invest in firms that respect human rights; demonstrate a commitment to the communities in which they operate; and exhibit leadership in the areas of diversity, environmental stewardship and corporate governance.

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The three new funds and their sub-advisers are:

  • Morally Responsible Large Cap Value, Aronson + Johnson + Ortiz.
  • Morally Responsible Large Cap Growth, Turner Investment Partners,
  • Morally Responsible Core Plus Bond,  PIMCO.

For more information, contact Ric Filippelli, director, Investment Products, at Prudential Retirement, at (860) 534.8443.

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